Basque Country, the cultural region within the département of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the extreme southwestern France, bordering the western Pyrenees Mountains where they adjoin the Basque provincials of Spain, along the Bay of Biscay. The region extends about 100 miles from Bayonne, France, south to Bilbao, Spain. The Basque Country is famous for its beaches and brilliant modern architecture…and for its feisty, industrious natives. It's also simply beautiful: Bright white chalet-style homes with deep-red and green shutters scatter across lush, rolling hills; the Pyrenees Mountains soar high above the Atlantic; and surfers and ride the waves. While the French side of this area seems French first and Basque second, the region has its own special spice, mingling Basque and French influences with beautiful rolling countryside and a gorgeous coastline.

There are 3 Basque sections in the French territory – called Labourd, Basse Navarre and La Soule. Each section offer incredible landscapes from the Atlantic Ocean to the high peaks of the Pyrenees. Tucked in between, the countryside subsists as off-the-beaten-path heaven with misty hills and picturesque towns.

Except for the Pyrenees Mountains, which rise in the south, lowlands predominate in Aquitaine. The highest point in the region is the peak of Midi d’Ossau at 9,465 feet. Most of the land, however, lies below 1,600 feet, and a significant percentage is forested. The main rivers include the Adour, Dordogne, and Garonne; the last flows northwest through Bordeaux and then joins the waters of the Dordogne to become the Gironde estuary.

If flying in, you have three choices: Biarritz in France, San Sebastian at the border or Bilbao along the Spanish coast. Not too far from Bilbao is also the airport of Santander which is located in the Cantabria region. Although, Bilbao is probably the cheapest and better-connected airport to fly to from anywhere in Europe.

The Basques are an ancient people who have inhabited this territory for thousands of years. Today, the Spanish part is an autonomous region with a Basque government, while the French part answers to the central government in Paris.

The Basque Country is often mistaken to only be “Spanish” and while San Sebastian and Bilbao attract all the fame, the French side isn’t as recognized as “Basque” as its Spanish neighbor. Yet, both sides have been sharing the same language, culture and traditions for centuries, long before the countries’ territories where defined.

Today, these territories are collectively called Euskal-Herria – The Land of the Basques – or Euskadi.

Euskara is the traditional language spoken by the Basque people. After a tough 20th-century that has seen it strongly decline - mainly during the dictatorship of Franco who prohibited it. Basque is a complicated language to learn. There are many local dialects spoken around the region and the rules are hard to relate to as it has no common roots with contemporary languages. For this reason, the Basque Language Acadamy has developed a standardized version called Batua, nowadays taught in schools and used for any official communication. You might as well notice that Basque is always written in a specific font known as the Euskara.

Most everyone does speak French, and sometime a bit of English too, most often in the service industry. We do recommend you get a good English-French dictionary or app on your phone and learn a few words to help you navigate the area.

Not only does the Basque Country have its own culture, but its own climate, which keeps it gorgeously green. June-Sep are the warmest and driest months - and with temps barely breaking the mid 80's, it’s not too hot to hike, plus you can still enjoy the beaches. The best time to go to the Basque Country is June or September, to miss summer holiday crowds. Inland has a more continental climate than the coast, with warmer summers, cold winters and less chance of rain.

You can surely find buses and trains linking the main cities, but the frequency is sporadic and some parts of the countryside aren’t well connected or not at all. This means potentially missing some of the most charming villages that make the French Basque Country so attractive.

The best way to get around in Basque Country is by car. Car rentals are easily available at the airports and near the main rail stations.

The food in this region is a combination of French and Spanish specialties. The produce is diverse, from the freshly caught seafood to the mountain products such as sheep cheese and ham, or even river trouts, local pepper, vegetables and fruits. Here you’ll find the cuisine rich and delicious.

On the French side of the Basque, expect proper meals made out of local products such as the Axoa – made with veal, pepper and potatoes – Gâteau basque – an almond cake with fresh cherries or whipped cream – or finally, a lovely Piperade that will complement any dish (a paste made with pepper and onion).

The currency of France is the Euro, US dollars are typically not accepted.

From the most charming towns of Ainhoa, Espelette and La Bastide Clairence to the inevitable pilgrim stop Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the luxurious beach resorts of Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, here are some of the most charming towns and villages to visit in the French basque Country:

Ainhoa: For a very long time, this town has been a place where pilgrims that walk the St-James’ way would stop to rest, eat and refresh. Nowadays, the town is less popular as the “French Way” to Santiago de Compostella mainly attracts pilgrims to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, leaving Ainhoa to its quiet existence rhythmed by occasional visits from tourists and locals.

Bayonne: This town has developed into one of the most lively and beautifu cities in france. Yet, Bayonne remains an underrated destination, living in the shadow of its prestigious neighboring city Biarritz. Enjoy its charming riverbank lined with renovated half-timbered buildings and the reflection of the red, blue or green painted shutters into the water. Also spend time wandering around Bayonne’s lively historical center.

Biarritz: Known as the “Queen of the resorts and the resort of the Kings” after Napoleon III’s wife decided to make this city her summer getaway, Biarritz continues to attract celebrities with its lovely mansions and opulent hotels. Over the last few decades, Biarritz has also become a hot spot for international surfers, spa goines and sophisticated shoppers.

Espelette: Nationally known for its unique red peppers that hang on the village’s building facades to dry during the harvest season. The village is small but very popular with locals, national vacationers, and international tourists alike looking for a countryside getaway.

Bidart: Back in it’s hayday, this seaside town focused on whaling fisheries, but now, Bidart is an affordable tourist hub along the southern coast of Biscay between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

La Bastide-Clairence: Voted as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages” in France, of which the Pyrénées Atlantique region counts 5 out of 158 in France. La Bastide became a central hub for craft workers and artists. Strolling around is enough to understand how craft still plays an important role in the life of the town. Many artisans have settled down in La Bastide Clairence to open their workshops to visitors and expose their work.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz: This low key town attracts local tourists looking for less crowded beaches and more affordable prices. The town sits on a shell-shaped bay with fine sand, an elevated promenade, and majestic buildings such as the Casino La Pergola.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: Situated at the foot of the Pyrenees, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is located a few miles away from the Spanish border and only one hour drive from the towns of Biarritz in France or Pamplona in Spain. Its unique architecture inherited from a medieval past stands out from the rest of the region’s villages. The historical center is organized around a couple of cobblestone streets bordered by old sandstone buildings turned into restaurants, artisanal boutiques, outdoor shops and hostels.