So you may know about the Basque Country in Spain, but did you know about the French Basque Country ?? A little history : there are seven territories that make up the Basque Country, four in Spain and three in France. If you go to the Basque Country in France, you’ll notice it’s very different from the Basque Country in Spain. You’ll notice the houses here are the same style and all painted the same color – typically red, but sometimes blue or green.
Here is my list of places you must visit when you travel to the French Basque Country :
1. La Rhune
If you love trains and the mountains, visit La Rhune. The train ride to the top is beautiful.
The hard part about visiting is you can never be sure about the weather. If the top of the mountain is covered in clouds, you won’t be able to see anything. But also, tickets sell out fast so while you’re waiting on the weather report tickets might sell out. And the tickets are non-refundable.
So take your chances if you want to go. The views are beautiful and if you’re like me, you can hop back and forth between Spain and France.
2. Biarritz : French Basque country
“I know no spot more charming and magnificent than Biarritz” – Victor Hugo I just went to Biarritz for the first time this summer and it was beautiful !
Take a tour of Biarritz here.
Visit the Hôtel du Palais which is a historic luxury hotel built in 1855.
The Roche de la Vierge (the Rock of the Virgin) is a very well-known site, called so because of the statue of the Virgin on the top of the rock.
Go to the beach and rent one of the iconic beach umbrellas.
3. Sare : french basque country
My husband and I originally visited this small town because my name is Sarah (in Basque, the town is Sara), but what a cute and charming town !
4. Hendaye
Just across the border from Spain, this is a charming seaside town.
Explore the town or go to the beach.
There is a train that goes from San Sebastián, Spain to Hendaye, France. I use the train station at Amara in San Sebastián that leaves at :15 and :45 to go to Hendaye. to go from Hendaye to San Sebastián, the train leaves the station at :03 and :33.
5. Saint Jean de Luz
This very typical French coastal Basque town is the town where my husband was born, also the town where Louis XIV was married.
You can still visit the church where Louis XIV was married to Maria Theresa in 1660. This marriage was a wedding for peace between Spain and France.
Next time you go to France, travel to the Basque Country in the south of France. There are many places to visit and sites to see !
Take a private tour of the French Basque country here.
Read more about the best places in France :
Best Places in France – Travel Blog (sarahallisonwonderland.com)
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