French Basque Country: the most secret and authentic side

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Saint Jean Pied de Port is a beautiful walled town known as one of the most famous starting points for the Camino de Santiago. As you walk down its main street, cross the Historic Old Bridge over the Nive River, and pass through the Gate of Spain, you'll feel the same excitement and magic as the pilgrims who have walked this path before you. These are sensations you'll never forget.

   1 h

2. The legendary Pas de Roland is a place where history and myth come vividly to life. According to tradition, in the year 778, the valiant Roland—nephew of Charlemagne—struck the rock with his sword, opening a passage through the mountains and carving his way forward.

   30 minAdmission included

3. This unspoiled setting is also one of the best places in the region to observe the majestic bearded vulture in its natural habitat—an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. You’ll fall in love with Bidarray, a charming village nestled at the foot of dramatic mountains and surrounded by lush green meadows dotted with traditional farmhouses.

   30 min

4. Our next stop will be Espelette, a town where red peppers are a religion. Founded by the noble Navarrese family Ezpeleta (Espelette), it is one of the most picturesque towns in the French Basque Country. In addition to its classic houses with their colorful frames and shutters, its facades are covered in red peppers (in the drying process). We'll stroll down the pedestrian street and see the Castle of the Barons of Espelette.

   1 min

5. This peaceful and small Basque village was founded in the 12th century. It's basically formed by a single street with stunning Basque-style houses, characterized by exposed stone corners and wooden shutters in vibrant shades of red, blue, or green. These houses date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, as the original ones were destroyed in the Thirty Years' War.

   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 San Sebastián

• Its from-price is 140% above the median of the 397 experiences we list in San Sebastián.
• It is longer than most of them.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About San Sebastián

San Sebastián, or Donostia, is a Basque seaside city around a shell-shaped bay, with a golden beach, a hilltop fort and a pintxo scene known across Spain.

San Sebastián curves around La Concha Bay, a near-perfect shell-shaped inlet with a white-railed promenade and a sheltered city beach. Monte Urgull guards the east end with an old fort, and Monte Igueldo, at the west end, has a funicular and a viewpoint. The Parte Vieja, the old town, was rebuilt after the fire of 1813 and is packed with bars and a baroque basilica.

Top-ranked sights in San Sebastián: San Sebastian Old Town (Parte Vieja Donostiarra), La Concha Beach (Playa de la Concha), Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución).

See all 397 experiences in San Sebastián