ROADTRIP - BASQUE COUNTRY TO SOUTH OF FRANCE

The Basque Country, bordering France, is known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine and beautiful landscapes. Tourism in this region focuses on Basque history and tradition, with picturesque villages, folk festivals and museums that showcase the unique identity of this community.

It's also a popular spot for outdoor lovers, with opportunities for hiking, cycling and surfing along the coast. The Basque Country's climate is mild, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an attractive destination all year round. Without a doubt, you can not leave this destination our of your bucket list!

BILBAO

ROADTRIP-

BASQUE COUNTRY & SOUTH OF FRANCE

WHAT TO DO?

DAY 1

Literally upon arrival, we headed to the Casco Viejo, known locally as "The Seven Streets" - this historic neighborhood is a network of cobblestone streets full of life and character. There, we started the tour at Plaza Nueva, a neoclassical square surrounded by bars and restaurants with terraces perfect for enjoying the atmosphere (here you can taste the famous pintxos, small delicacies served in most bars) - don't forget to check out our blog dedicated to restaurants in Bilbao! ;)

After a few hours of strolling through its vibrant and colourful streets, let‘s visit the Guggenheim Museum. This museum, known for both its spectacular and unusual design (work of Frank Gehry) and for its contemporary art collections - you can see it for yourself in the pics down below.

Welcome to Bilbao

DAY 2

The second day was mainly dedicated to buying souvenirs and immersing into the traditional Basque culture, which is known for its folklore live music around the city and the artistic homemade shops all around. We also had the need to take pictures in every corner (literally). As it was our first trip together, we wanted to create authentic memories! 

Teatro Arriaga, a beautiful neo-baroque theater that always offers a varied program of operas, concerts and plays, was also in our list; however, we only got to visit it from the outside - but you can check timing hours down below :) 

Finally, don‘t forget to cross all the bridges in the city! At least the main ones - Puente de Vizcaya, Salbeko Zubia (the one from the first pic), Zubizuri and San Antón.

DAY 3

On the third day of our itinerary trip, we woke up still in Bilbao and spent the morning strolling around and indulging in delicious tapas, in Plaza Nueva.

Around 2pm, we began our long journey to San Sebastián, which took us 4 hours with various stops along the way. Our first stop was at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where sadly we couldn't see the famous church due to under construction - we recommend checking its status beforehand: 

https://tourismus.euskadi.eus/de/top10/kulturgut/kapelle-san-juan-de-gaztelugatxe/aa30-12376/de/ 

Then we stopped in Mundaka, a picturesque coastal town in the Basque Country of Spain, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned surfing spots. Although being winter, we were lucky enough to see a totally mesmerising sunset.

Later on, we arrived in Bermeo, where we took a leisurely walk next to a lighthouse. And after 2 more hours with a heavy rain... we finally arrived in San Sebastián late at night! 

DAY 4

San Sebastián, or Donostia as it’s known in Basque, is a stunning coastal city offering a mix of beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Here’s how we spent a perfect day exploring this charming city.

Early Morning: Sunrise at the Port

We woke up really early, eager to start our day with a beautiful sunrise. Staying at an Airbnb close to the port made it easy to take a short walk to the water’s edge. The boats gently laying in the harbor added a picturesque touch to the scene.

Churros con Chocolate for Breakfast

After soaking in the morning views, our stomachs led us to a small local bar nearby for a traditional Spanish breakfast - we indulged in churros con chocolate... This delightful treat gave us the energy boost we needed for a day of exploring.

Sightseeing

With our bellies full, we made our way to Donostia Marina. The marina is bustling with life, offering stunning views of the ocean and the city. We took a walk along the waterfront, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the sight of yachts and fishing boats. It’s a wonderful spot for people-watching and taking in the vibrant maritime atmosphere :)

Next on our list was the Basilica de Santa María del Coro, located in the heart of the Old Town (Parte Vieja). This Baroque-style basilica, with its ornate facade and intricate interiors, is a true architectural gem!

