What to see in the Basque Country? Top villages and activities

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What to see in the French Basque Country ? Top 8

Here are the legendary towns to visit if you plan a stay in the Basque Country on the French side. 

Explore Biarritz, the surf town 

Considered the gateway to the Basque Country, Biarritz is a legendary place for its coastline and famous surf spots. Many schools offer lessons of a few hours, a chance to try the waves during your stay.

What to see? What to do in Biarritz? 

• see the Rocher de la Vierge and the Church of Saint-Martin, 
• visit the Biarritz aquarium, 
• go to the Biarritz market,
• go for a walk to the Biarritz lighthouse, 
• settle down near an unusual little fishing port like a true Biarrot,
• enjoy the beaches of Miramar, La Grande Plage or the Port Vieux, 
• explore the Villa Belza.

Where to sleep in Biarritz? Our hotels ♥️

• Hôtel de La Plage, superb hotel in the centre of Biarritz rated 9.2 Fabulous on Booking and 9.8 for its exceptional seafront location
• Regina Experimental Biarritz, magnificent seafront hotel rated 8.7 Superb on Booking 
• Hotel de Silhouette, very lovely hotel with decor just as we like it, rated 9.0 Fabulous on Booking and 9.8 for its location 

Visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz, between ocean and mountains

A big favourite for this town and its typical houses. The ideal place to spend your holidays in the Basque Country. It has every asset with its lively centre with pedestrian streets, its family beach, its hiking trail along the ocean and its traditional fishing port. 

What to see? What to do in Saint-Jean-de-Luz? 

• stroll through the town centre and go to the market,
• walk the coastal path from Sainte-Barbe hill,
• admire the Fort de Socoa, 
• see the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste where Louis XIV's wedding was celebrated,
• stroll along the famous bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, 
• taste the best macarons in town: Maison Adam

Where to sleep in Saint-Jean-de-Luz? Our hotels ♥️

• Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa, rated 8.9 Superb on Booking and 9.7 for its seafront location
• Boutique Hôtel Txoko, magnificent hotel in the centre rated 8.9 Superb on Booking and 9.6 also for its location 
• Hotel Les Almadies - Coeur de Ville, in the centre rated 9.1 Fabulous on Booking and 9.8 also for its location 

See the pretty village of Espelette and its chilli pepper

If you are wondering what to see in the Basque Country, head to the heart of the hinterland. It is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France", in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Besides its traditional houses, Espelette is above all renowned for its famous red chilli pepper. Its name is moreover protected: Piment d'Espelette AOP.

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What to do? Where to walk in Espelette?

• take a pretty photo in the centre in front of the white façades, 
• go to the Espelette market in the centre of the village (every Wednesday)  
• see the Church of Saint-Étienne and the Château des Barons d'Espelette, 
• Go to the Chilli Pepper Festival.

Go to Bayonne, the capital of the Basque Country

If you come to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, don't miss the town of Bayonne. Known mainly for its ham and the Bayonne festivals, it is nonetheless the historic capital of chocolate in France, yes yes!  

What to see? What to do in Bayonne?

• stroll through the Petit Bayonne district and the medieval lanes of Grand Bayonne, 
• see the old castle (called Gaztelu Zahar), 
• stop at Sainte-Marie Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998,
• stroll along the ramparts dating from Roman times
• try your hand at Basque pelota, 
• taste Basque specialities (rue Pannecau)
• visit the Basque Museum and the History of Bayonne, 
• go to the Bayonne market around the covered halls. 

Stop in Anglet, a charming coastal town

Located in the Province of Labourd, Anglet stretches about 30 kilometres from the ocean to the interior. Like Biarritz, it is above all known for its surf spots and magnificent fine sandy beaches. A peaceful place between forests and ocean.

What to see? What to do in Anglet?

• go to the Quintaou market (Thursday and Sunday mornings) or the Anglet night market
• discover the Parc Izadia in Anglet, at the mouth of the Adour
• settle on the Sables d'Or beach, 
• watch the surfers from Marinella beach, 
• take a gourmet break at the Erroa bakery-patisserie, 
• go to the Halles des 5 Cantons, 
• take the Littoral promenade (or Promenade de la Barre), 
• taste the Basque cake from Maison Pommiers

See Guéthary for its port and coastal path

A magnificent little village on the Aquitaine coast, Guéthary charms with its good vibes and peaceful atmosphere. In the past, the village was mainly oriented towards fishing, and more precisely whale hunting off the coast of the Basque Country. 

What to see? What to do in Guéthary? 

• have an aperitif at the little dry-dock port
• sunbathe on the Alcyons or Cenitz beach, 
• surf on the legendary Parlementia beach, 
• see the pretty neo-Basque-style town hall, 
• walk along the coastal path.

Go to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Close to the Spanish border, at the foot of the legendary Roncevaux Pass, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port lies on the famous Way of St James (Camino de Santiago). 

