A Taste of Basque Country: Private Food & Culture Tour from Bordeaux

FAQ

• Where is Basque country in France?

  The Basque Country in France is located South of Bordeaux and is composed of 3 historical provinces known as Labourd, Soule, and Lower Navarre. The Capital of the region is Bayonne but Biarritz is a well known ocean resort, famous for its surfing.

• Is Bayonne worth a visit?

  Bayonne is considered to be the French Basque Capital. The town is ofter overlooked which means that if you choose this option you will be far from the crowds enjoying the visit of a town that has, according to us, a lot to offer. First of all if you like Chocolate then this is the place for you.
  
  While you stroll through town, one thing that always amazes visitors is the number of Chocolate shops you will see in town. This is due to the fact that the first Cocoa beans to arrive in France arrived here, in Bayonne. Our tip: ask your guide to take you to a chocolate shop that still serves a Hot Chocolate made with the original early 20th century recipe.
  
  Bayonne is also a great town to visit as you catch the working-class atomosphere of Little Bayonne. Cross the Nive River and stroll the narrow streets that are lined with tall houses. The district is a lively one with its many bars and bodegas and once you have crossed the river you will have a great view on Grand Bayonne. 

• What is there to see & do in Biarritz?

  Biarritz is a charming small town of France. It combines two very different atmospheres: Exclusive venues & shops with being a major surf hot spot of France. The two co-exist pretty well and the town is becoming a cosmopolitan praised by youngsters from all over the world. During your visit, your guide will surely take you for a walk through town and show you the most beautiful buildings that date back to the 19th century. Other highlights include the Rocher de Vierge for a stunning view on the Bay, the Art Déco Casino that dates back to 1929 & the Hotel du Palais that is now ranked as a Palace. No stop in Biarritz can be made without including a walk through the daily covered market where local fresh products cover the stalls.

• What is there to see & do in Saint Jean de Luz?

  This very attractive small fishing port town should be on your travel list when coming to the Basque Country. The typical Basque decorated narrow streets will strait away plunge you in the local ambiance. Visit the historical center with your guide and enter the church where the Sun King Louis XIV (the one who had Versailles built) married the Infant Queen of Spain.
  
  If you're into gourmet food tours then this is the place to be. Ask your guide to sample local delicacies in some of the shops on main street including local cured ham, Basque style Macarons, Basque cake & Basque cheese. Top it all up with local Irouléguy wines and you will be in for a treat. If you want to add a local atmosphere to it, visit the covered market and listen as the locals speak Basque a language of which the origins are unknown still today.

• What type of vehicles are used during your Bordeaux private tours?

  Our company uses only premium cars & minivans that are recent, comfortable and fully equipped including individual A/C, shaded windows and large leg space.

• Who conducts this Basque Country tour from Bordeaux?

  We only employ accredited and licensed tour guides that are also the drivers for all tours that need visits to be conducted by certified guides. Good examples are: the visit of museums, guided walking tours in cities, visit of historical monuments and so on. On this particular tour your local guide will introduce you to the Basque Country, its culture & traditions.

• Which villages will we see if we take the Countryside & Villages option?

  If you take this option, there are a number of beautiful authentic villages that we can take you to. The most famous villages that we visit include Sare, Aïnhoa, Espelette, Ustaritz, Itxassou and a few others. What is really interesting about these villages is that they have kept their authenticity.
  
  Stop and stroll with your guide and learn about the colors of the different houses and their meaning. Visit a local church and understand the typical interior architecture that is unique to the Basque Country. Learn about the Basque Funeral Art that is characterized by the graveston sculptures with some stones dating back to the 16th century.
  
  Shop for typical Basque products such as the famous & traditional Basque Linen, Espelette mild pepper that you might see hanging along the walls of houses, Chocolate as the region was the first to import it in France or the quintessential Espadrille shoes. Not only will you visit charming villages, this option offers a plunge into the Basque culture & traditions.