The Basque Country

..Wild coastline, tradition and gastronomy

The oldest region with richest culture

The Basque country is one of Europe’s oldest and most culturally rich regions. Home to some of the world’s finest food, beaches in natural settings, and avant-garde architecture, it’s simply breathtaking. The coastal region of the Spanish and French Basque country is stunning: it offers spectacular, sheer cliffs, pretty fishing harbours and some of the very best beaches in Spain. Local culture and traditions are so strong and important in this region, it’s no surprise that the Basques have long claimed independence! One thing is certain: private Basque country tours led by experts will help you to encounter the region at its authentic, and luxurious, best.

5000 +

years of history

hikes and walks

0 /3

speaks basque

golf fields

You're dreaming of …

Gastronomy...

The region has an exceptionally high concentration of restaurants with Michelin stars, making it an ideal destination for food lovers. The local gastronomy of the Basque Country is a combination of French and Spanish dishes, including pintxos (tapas). Cured ham from Bayonne is world-famous, the rind rubbed with crushed pimentos from nearby Espelette. You will find all kinds of scrumptious charcuterie, as well as sausages, snails, grilled calamari, Basque cakes, delicious sheep’s milk cheese, and fine wines from the Irouleguy vineyards.

French Basque Country is in close reach of the Atlantic Ocean, so it is litte surprise that fresh fish, oysters and all kinds of shellfish form the core of regional cuisine and gastronomy. Should your taste buds long for the unknown, surely here they will find unsurpassed delight. The Basques enjoy their spices and uncommon blends of flavours. Want to enjoy a food tour in the region?

Here is one of our best past tours, organised exclusively for a client. Why not create your own?

Read On: An Outstanding Food Tour Across the Basque Countryside

History and Culture...

The Basque Country has been an independent nation for much of its history and has more in common with the nearby regions of Spain, including language, architecture, symbolic colours, and sports.

When the Romans arrived they were met by the Basques, who had settled there centuries earlier. There are important Neolithic remains in French Basque Country. In the second half of the fourth millennium BC, megalithic culture appeared.

Fiercely protective of their history and culture, the patriotic people of the Basque Country are among the most welcoming and proud in Europe and enjoy a relaxed, festive way of life. It is not unusual to find hand-crafted embroidery among the artisan products available in markets and boutiques in the region.

The local people have their own language, whose origins remain obscure to this day. The culture of both Spanish and French Basque country is rich; the Romans already spoke of it two thousand years ago. Their music is especially unusual to our modern ears: bewitching and unforgettable, it evokes the ambience of centuries long past.

Read On: Have a Glimpse at the Different Regional Cultures Of France

Wine Tasting...

If new and unusual wines interest you, you will find many in native to Basque country which are quite out of the ordinary. The local vineyards are vast, whether it be on the French or the Spanish side of the border. They have been developed and carefully cultivated since the Middle Ages. However, their history goes back much further, well before the Romans set foot in the region.

The Bituriges established their cultivation by selecting plants of quality which grew well in coastal areas in a damp climate. Their success has proved to one and all the extent of their forward-thinking practices.
The rosés, thirst-quenching, round and fruity, are pleasantly fragrant. Finally, the whites, a minority in terms of volume, are no less interesting. Between fat, freshness, exotic fruits, spices and floral touches, it is difficult not to be tempted.

All these wines are generally characterized by a particularly present acidity and bitterness, a delight when balance is reached.
Irouleguy is the most produced wine of the region, unique, confusing and of an irreproachable quality. It is particularly appreciated by enthusiasts who don’t hesitate to make it discover during meal tasting.

Going back in time...

Discover the stark contrast between the modernity of Bilbao and the untamed rugged areas of the Basque hinterland. If you take the time, you will find people using methods long since surpassed by machines in the rest of Europe. It is not unusual to find hand-crafted embroidery among the artisan products available in markets and boutiques in the region.

Read On: Why Choose Tours By Local For Your Next French Gateway

Flora and fauna...

Edged by the brilliant blue Bay of Biscay and the craggy foothills of the Pyrenees, the Basque Country feels one step removed from the rest of France.

Should you be looking for breathtaking natural landscapes, you will find everything you are looking for here. Wild animals still roam the mountain slopes, and birds soar overhead searching for their prey. Wildflowers, which have disappeared in much of the country, still flourish here in total unhampered peace.

From the majesty of its rugged mountains, its beautiful gorges to its stunning coast and some of the very best beaches of the country, from rivers and waterfalls to well preserved forests and verdant hinterland, the region remains a world unto itself.

A hiking tour in Basque country is always an excellent idea, as are tours by bike or 2CV car. The area is ideal for peace seekers, as it is much less touristy than in many other regions. The possibilities for outdoor adventures are nearly endless…

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Client reviews

What do people say?

Marie, we are back to Monaco and I’m writing to you to say thank you for a great day we spend at Vougeot. All our friends are absolutely happy with the experience at this beautiful countryside of Bourgogne. The Citroen driving is definitely something, that we never tried before and it was so much fun! All our group and me personally would like to thank you Marie for a wonderful journey 😊 We plan to visit Bretagne in the end of May for my husband birthday, would you be interested to organize another trip for us? Hope you've got back home safely, maybe we could meet in Nice for a coffee sometimes 😉Best regards,

S. I. stroll in the Burgundy vineyards and decadent tasting

What a trip! The honeymoon was wonderful, and planned incredibly well, we can’t think of anything wrong.The detail on the itinerary was perfect and the guides were outstanding. Everyone was very knowledgeable and easy going. The special tours and lunches were just that, very special. Lots of memories to keep!Thank you again for helping me plan a successful honeymoon.I look forward to the next trip. We will contact you for any France trips in the future.Thanks!

Davis F. 3 weeks Honeymoon throughout France and Switzerland

I just wanted to drop a note to say thank you so much for our wonderful tour. We all enjoyed every minute of it. In fact we were struggling to pinpoint what was our favourite moment as it was all perfect.Christine was such a lovely and knowledgeable person with great humour, she kept us entertained and we now know a lot of French history. So fascinating 😊And Vincent was just wonderful, he attended to our needs perfectly and we enjoyed his company too.So definitely 14 very happy ladies who didn’t want to return home. (The weather was fabulous too!)Many thanks again!

R. L. 14 best friends on an exclusive private tour in Champagne