What to see? What to do in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port? 

• explore its fortified town,
• stroll along the Rue de la Citadelle, 
• see the Porte Saint-Jacques, 
• watch a game of Basque pelota, 
• taste the amatxi, a Lower Navarre institution, one of the best Basque cakes at this address: Artizarra, 12 Avenue Renaud.

Other things to do if you have time: 

• La Rhune, at 905 metres altitude in the Pyrenees range. To get there, take the Rhune Train (an authentic rack railway from 100 years ago). Once at the top, admire a 360° panorama with a few wild Pottoks not far away.

• The Bastan at Bidarray, a 12-kilometre watercourse rising in Spain (ideal for swimming in summer). Don't miss the medieval bridge in the village of Bidarray and the famous Basque cake of Bidarray.
• Socoa and its famous medieval fishing port, located between the bay of Ciboure and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. 
• The Basque Corniche, running from Ciboure to Hendaye to admire breathtaking panoramas lined with cliffs facing the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Château d'Abbadia and the Pointe Sainte-Anne in Urrugne
• Sare, at the foot of the mountains, or Ainhoa, a charming little Basque village. 
• La Bastide-Clairence for its art crafts

What to see in the Spanish Basque Country ? Top 2

Go to San Sebastián 

Spend a day in San Sebastián to soak up its good vibes and feast on pintxos. Spanish Basque cuisine is renowned for it! San Sebastián (Donostia) is located in the Basque Autonomous Community, in the north of Spain. 

What to see? What to do in San Sebastián?

• Stroll through the historic centre of the city
• Walk along the Concha promenade, a must not to be missed
• explore the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro
• Admire the Miramar Palace
• Go to the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, one of the most emblematic in Spain
• Go to Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull to admire the panorama (accessible on foot or by funicular)
• Visit the San Telmo Museum or the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum in Getaria
• See the Tabakalera cultural centre 
• Surf on the Zurriola beach
• taste the Basque burnt cheesecake, a traditional San Sebastián cake

Where to stay in San Sebastián? Our hotels ♥️

• Catalonia Donosti, rated 8.8 Superb on Booking.com with the beach nearby. 
• Zenit Convento San Martin, rated 9.1 Fabulous on Booking.com and 9.6 for its location (150 m from the beach)
• Hotel Tres Reyes San Sebastián, also rated 9.0 Fabulous on Booking.com 

Visit Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum 

Coming to the Spanish Basque coast without visiting the Guggenheim Museum would be a shame, especially as Bilbao is the most important city in the Basque Country on the Spanish side. 

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What to see? What to do in Bilbao?

• Stroll through the old town district: las Siete Calles (also called Zazpi Kaleak) 
• Visit the San Mamés stadium with the Athletic Club de Bilbao museum
• Stroll along the Riverside Docks to reach Casco Viejo (Bilbao's historic centre)
• Go and see the iconic colourful houses of the famous Calle Zuberoa
• Cross the famous Zubizuri bridge
• Visit the Cathedral of Santiago, built in the late 14th century
• Admire the Alhóndiga, designed by the famous designer Starck
• Go to the Arriaga Theatre and explore the Maritime Museum 
• Visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (called Museo de Bellas Artes)

FAQ Visit the Basque Country 

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions 

What are the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country?

Hard to say, but on the French side we would say Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for their authentic charm. On the Spanish side, don't miss San Sebastián. 

What is the most beautiful corner of the Basque Country?

The Basque Country is full of magnificent places, but one of the most beautiful corners is no doubt the coast between Bidart and Hendaye. You will see picturesque little villages such as Guéthary and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The Rhune mountain is also a must-do in the Basque Country. Finally, the French Basque Country and the Spanish Basque Country both offer magnificent landscapes and wild beaches. For a stay, we advise you to visit Biarritz and its surroundings.

What is the most beautiful town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques?

Renowned for its elegance, Biarritz is often considered the most beautiful town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, because it combines the charm of seaside resorts with cultural and historical heritage. We love its varied architecture ranging from Belle Époque style to contemporary villas. If you are wondering what to see in the Basque Country, above all don't miss the Rocher de la Vierge, an emblematic site of Biarritz. 

Which is better, Bayonne or Biarritz?

It all depends on your preferences. If time is short, Biarritz will be perfect for those looking for a chic atmosphere, surf spots with pretty beaches and lively nightlife. Bayonne, on the other hand, offers a more traditional experience with its ramparts, medieval lanes and strong Basque identity. Ideal if you want to come during the popular festivals.

What is the most beautiful town in the French Basque Country?

We would say Saint-Jean-de-Luz for its historic centre, typical Basque houses and lively fishing port. We love its pedestrian streets, local market and many craft shops. An essential place if you want to discover Basque culture.

That's it, our article What to see in the Basque Country ends here. We hope all this information helps you plan your stay in the south-west of France, and more particularly in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