Discover the magic of the Basque Country with a touch of French influence on this tour. You will visit four charming towns that are full of unique character: San Juan de Pie de Puerto, Bidarray, Espelette, and Ainhoa, all located in the heart of the French Basque Country.
San Juan de Pie de Puerto is a beautiful walled town known as one of the most famous starting points for the Camino de Santiago. As you walk down its main street, cross the Historic Old Bridge over the Nive River, and pass through the Gate of Spain, you’ll feel the same excitement and magic as the pilgrims who have walked this path before you. These are sensations you’ll never forget.
Magic is everywhere
On our way to Bidarray, we’ll cross the gorge of the Nive River, surrounded by wooded hills, transparent waters, centuries-old trees, and unparalleled nature. This gorge is known for the legend of the Passage of Roland. According to the story, Roland, Charlemagne’s nephew, rode through this area on horseback in 778 and encountered a huge rock that blocked his path. With his sword, he cut through the stone and cleared the way.
You’ll fall in love with Bidarray, a charming village nestled at the foot of steep mountains and surrounded by green meadows dotted with numerous farmhouses. Did you know that this is a prime spot for observing the bearded vulture in its natural habitat?
Picturesque towns
Our next stop will be Espelette, a town where red peppers are a religion. Founded by the noble Navarrese family Ezpeleta (Espelette), it is one of the most picturesque towns in the French Basque Country. In addition to its classic houses with their colorful frames and shutters, its facades are covered in red peppers (in the drying process).
We’ll stroll down the pedestrian street and see the Castle of the Barons of Espelette. Did you know that Agnès Souret, the first Miss France, is buried in the cemetery of this small town?
Finally, we’ll visit another gem of the area, Ainhoa. This peaceful and small Basque village was founded in the 12th century. It’s basically formed by a single street with stunning Basque-style houses, characterized by exposed stone corners and wooden shutters in vibrant shades of red, blue, or green. These houses date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, as the original ones were destroyed in the Thirty Years’ War.
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