Travel to the Basque Country in France and Spain – Episode 938

Hear about travel to the Basque Country in France and Spain as the Amateur Traveler talks to Craig Anderson about his recent trip to the home of the Basque.

Why should someone go to the Basque Country?

“It’s a very unique region so it’s got some unique architecture, it’s got unique history. The culture is unique and fairly compact, so you can get around and explore the whole thing in a week. There’s obviously other things that you can go see if you wanted to spend a little more time.”

Craig’s 7-day Basque Country itinerary (France & Spain) includes a mix of historic towns, stunning coastal landscapes, cultural experiences, and exceptional food and wine. Here’s the breakdown:

Day 1: Bayonne (France)

• Arrive in Bayonne, the cultural and historical heart of the French Basque Country.
• Explore the Old Town, bridges, plazas, and Bayonne Cathedral.
• Visit the Musée Basque et de l’histoire de Bayonne to learn about Basque culture.
• Sample Bayonne chocolate and Bayonne ham, along with local cheeses and cherry tarts.
• Walk along the city’s ramparts.

Day 2: Biarritz & Saint-Jean-de-Luz (France)

• Travel by train to Biarritz, a glamorous beach town with casinos and historic beachfront hotels.
• Stroll along the promenade, visit seaside churches with ship models hanging from the ceiling.
• Continue to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a charming fishing village with a more local feel.
• Visit the church where King Louis XIV of France married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660.
• Try Chelles Macarons, a local specialty dating back to the royal wedding.
• See Pelota courts, a traditional Basque sport similar to Jai Alai.
• If time permits, take a guided tour into the Basque villages in the Pyrenees, including Espelette, known for its red peppers.

Day 3: Cross into Spain – San Sebastián (Donostia)

• Cross into Spain by taxi or train.
• Take a Pinchos (Pintxos) tour in San Sebastián’s Old Town (Parte Vieja).
• Drink Txakoli wine and Basque cider (Sidra).
• Walk along the famous La Concha Beach.
• Hike or take the funicular up Monte Igueldo for breathtaking views.
• Optionally, hike up Monte Urgull to see the castle and panoramic city views.

Day 4: San Sebastián & Basque Cider House

• Spend the morning exploring more of San Sebastián, visiting its beaches, promenades, and 19th-century architecture.
• Take a trip outside the city to a traditional Basque cider house (Sagardotegi).

• • Eat a traditional cider house meal: Chorizo, cod omelette, grilled cod, massive steaks, Basque cheese, walnuts, and quince jelly.
  • Experience the Txotx! ritual, where cider is poured straight from massive wooden barrels.

• Return to San Sebastián and enjoy another evening of pinchos hopping.

Day 5: Drive to Getaria (Spain)

• Rent a car and drive west along the Basque coast.
• Visit Getaria, a small but important fishing village and hometown of:

• • Juan Sebastián Elcano, the first man to complete a circumnavigation of the world.
  • Cristóbal Balenciaga, the legendary fashion designer (visit the Balenciaga Museum)
  • Stroll through the old part of town down to the historic small port.

• Eat at Elkano, a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its grilled fish (popularized by Anthony Bourdain in his show).
• Visit Txakoli wineries in the surrounding hills and enjoy their unique white wines.
• If time permits, hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago Norte along the coast for stunning views.

Day 6: Drive to Bilbao via Zumaia & Gaztelugatxe

• Stop in Zumaia to see the Flysch cliffs along the ocean, a stunning UNESCO-listed geological formation.
• Visit Gaztelugatxe, a hermitage on a dramatic islet accessed by hundreds of winding stone steps, famous as Dragonstone from Game of Thrones.
• Arrive in Bilbao and explore the Guggenheim Museum (both the inside and also the artwork outside and in the surrounding area).
• Walk along the revitalized waterfront.

Day 7: Bilbao – Old Town & Final Pinchos Tour

• Visit Casco Viejo (Old Town) of Bilbao, with its medieval streets and Bilbao Cathedral.
• Explore the Euskal Museoa Bilbao Basque Museum for more insights into Basque history.
• See Plaza Nueva, the heart of the pinchos scene in Bilbao.
• Take a funicular up Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of the city.
• Do one final pinchos crawl before departing.

Craig also suggests extensions nearby:

• Add Pamplona for its historical and cultural significance.
• Visit Guernica, famous for its history and Picasso’s painting.
• Explore La Rioja, Spain’s premier wine region.

This itinerary offers a perfect mix of history, food, culture, and scenery, giving travelers an immersive experience in both the French and Spanish Basque regions.

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Show Notes

Basque Country (greater region)
Basque language
Basques
Travel to the Languedoc Region of Southern France – Amateur Traveler Episode 929
Basque Spain – What to Do, See and Eat (Podcast) – Amateur Traveler
Bayonne
Biarritz
Les Halles de Bayonne: gastronomic and traditional market
Visit the Musée Basque et de l’histoire de Bayonne
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Chelles Macarons
Basque pelota
Craig’s Tour Guide
Espelette
Txakoli
San Sebastián and Bilbao – Discover the Heartbeat of the Basque Country – Spain – Amateur Traveler
Getaria, Spain
Elkano – Getaria – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa
Tours to Getaria
Juan Sebastián Elcano
Visitors Guide To The Zumaia Flysch (All You Need To Know)
Gaztelugatxe (Dragonstone)
Guggenheim Bilbao Museum
Euskal Museoa Bilbao Basque Museum in Bilbao
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Pamplona Spain – The Running of the Bulls and the San Fermin Fiesta – Episode 269

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