A Taste of Basque Country: Private Food & Culture Tour from Bordeaux

From a small fishing village, Biarritz became famous in 1854 when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) built a palace on the beach that is today the Hôtel du Palais. This made Biarritz one of the most trendy destinations attracting the British royal family such as Queen Victoria, Edward VII, and other European royalty as Alfonso XIII of Spain.

The resort became even more famous when movie stars such as Charles Chaplin or celebrities like Coco Chanel bought huge 19th century villas and began to live in Biarritz. Moreover, the Basque region of France is somewhat unique as it has preserved much of its traditions and authenticity and this is noticeable through the language, architecture and cultural expression found in the region but even more so in the villages.

Your private tour to the Basque Country

This morning, depart for the authentic French Basque region located south of Bordeaux. Reach the classy resort of Biarritz. After and a stroll through town accompanied by your tour guide, enjoy some free time for personal discovery and lunch. You might want to eat in one of the traditional restaurants that is tucked away in a corner of the small fishing port.

Option 1 - Saint Jean de Luz & the Coastal Road

In the afternoon, your guide will suggest different options such as a visit to Saint Jean de Luz town, a drive along the coastal road with its fascinating landscapes and during which you could experience a unique wine tasting session of wines that are aged in the Ocean.

Option 2 - Basque Countryside & Villages

Another option is to head inland to visit some of the most traditional Basque villages that have kept their authenticity through time. Villages such as Ainhoa, Sare or Espelette are a real treat for those discovering the French Basque region for the first time.

Option 3 - Visit Bayonne & taste the original Hot Chocolate recipe

Finally, you could also reach Bayonne, the local Capital, and meander through its narrow streets that will immerse you in the Basque Culture. Good to know: you can experience a great Hot Chocolate tasting here as the town is famous for being the first French city where Chocolate arrived perpetuating the tradition ever since!

For those that really want to fully experience this area we have a fantastic Bordeaux to San Sebastian Travel package. The package includes Bordeaux wine tasting tours in Saint Emilion and the Medoc, visits in the French Basque country such as Saint Jean Pied de Port,  a stay in San Sebastian including a wine tour to La Rioja wine region. Stay in luxury hotels and taste some delicious food & famous wines on this unique Travel Package.