Between ocean and mountains, on the borderlands of France and Spain, the Basque Country unfolds like a jewel of authenticity.
This land of character, proud of its roots, blends age-old traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and gastronomic delights with unmatched generosity.
From the very first moment, the charm sets in. You settle by a riverside, raising a glass to the adventure ahead. The air carries the scent of sea and herbs, while the sun gently sets on the colorful facades.
Then comes the first dinner—local, generous, and handpicked with care. The atmosphere is warm, the welcome heartfelt.
In Biarritz, elegance mingles with ocean spray. A private tour takes you through the city’s glorious history, from imperial sea baths to hidden seaside villas. Brunch is served in the majestic setting of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie’s former palace. Later, the Rocher de la Vierge and Port-Vieux reveal themselves in a leisurely walk, punctuated by the cries of gulls and the silhouettes of surfers.
Bayonne, city of art and history, opens up with its ramparts, cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and gourmet soul. On a private visit, you uncover the secrets of Vauban’s fortifications, before exploring the old town’s shops filled with edible treasures.
In Bidart, flavors come together over lunch with a view of the Atlantic. Then Biriatou, a peaceful hillside village, welcomes you for two nights in a family home where dinner is a tribute to the Basque cuisine of yesteryear.
Inland, Ainhoa appears like a picture postcard, and Espelette greets you beneath garlands of chili peppers. Lunch, in a secret cave, feels like a moment suspended in time—traditional dishes, natural wines, and a mineral ambiance.
The afternoon leads to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a royal port and maritime gem, where an intimate tour unfolds among historic facades and tales of corsairs. Then, a surprise: a unique vineyard where wine matures beneath the sea. Dinner in Socoa, overlooking the bay, features a flavorful ttoro and an unforgettable sunset.
The mountains await. A cave shaped by millennia starts the day, followed by Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a medieval town steeped in history. On a guided tour, fortified gates, pilgrim paths, and artisan boutiques are yours to explore. Lunch at a hilltop inn combines sweeping views with bold, rustic flavors. The next day, Bidarray seduces with its peaceful charm and refined cuisine, before the Aldudes Valley unveils its secrets. At a passionate cheesemaker’s farm, you discover the art of crafting ewe’s milk cheese, followed by a farmhouse dinner—simple, authentic, delicious.
Finally, it’s time to return to the sea. In Hendaye, you cross the Bidassoa River by boat to reach Spain. Here, tapas reign supreme, and in a nearby village, you sample creations from a world champion chef. Back in Biarritz, the afternoon unfolds at your leisure, ending with an aperitif overlooking the ocean. The final dinner, in a storied spot of the old port, pays tribute to seafood, chilled white wine, and that bittersweet flavor of journey’s end.
And so concludes this voyage—rich with genuine encounters, exclusive visits, and culinary discoveries. A journey where every moment tastes of truth, and carries the scent of a rare privilege.
You’ll discover living heritage, magnificent scenery, and a cuisine that delights the senses. An unforgettable experience for lovers of authentic discoveries and unique flavors.
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