Basque Country Road Trip: the best places and things to discover

From Biarritz to Bayonne, surfing and architecture

Biarritz is your best option as a starting point for exploring the French Basque Country. The town has managed to preserve some remarkable relics of its past, such as the Villa Belza and the Art Deco-style casino. But Biarritz is no museum town: this European surfing mecca also exhibits an intense cultural life and a rich gastronomic scene. From the Rocher de la Vierge to the Côte des Basques, the Biarritz seafront is stunning.

Your next stop is in Bayonne, on the banks of the Adour River just a few kilometres from Biarritz. Timber-framed house fronts, walkable streets around Saint-Mary’s Cathedral, busy bars and gourmet restaurants… You’ll love the atmosphere of Old Bayonne, within the shelter of its ramparts.

From Bayonne to Espelette, going village to village in the hinterland

Leaving Bayonne behind, the Route Impériale des Cimes links up with the Basque village of Hasparren. Along the way, you can take in sublime views of the Pyrenees. Extend your road trip to the spa town of Cambo-les-Bains for a wellness break, followed by a visit to Villa Arnaga, the former home of French writer Edmond Rostand.

The route continues on to Espelette. This Basque village is famous for its red chilli pepper, which you can see air-drying in bundles on every facade. On the programme: strolling through the picturesque narrow streets, going to the Centre d’Interprétation du Piment d’Espelette, and exploring the charming Xerrenda district.

Larrun, in the foothills of the Pyrenees

After Espelette, time to head for La Rhune. This iconic mountain can be explored riding a small rack railway, or for the braver among you, hiking up the signposted hiking trail. From atop Larrun, you can take in all at once the Atlantic Ocean, the Landes, the Pyrenees and, to the south, Bidassoa valley.

Head for the seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and don your swimming attire for a bit of fun at the beach. In the late afternoon, take a stroll around the traditional fishing port, before basking in the sunset from Pointe Sainte-Barbe.

From Hendaye to San Sebastián, on the road to the Spanish Basque coast

The Spanish Basque Country is already within reach! Follow the D912 along the Basque coast to Hendaye. This winding road offers incredible views of the ocean, particularly on the impressive Socoa cliffs. Once you’ve crossed the Franco-Spanish border, why not make a stop Hondarribia, a fortified town with a charming fishermen’s quarter full of character.

Next up, San Sebastián, with its beaches, Belle Epoque buildings and pintxos (tapas) bars, is a short 23km drive away. The perfect way to end your road trip across the Basque Country!

Our advice for a successful road trip

• Allow at least a week to see all the main points of interest on this 145 km route.
• Summer is ideal to go enjoying the beaches and hiking trails, but the weather remains comfortable come early autumn. Make sure to catch the Espelette chilli festival the last weekend of October.