Guided tour of the French Basque country

FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRY DAY TOUR

Explore the culture and traditions of the Basque Country, from the coast to the countryside

from €550 / combi
8:00 7 pers max per combi

Visite guidée originale des villages du pays basque

Visitez les plus beaux villages du pays basque à bord d'un authentique combi VW. Visite d'Espelette, Visite de Sare, Visite d'Ainhoa. Une activité originale pour découvrir le Pays Basque et ses villages. Les villages basques et leurs histoires insolites pour découvrir le pays basque autrement!

French Basque Country Day Tour – From the Coast to the Countryside

Explore the essence of the French Basque Country on a full-day private roadtrip aboard our vintage VW van. From the ocean to the mountains, this immersive journey reveals the region’s cultural, historical, gastronomical, and architectural treasures. Starting with a guided visit of Biarritz, you’ll travel through the charming fishing village of Guéthary, the rebellious city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and the picturesque hilltop villages of Sare and Ainhoa, before ending in Espelette, world-famous for its red peppers. Along the way, your local guide Clémence will share the stories, traditions, and flavors that define Basque identity. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a Basque cider house (not included in the price), taste the authentic Basque cake baked in an ancient mill, and discover the Espelette pepper, the region’s legendary “red gold.” A vibrant, flavorful, and unforgettable immersion into the heart of Basque culture.

What is included ?

Private local guide. Private transportation in a vintage VW Combi. Food tastings (Basque cake, Espelette pepper). Visits to iconic Basque villages and scenic stops.

Duration

This is a 1 day roadtrip (8 hours) From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Price

€550 per Combi (includes 2 people) + €25 per additional personmaximum 7 people per Combi 🍽️ Cider house lunch option: + €35 per person

Meeting place

The tour starts at Biarritz Lighthouse. Please arrive 5 minutes before departure time. We can pick you up from your accommodation in Biarritz or Bidart only, upon request. Please let us know in advance if you’d like this service.

Itinerary

Embark on a private French Basque Country Day Tour from Biarritz. A journey through iconic villages, coastal beauty, and timeless Basque traditions.

BIARRITZ, FROM IMPERIAL CITY TO SURFER PARADISE

Our journey begins in Biarritz, the elegant imperial city that perfectly blends Belle Époque charm with a vibrant surf spirit. As we drive through its beautiful streets lined with palaces and seaside villas, your guide will reveal how this former fishing harbor became the favorite summer retreat of European aristocracy in the 19th century. Today, Biarritz stands as the surf capital of Europe — where the first waves were ridden back in 1957!

ENJOY THE TRADITIONAL FLAVORS OF THE BASQUE CAKE

In the charming village of Bidart, we will stop at an ancient watermill still in operation to taste the authentic Basque cake, a beloved local specialty filled with creamy custard or black cherry jam. As you enjoy this traditional dessert, your guide will share the story behind this sweet icon of Basque gastronomy.

HEADING SOUTH TO DISCOVER THE FISHING AND PIRATES VILLAGES

Heading south along the beautiful Basque coastline, your journey continues to the tiny and authentic village of Guéthary, once a thriving whaling port in the 14th century. Further along, you’ll explore the vibrant and rebellious town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, famous for its pirate stories. It was here that King Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” celebrated his royal wedding, a story that still echoes through its charming harbor streets.

LUNCH IN A TYPICAL BASQUE CIDER HOUSE (optional)

For lunch, you can choose to enjoy an authentic experience in a traditional Basque cider house. Taste the famous Txuleta, a grilled Basque beef ribs, paired with a glass of local cider, and finish with our Ossau-Iraty cheese, the pride of Basque shepherds.
As an alternative, you may also enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, soaking up the seaside atmosphere.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME ACROSS THE BASQUE COUNTRYSIDE

In the afternoon, journey through the peaceful Basque countryside and discover its timeless charm : traditional half-timbered houses, ancient churches, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Along the way, your guide will share the legends and stories of the Basque people as you visit Sare, known for its smuggling past, and Ainhoa, a picturesque village listed among the most beautiful in France.

DISCOVER OUR "RED GOLD" IN ESPELETTE AND TASTE ITS FLAVORS

Your journey ends in Espelette, a colorful village renowned for its rich gastronomic heritage. Here, the famous Espelette peppers, known as the Basque “Red Gold”, are still traditionally hung on the façades of houses to dry in the sun. Meet Annie, a local producer, and learn about the secrets of this emblematic spice while tasting its unique flavors. Enjoy some free time to wander through the lively streets of Espelette before heading back to Biarritz.

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