SIGHTSEEING TOUR
The French Basque countryside
St. Jean Pied de Port – Bidarray – Espelette – Bayonne
Sightseeing tour
Starting time:
9:00 am
Duration:
9 hours
Private tour
The tour will start and
finish in your accommodation
Prices
600€
2 people
700€
3/4
800€
5/6/7
Ask for a quote
for a larger group
Included
Private Group
All transportation costs
Local Basque Driver/Guide
Not included
Lunch
Snacks & Drinks
Any other not specified item
See what the Basque Country was like long time ago: small fairy taIe villages frozen in time. To a world in love with France, it’s the little sister who did not get invited to the dance.
Itinerary
This private tour of the French Basque countryside from San Sebastian unfolds at a relaxed pace as we cross the border into France, where coastal towns, open landscapes, and everyday local life set the rhythm of the day.
After a scenic drive of around 1.5 hours, we reach our first stop in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a historic town founded in the late 12th century and strategically positioned at the northern foothills of the Pyrenees.
Once a key stronghold of the Kingdom of Navarre, it later became an important resting point for pilgrims arriving from northern Europe before crossing the mountains. Today, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port marks the official starting point of the French Way of St. James.
We take time to stroll through the town, following the paths once walked by pilgrims, and enjoy its quiet, lived-in atmosphere.
Continuing deeper into the countryside, we stop in the picturesque village of Bidarray, where the Pyrenees begin to rise gently from the valley. From the promenade near its 12th-century church, the landscape opens up, offering a clear sense of the region’s rural character. From here, we follow a scenic back road that leads us to Espelette, passing through small villages and rolling hills along the way.
Espelette is best known for its dried red peppers, traditionally hung from the façades of Labourd houses. We wander through its colorful streets, visit local shops, and learn about the traditional methods behind this iconic product. Before returning, we make a final stop in Bayonne, a city shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Its rich architectural heritage, lively streets, and riverside setting reflect a blend of French, Basque, Gascon, and Jewish influences. Bayonne is also historically linked to the bayonet and is considered the French capital of both chocolate and cured ham.
It's Personalized
Our tours are private. We give you the possibility to design or adapt the tours based on your interests and preferences
It's Authentic
Thanks to our knowledge and our contacts, you will experience a full immersion into the culture and identity of the Basque Country
It's Exclusive
Our tours are specially designed for small groups so that you can interact with us directly and personally
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What they say
"We spent a fun and informative day with Andoni. He was an excellent tour guide showing us the sights, while sharing his vast knowledge of the places we visited and their customs. We enjoyed visiting the local market and having lunch at a special restaurant selected by Andoni….a spot we would never have found on our own."BritEngland
"We came to the Spain for 8 days, 6 of them in the Basque Country. Andoni was particularly important to making this such a great trip because of his knowledge, enthusiasm, and he went out of his way to please us. I highly recommend this small and very personal type of travel service."EliUSA
"The most impressive aspect of this experience was how comfortable we were with Andoni. Within minutes, we felt like we were with a friend. He has a delightful demeanor, sense of humor, completely relaxed and accommodating. He is Basque and LOVES his culture and his job,"JaimieAustralia
"Our tour guide was Andoni and he was very knowledgeable both about wine and Basque Country. He was very friendly and we really enjoyed spending the day with him. He went out of his way to make sure we had a great time, including taking us all the way to Bilbao."AnisaUSA