What to do in the Basque Country: the top 10 must-see places to visit

1. Biarritz, jewel of the French Basque coast

It is impossible to mention tourism in the Basque Country without starting with Biarritz, an emblematic city of the South West of France. A former seaside resort favoured by French and English aristocracy in the 19th century, it has become the European capital of surfing. The Rocher de la Vierge, accessible via a suspended footbridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Don't miss the sea museum for a cultural discovery of marine fauna, the chocolate museum, as well as the Biarritz lighthouse, whose 248 steps reward the bravest with a 360-degree panoramic photo. The Grande Plage, lively from morning to evening, remains the ideal spot for a swim or a surf session. A private excursion departing from Biarritz, on foot or in the open air, also allows you to visit the fishermen's port and the Villa Belza.

2. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a charming port in Labourd

Twenty minutes to the south, visiting Saint-Jean-de-Luz is an essential activity. This former fishing port has become one of the most beautiful towns on the Basque coast. It was here that Louis XIV married the Infanta of Spain in 1660, in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, which is a must-see.

Stroll along Rue Gambetta, explore the covered local market for a tasting of regional products, then continue along the Jacques-Thibaud promenade facing the large sheltered beach. The Basque corniche, which connects the town to Hendaye via Socoa, unfolds one of the most beautiful landscapes in the south-west, with its cliffs plunging into the sea.

3. Bayonne, cultural capital of the northern Basque Country

Bayonne embodies the cultural soul of the region. Sainte-Marie cathedral, listed as UNESCO world heritage on the Compostela routes, dominates the old town. The narrow streets of Petit Bayonne, lined with timber-framed houses in red and green, house the Basque museum, an absolute reference for understanding the origin, language and name of the traditions of Euskal Herria.

And of course, it's impossible to leave the town without tasting the famous Bayonne ham PDO, one of the most renowned Basque specialties worldwide, or the chocolate the city claims to have introduced to France. The Fêtes de Bayonne in July and their festive calendar attract more than one million inhabitants and visitors each year.

4. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a legendary stop on the way to Compostela

Heading inland, in Lower Navarre, you reach Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This bastide town fortified by Vauban marks the last French stage before the Roncesvalles pass and the crossing of the Pyrenees. Walk up the Rue de la Citadelle, pass through the Saint-Jacques gate listed by UNESCO, then follow the banks of the Nive lined with flower-decked houses.

The ideal visit plan includes the citadel, which offers an exceptional view of the Pyrenees and the peaks of neighbouring Béarn, towards the Ossau. Nearby, Bidarray and its suspended footbridges complete a beautiful walk in unspoilt nature.

5. Espelette and Ainhoa, beautiful villages of Labourd

The French Basque Country gathers several of the most beautiful villages in France. Espelette, famous for its PDO chilli pepper, displays each autumn its iconic red garlands hung on white facades, in a true spectacle of colour. The chilli fair, in late October, is one of the most colourful traditional festivals in the region.

A few kilometres away, visiting Ainhoa is a must: its long single street is lined with Labourdine houses inherited from the 17th century. To extend the cultural outing, La Bastide-Clairence and Sare, nestled at the foot of the Rhune, complete an exceptional itinerary. Further east, Mauléon-Licharre, capital of Soule, also deserves a detour for its fortified castle and its espadrille craftsmanship.

6. The Rhune, emblematic summit between mountain and ocean

At 905 metres above sea level, the Rhune is the must-see summit of the Basque Country. The choice is yours: a mountain hike from Ascain in 2 hours 30, where you will meet the pottok, those semi-wild horses typical of the region, or the authentic little rack railway train that climbs to the top in 35 minutes.

The reward is the same: a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees and, on clear days, the Spanish coast as far as San Sebastián. An ideal activity for families, with or without young children.

7. San Sebastián, Bilbao and the Spanish Biscay

Just 40 minutes from Biarritz, crossing the border gives access to the Spanish Basque Country. San Sebastián, or Donostia in the Basque language, charms visitors with the Bay of La Concha, considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world. The Parte Vieja concentrates the highest density of Michelin stars in the world, but the most authentic experience remains the pintxos tour.

To extend the getaway, Bilbao in Biscay and its Guggenheim museum, or Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of the province of Álava, each deserve a full day. Local agencies offer group excursions departing from Biarritz, in French-speaking or English-speaking format, with adult prices varying according to group size.

8. Hendaye, Anglet and Bidart, the Basque coast and its beaches

For lovers of water sports and surf spots, the coastline between Anglet and Hendaye concentrates the best waves in the south-west. Anglet lines up eleven sandy beaches over 4.5 km, a paradise for surfers of all levels. Bidart, a village perched on its cliff between Biarritz and Guéthary, alternates wild coves and panoramic viewpoints over the ocean.

Hendaye, at the southern tip, offers the longest sandy beach on the French Basque coast, ideal for children. Between sessions, the 23 km coastal path unfolds one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in Europe, with, halfway along, the famous Pheasant Island, the smallest territory in the world held in Franco-Spanish condominium.

9. Cambo-les-Bains, Itxassou and Basque pelota

Cambo-les-Bains, a former 19th-century thermal resort nestled in the Nive valley, houses the Villa Arnaga, former residence of Edmond Rostand. This monumental Labourdine house unfolds spectacular French-style gardens offering a sweeping view over the hills. The guided tour immerses visitors in the universe of the author of Cyrano de Bergerac.

A few kilometres away, Itxassou is known for its black cherries, the star ingredient of the Basque cake. In nearly every village, you will find a Basque pelota fronton, a sport symbolising the local culture, an absolute must-see during a weekend in the Basque Country.

10. The Kakuetta gorges and the Isturitz caves

To conclude this top selection of sites to discover, two exceptional natural spaces are worth the detour. The Kakuetta gorges, in Soule, unfold a 2 km canyon in the heart of tropical vegetation, dotted with waterfalls and a large underground lake. Further west, the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves reveal prehistoric art dating back 80,000 years in a setting of spectacular concretions.

Two ideas for indoor activities and leisure pursuits not to be missed. Local associations offer guided tours by reservation, with prices varying depending on the chosen formula.

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