From the basilica, we walked to Plaza Gipuzkoa, a charming square surrounded by beautiful buildings and lush gardens, followed by the San Sebastián Cathedral - the largest in the city and features stunning stained glass windows and an impressive spire.

DAY 5

SAN SEBASTIÁN

Continuing our tour of San Sebastián’s religious landmarks, we headed to the Parroquia de San Vicente Mártir. This Gothic church is the oldest in the city, with a serene atmosphere and beautiful stained glass

After a day filled with sightseeing, we decided to end our day with a quintessential San Sebastián experience – pintxos in the Old Town. We hopped from bar to bar, sampling an array of delicious pintxos, from traditional jamón and cheese to more adventurous seafood options. (Yes, we can already hear your stomach growling :) )

BIARRITZ

Welcome to France

We started our day with a visit to El Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind), a famous sculpture by Eduardo Chillida located at the western end of La Concha Bay.

The wind was incredibly strong, and the ocean waves crashed dramatically against the rocks. While the scene was breathtaking, we recommend checking the weather forecast for safety reasons, as high winds and waves can be dangerous.

Next, we planned to visit the Antiguo viewpoint for panoramic views of the city. Unfortunately, some areas were closed, but the journey there still offered some beautiful sights of the surrounding area. If you plan to visit, make sure to check its opening hours in advance to avoid disappointment!

After a quick lunch, we hit the road towards France, making stops at several picturesque villages along the way.

1. Hondarribia: a charming town known for its well-preserved old town and vibrant fishing port.

2. Urrugne a quaint village just across the border in France.

3. Saint-Jean-de-Luz: our final stop before Biarritz a lovely seaside town with a rich history and beautiful beaches.

We arrived in Biarritz in the late afternoon, we walked along the main coastline, enjoying the sight of the Grand Plage beach, the Biarritz Lighthouse, and the iconic Hôtel du Palais. The golden sands and crashing waves made for a perfect backdrop as we wandered along the promenade.

Needing a break, we found a cute café with a cozy atmosphere and ocean views. We sipped on coffee and enjoyed some delectable French pastries, soaking in the relaxed ambiance of Biarritz.

Our evening ended with a visit to Place Sainte-Eugénie, a charming square located near the coast. The square is home to the beautiful Sainte-Eugénie Church, which offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the sea.

Hôtel du Palais - a 5 star hotel which is literally a palace!

BAYONNE

We started our last day with a leisurely 30-minute drive from Biarritz to Bayonne. The journey was pleasant, offering scenic views of the Basque countryside.

Our first stop was a quaint café in the heart of the Old Town. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with a charming blend of rustic decor and modern comforts. We enjoyed a traditional French breakfast of freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, and rich, aromatic coffee.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the Old Town. Bayonne’s historic center is a delightful maze of narrow streets and half-timbered houses, exuding an old-world charm that beckons you to wander.

As we strolled, we discovered numerous artisanal shops offering a variety of chocolates, local delicacies, and unique souvenirs. Bayonne is renowned for its chocolate  so we made sure to sample and purchase some to take home :)

We also took in some of the historic landmarks, including the impressive Bayonne Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie) and the ancient city walls.

Next, we visited the Jardin Botanique (Botanic Garden). Although it was winter and the garden wasn’t in full bloom, the tranquil setting provided a pleasant respite from the bustling streets. We could imagine how beautiful it would be in the spring and summer months, with its varied plant species and peaceful ambiance!

Feeling hungry, we made our way to the local market situated next to the Nive River. Bayonne’s market is a vibrant hub of activity, open every day and offering a plethora of fresh produce, local cheeses, charcuterie, and other Basque specialties.

With the afternoon waning, we took one last stroll along the Nive River. The picturesque views of the river, flanked by colorful houses and bustling streets, provided a beautiful backdrop for our final moments in Bayonne...

Last day