Pays Basque
The French Basque Country
The French part of the Basque Country enchants with its serene grandeur and refined culture. Here, you will visit Cambo-les-Bains, where the Villa Arnaga stands — an architectural ensemble built in the early 20th century in neo-Basque style with elements of Art Nouveau. This house, once owned by Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac, became a gathering place for the theatrical and literary elite of France.
The journey continues to Espelette — a colorful village with a thousand-year history, where red peppers dry on the facades of houses, filling the streets with a spicy aroma. You can visit a farm where this famous product is made according to centuries-old traditions.
The authentic villages of Sare and Ainhoa, included in the list of the most beautiful villages in France, impress with their harmony: white-and-red houses, blooming balconies, ancient churches, and a serene atmosphere.
On the way, you can stop for a tasting of Basque ham and visit a workshop where, for centuries, the legendary Makila canes have been handmade — a symbol of honor and recognition once presented to the most respected figures, from Charles de Gaulle to the Pope.
The Spanish Basque Country
The Spanish side of the Basque Country is a burst of emotions, a zest for life, and architectural diversity where history and modernity go hand in hand.
In San Sebastián, the elegant gem of the coast, you will stroll through the Romantic Quarter, along the La Concha promenade, the Old Town, and the French Promenade. Here, it’s not just about the views but also the stories: of gastronomy and matriarchy, of jewelry shops that closed for the entire summer, of music, film festivals, and human destinies.
After the walk, you will head to Getaria — a cozy medieval town known for its fish restaurants, where the best fish on the Atlantic coast is grilled over open flames. Here you will also find the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the haute couture maestro born in this region.
You can end the day in Zumaia, walking along the wild, rocky coastline of the Bay of Biscay. The Flysch Geopark, with its stone layers, is a true chronicle of Planet Earth written in stone. It’s no coincidence that Game of Thrones and Rifkin’s Festival were filmed here — the landscapes seem almost unreal.
The next day, the journey continues to Bilbao — a city of contrasts and transformation. Here, you will explore the Old Town and discover how an industrial center became Europe’s art capital. 21st-century architecture, the legendary Guggenheim Museum, and the unique Basque sense of pride make this a vibrant conclusion to your journey.
For those ready to broaden the scope of their trip, we offer an exciting extension into the Rioja wine region. Driving along picturesque roads, you’ll pass Pamplona, with its ancient walls and lively peñatas, and then visit the old capital of the Basque Country — Vitoria-Gasteiz, with its green parks and majestic cathedral.
In the very heart of La Rioja, you will arrive in Laguardia — a medieval village surrounded by vineyards, where the finest crianzas age in underground cellars. In Logroño, you’ll be greeted by narrow streets lined with tapas bars on every corner, and in Haro, you’ll visit the legendary “wine lofts” — cellar galleries where a glass at dawn feels magical.
Here, among golden vines and centuries-old stone walls, you will enjoy an exclusive tasting in a family-run winery, where every drop preserves the history of the region.
