Travel in the French regions
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France with its regions and its land, combines gastronomy, heritage, traditions, festivals, crafts and art of living.
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This month: the Basque Country
The Basque Country
Located in the southwest of France, the Basque Country is a region mixing mountains and ocean.
It is a region with a strong identity where languages and traditions blend together to form a unique whole.
Life is punctuated by village festivals, such as the PIG FAIR Organized since 1462, the fair is held every year during the Easter weekend to celebrate the best ham in the city. It is an opportunity to meet the local producers and to taste the ham cooked, accompanied or natural in several restaurants of the city.
But also, the FETE DU PIMENT directed by the Confrérie du Piment d'Espelette and of course the BAYONNE FESTIVAL, which has become the 5th most important popular gathering in the world, was created in 1932. During 5 days and 5 nights at the end of July, the city dresses in red and white, traditional dress of the "Festayres".
Cow races, dances, songs, bandas, corso, concerts, games for children, there is something for everyone!
It is an opportunity for the inhabitants of all generations to meet around festive moments and conviviality so typical of the Basque Country.
But how to talk about the Basque Country without mentioning Biarritz?
Biarritz : imperial city
"I don't know of anyplace more charming and more magnificent than Biarritz... " Victor Hugo
Napoleon III and Eugenie were in their time, the triggers for the development of the city of Biarritz. The small fishing village was then organized and reinvented around these two leading figures. It has been built through the ages, choosing to always keep the best without ever renouncing anything, and making Biarritz, a city firmly anchored in the present, always imagining a thousand things for the future... with this touch of extraordinary that makes its particularity. Its past.
« For it is time... To never forget our history, our values, our heritage, our culture, everything that makes our identity strong. - Biarritz Tourist Office
Biarritz has for it the mildness of its climate and the beauty of its coast. It offers its greens to ball enthusiasts, seduces surfing fans from all over the world with its rollers. Casino, sites and museums, cultural events, make it a lively and welcoming destination throughout the year.
Residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie, palace facing the ocean, but above all an architectural emblem, the Hôtel du Palais is the symbol of the city's rise in quality.
"Biarritz combines yesterday's references with tomorrow's influences
Biarritz is above all a city of history and culture. Its dozens of art galleries, its traditional houses with facades covered with Espelette peppers as well as its numerous languages and traditions are proof of this.
Biarritz : historical capital of surfing in Europe.
Recognized as one of the best surf spots, Biarritz attracts surfers from all over the world.
For its investment in the discipline, and with the surfers, Biarritz obtained in October 2015, the
label "Ville de surf" - 3 stars (on a scale of 3) awarded by the French Surfing Federation.
In Biarritz, surfing culture is everywhere, as shown by the
Cité de l'Océan, the number of surfboard rental companies and the presence of major surf brands (Quicksilver, Rip Curl, Billabong). The
city of Anglet not far from Biarritz, is nicknamed "
the little California ».
From April to November, the 18 surf schools welcome beginners or experienced surfers for lessons lasting a few hours or several days.
It is an appointment not to be missed for the followers of the discipline.
The beach of the Côte des Basques in Biarritz is reserved for experienced surfers, because of the rollers and rocks that require a good control. The Grande Plage in Biarritz and the Senix beach in Guéthary are excellent playgrounds for bodyboarding. Want to go to sea for an excursion or a fishing trip? Or to do your first dive? You will find several boats and diving schools at the port of Sokoburu in Hendaye.
The symbol of a region: the Basque linen
The Basque linen enjoys a good reputation, both among individuals and professionals. It is a symbol of the know-how and identity of a region. Thus, in the same way as the beret, the Espelette pepper or the Ossau-Iraty cheese, the Basque linen is one of the specialities of the Basque Country.
It can be found in stores as well as in restaurants and places where it is made. They are often open to the public and have been awarded the "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" label. They are now key players in Basque tourism.
Tissage Moutet
Tissage Moutet is a reference in the field of Basque and Bearn linen.
Since January 1999, at the initiative of Catherine Moutet, Tissage Moutet decided to take up the challenge of being 100% local. Its goal is to maintain an exceptional know-how in Orthez.
Great designers, remarkable cultural sites, starred chefs... many were touched by this approach and have chosen to support it.
This is the beginning of a new story for Moutet whose linens have won over tourists and locals alike.
Click here to discover Tissage Moutet products!
Hiking in the Basque Country
You are a hiker and you wish to spend your vacations in the 64 ? The campsite Pays Basque du Col d'Ibardin, located near the Rhune in the vicinity of Urrugne, gives you access to the most beautiful hikes of the Basque Country!
Hiking routes in the heart of nature, walks near lakes, hiking circuits with guides, trekking to the summits and long hikes: everything is possible in our beautiful region!
THE RHUNE
You like hiking and you want to discover the most beautiful sites of the Basque Country during your stay? Take one of the paths that lead to the summit of La Rhune. The trail that starts in the town of Olhette is suitable for both casual and experienced hikers.
Length: 11.7 km
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Medium
Departure : Olhette
COASTAL PATH
This pretty hike follows the coastal path of the Basque coast between Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Surrounded by the mountain and the sea, you will discover the magnificent landscapes of the Basque coast. The difference in level is small and the path is adapted to all walkers for beautiful walks.
Length : 15 km
Duration: 4 hours
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Departure : Saint-Jean-de-Luz
HOLZARTÉ FOOTBRIDGE
A beautiful loop that takes walkers through the forest, between waterfalls and streams. Ideal for a vacation in the heart of nature in the Basque Country. If this walk seems too difficult (more than 800 m of difference in level), you can turn back at the footbridge.
Length : 12 km
Duration : 5 hours
Degree of difficulty : Difficult
Departure : Larrau, parking of the Logibar Inn
Discover the video of Terre & Côte Basques on the 12 communes of the Basque Country...
A poetic, human and warm vision by the video maker Mister Gü ! Realization : Günther Gheeraert ; mister-gu.com
The Basque Country is a destination not to be missed during a trip in France!
Do you have a question about the Basque Country or Biarritz? Do not hesitate to visit the page ofTourist Office of the Basque Country.
KER DE FRANCE and its travel agencyLINK MUNDO VOYAGES are at your service to help you prepare your trip.
The Ker de France team !
