Straddling the Spanish border in the southwestern region of France, the French Basque country draws holidaymakers year round. Renowned for its food, its golf courses, its surfing and its unique culture (neither French nor Spanish), there is plenty to discover in this beautiful area.
The chic resort town of Biarritz has been a favourite of celebrities from Charlie Chaplin to Frank Sinatra…as well as surfers. Thanks to its first-class waves, Biarritz’s surfing scene is considered to be the best in Europe. The Biarritz Surf Festival is held each July, attracting surfers from as far away as Hawaii as well as the local French stars of the sport. Even if you are not a fan of the long board, there is still loads to do and see in this beachside town. The Musée de la Mer is a terrific place to visit, especially if you are travelling with children who will enjoy the impressive aquarium situated in this art deco building. La pelote basque, or jai alai, is the national sport of the Basque region, and you can visit a chisteras –maker at 6, allée des Liserons. A chisteras is the extended willow basket with which jai alai players hurl the ball forward, worn like a glove. Attending a jai alai game at one of the many frontons sprinkled around the Basque country would be a highlight of any holiday in this region.
For those of you with a sweet tooth, you will want to sample one of the region’s delicacies: le gâteau beret basque. A creamy and dense chocolate cake, dome-shaped to resemble that iconic fashion accessory; once you taste this you will want to take some home!
Moving inland from Biarritz you will find the larger city of Bayonne. Famous for its jambon (ham) as well as being the place where the chocolate bar was invented in 1496, there is a wide variety of things to do (and eat) in this vibrant city. Visitors flock to the Grande Bayonne neighbourhood, the area surrounding the 13th century cathedral. The streets are off limits to cars and the many shops and restaurants make this a lovely strolling area. If you would like to see a typical Basque artefact, go to the Makilas manufactory at 37, rue Vieille-Boucherie. A makilas is a traditional Basque walking stick, carved out of the wood of a kumquat tree and, in earlier times, used as a weapon—unsheathe the stick and you will find a sword like arm inside! These are true works of art, each one carved with intricate Basque patterns and are considered collector’s items.
Further south, near the Spanish border, is the posh town of St Jean de Luz. Filled with Parisians’ holiday homes as well as the local population, the main street, Rue Gambetta, is packed in the summertime with well-dressed people enjoying the boutiques, restaurants and cafés that line this pedestrian zone. Admire the typical Basque architecture of the building façades with their dark green and oxblood red painted beams and shutters. Espadrilles, the rope-soled sandals which all locals wear, are made in St Jean de Luz. There are several boutiques on the Rue Gambetta where you can purchase a pair or two.