Visit the Basque Country, a breathtakingly beautiful area that includes regions in the north of Spain and France. Take in the sun, sea, sand and surf at numerous beaches along the coast from France towards Bilbao. Try world-class fly fishing with an expert in Santander, Cantabria in Northern Spain. Take a small group-escorted tour that will reveal the best this region has to offer. (Ophorus.com organizes tours in both French and Spanish Basque Country with your own private driver.) Destinations include the cities of Bilbao, San Sebastian, Saint Jean de Luz, Biarritz and the small villages of Sare and Aïnhoa that are classified as the most beautiful of France.
Basque Country is one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations, with key gourmet centres in San Sebastian, Hondarribia and Bilbao. If you are a wine lover, note that the area produces world-class wines and is famous for its robust reds. You certainly will visit Bilbao, the largest city in the area. A must-see is the Guggenheim Museum, the most celebrated building world-wide of the 1990s.
In the summer, enjoy an open air concert. A fiesta begins the first Saturday after August 15th and lasts for nine days with music, street theatre and firework displays. Take the Artxanda Funicular for the views. There’s lots to do and see so don’t forget your camera.
Travel Tips
- Basque Country is at the north of Spain, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and France.
- It is an autonomous community within Spain and a small portion of France.
- Getting around by train: there are daily connections to main cities from Paris, Madrid and Barcelona.
- Getting around by car: take the motorway between Paris and Madrid. The tolls between Baiona and Donostia are pretty expensive.
For more, visit basquecountrytourism.com
