Walking holidays in French Basque Country

An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the French Basque Country is a chance to explore this rural and picturesque region of France. One of the French Basque Country's great attractions is the close proximity of sea and country. The coastline is dramatic, with its wide sweeps of sandy beaches, cliffs and fishing harbours, beautiful sunsets over the sea and the Atlantic surf breaking on rocky outcrops; yet just a few minutes' drive inland are green, rolling hills, streams and rivers and flower filled pastures. The Basque identity of this region is apparent; the place names, the local accents, the Basque colours of the red and green timbered houses of villages where pelota is played regularly and in locally woven linens. Pimentos hanging from houses are a common sight as are locals in traditional costume for festivals and feast days. We loved the Basque Country from the moment we first visited it. The luxury hotels in the Basque Country which we recommend are located in and around St Jean de Luz, an old fishing port with wide sandy beaches. An excellent way to explore the Basque country is by car, perhaps also visiting other parts of southern France including Carcassonne and Bordeaux or venturing into Spain for a touring holiday including Northern Spain and French Catalonia.