Welcome to our special Basque-French tour, a journey that promises unforgettable experiences and is perfect for chocolate lovers. We’ll explore Bayonne, a city that officially became the chocolate capital in the 19th century (in 1870 it had 130 artisan producers, more than Switzerland itself!). We’ll also visit Biarritz, the chicest city in southern France, and San Juan de Luz, a historic enclave. Are you ready?
We’ll start by visiting Bayonne, a city founded in the 10th century on the ruins of a Roman settlement. Did you know that this city was once in the hands of the Vikings and was also under British rule? And that it once hosted an important Sephardic community? Our walk will begin in the Grand Bayonne, where we’ll see the typical Labortan-style houses with their colorful wooden frames. We’ll also visit the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria and its cloister.
Continuing our journey, we’ll cross the Nive River and head towards the Petit Bayonne. Here we’ll stroll through the narrow streets filled with old buildings and youthful energy. We’ll find some chocolate producers as well as numerous bars and restaurants.
Biarritz, the Beach of Kings
To talk about Biarritz is to talk about glamour and surfing. Our next destination is this beautiful city, where a historic anecdote says that Eugenia de Montijo convinced her husband, Napoleon III, to establish their summer residence here after their visit in 1854.
Since then, Biarritz has been a vacation destination for aristocrats and an inspiration for famous writers. During the Belle Époque (late 19th and early 20th century) and the Roaring Twenties, interest in this beautiful city grew. Its casino hosted parties attended by celebrities such as Charles Chaplin (yes, the same one). Did you know that Madonna, the Queen of Pop, has chosen this area as a destination for her vacations on some occasions?
We’ll stroll through its beautiful streets and admire its magnificent beaches (where you’re sure to find surfers in action) and the striking Old Port. We’ll also see the Hôtel du Palais, the city’s most exclusive hotel (built in the shape of an E in homage to the empress’s first name). Biarritz is the European capital of surfing. It is the city where the history of European surfing began in 1854!
A City Steeped in History
On our way to San Juan de Luz, we’ll stop in Guethary, another paradise for surfers and a coastal whaling town. We’ll take a stroll through this idyllic village on the Iparralde coast, filled with typical Basque houses.
San Juan de Luz will be our next destination, a city that once harbored one of the most important ports in France, known as the “Vipers’ Nest.” The city grew thanks to the corsairs activity during the 16th to 19th centuries. We’ll walk through its streets, visit its fishing port, and admire its beautiful church. Here, the marriage between Louis XIV the Sun King, and Maria Theresa of Austria took place. This ceremony was crucial because it put an end to 30 years of war between France and Spain.
On our way back to San Sebastian, keep your eyes on the excellent views of the Cantabrian Sea (with its steep cliffs and green meadows) as we travel along the spectacular road that connects San Juan de Luz with Hendaye. It’s a sight to behold!
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