Walking holidays in French Basque Country

Self-guided walking holidays in French Basque Country with luggage transfer staying at authentic hotels

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.

Our walking holidays offer

● Self-guided with luggage transfer
● Have extra nights added before, during and after
● Full route notes and maps

Additional special interests catered for

● Wine and food
● Culture
● Cycling

Included in all our walking holidays

● Concierge service
● Route notes describing the trail
● Maps

Call us on 01392 441266

Highlights of French Basque Country

Sample traditions such as pelota and pimento festivals. Local crafts such as the makhila walking stick, fine linens and Thalassotherapy are also available throughout the region. There are excellent golf courses and sandy beaches. Notice the red and green timbered houses.

Climate of French Basque Country

Average air temperatures by month in centigrade: Jan: 10.0, Feb: 9.4, Mar: 12.2, Apr: 19.5, May: 18.0, Jun: 23.7, Jul: 27.2, Aug: 25.7, Sep: 24.2, Oct: 19.7, Nov: 15.4, Dec: 11.0.
Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.

French Basque Country travel information

French Basque Country is reached very easily from the UK by air and rail. We can arrange for you to travel by train with overnight stops. Some clients choose to take their own car all the way.

By air

Bordeaux is the closest direct international airport. Allow about 3 hours' drive to the hotels.

Self-drive

Take the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao with P&O or from Plymouth to Santander with Brittany Ferries. We can arrange for you to arrive in Spain by ferry but to return via the French western Channel ports. If driving from Calais we recommend at least two nights en route each way. Ask us for overnight stop recommendations.

Our walking holidays offer

● Self-guided with luggage transfer
● Have extra nights added before, during and after
● Full route notes and maps

Additional special interests catered for

● Wine and food
● Culture
● Cycling

Included in all our walking holidays

● Concierge service
● Route notes describing the trail
● Maps

Call us on 01392 441266

Here you will find a map of French Basque Country showing the locations of the hotels that we offer

Our walking holidays offer

● Self-guided with luggage transfer
● Have extra nights added before, during and after
● Full route notes and maps

Additional special interests catered for

● Wine and food
● Culture
● Cycling

Included in all our walking holidays

● Concierge service
● Route notes describing the trail
● Maps

Call us on 01392 441266