Biarritz: Full-day trip into the Basque Country's inland

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. We'll start with a visit to Espelette, world-famous for the chilli pepper used by chefs everywhere. The village lies on the border between the provinces of Labourd and Basse Navarre. This is not just a historical boundary, but also a geological one, as the landscape changes and we enter a mountainous area.

   1.5 h

2. Nearby is the lovely village of Ainhoa, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, where your guide will introduce you to Basque culture and social organization. The theme of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela will also be in the spotlight at this Bastide, created in the 13th century to settle the population and provide a stopover for pilgrims.

   1.5 h

3. We'll then set off on an adventure along charming mountain paths, where every bend offers a new source of wonder. Pas de Roland is one of the pleasant surprises, with its rocky gorge and the tumultuous La Nive river running through it. The romantic landscape is the subject of many legends, but its name refers to a very real page in history when Charlemagnes' nephew folded to the Basque warriors. In this part of the tour, you can admire the inhabitants of our mountains: vultures, ewes and pottoks, Basque horses with prehistoric origins.

   1 h

4. We'll reach St Jean Pied de Port, a magnificent 12th-century fortified town, capital of Lower Navarre and a key stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The steep pedestrian streets are perfect for a Lunch break in one of the many restaurants. Afterwards, take a stroll to discover the history of this bastide town and do some shopping.

   3 h

5. We'll continue on to the village of Irouléguy, famous for its vineyards and estates. They were originally dedicated to the monks of the Spanish monastery of Roncesvalles and the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela. Between history and tasting, this stopover will delight the curious and gourmets alike.We will end the day with a return trip to the coast..

   1 h

6. Transfer to your drop off place!

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Biarritz

• Its from-price is 162% above the median of the 19 city tours we list in Biarritz.
• It is longer than most of them.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Biarritz

Biarritz is a seaside resort on France's Basque coast, with surf beaches, Belle Époque villas and the Pyrenees inland.

Biarritz began as a fishing and whaling village and became fashionable when Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, built a summer villa here in the 1850s, now a grand hotel above the Grande Plage. Rocks and small coves line the shore, and the Rocher de la Vierge, a rock topped by a statue and joined to the shore by a footbridge, is the town's symbol. Belle Époque villas, a lighthouse and a Russian Orthodox church complete the scene.

See all 103 experiences in Biarritz