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A key appeal of the French Basque country is the ability to enjoy a wide range of activities,
landscapes and experiences all within a small driving distance: no more than a 20
minute drive to go from towns to villages, from ocean to mountains, from France to Spain. Do not try to do it all in one trip. The idea is to slow down and see the world go by. Come back many times and experience some more .
Here is a sample of what you can do:
History & Architecture
Outdoor & Leisure activities
- Water sports in the sea, lakes or rivers: swimming, surfing,
white water rafting, deep-sea fishing, diving, sailing etc…
- Golfing at favourite spots for golfers in continental Europe: 6 courses to choose from within 15 minutes or 11 courses within an hour’s drive and
a renowned international training centre.
Check out the Golfers & Friends programs.
- Mountain-based activities: hiking, horseback riding, canyoning, all-terrain adventures etc…Hikers will find a rich selection of marked trails catering to every level throughout the Pyrénées, including the Spanish GR11 and the French GR10, which are coast to coast long distance footpaths (Atlantic to Mediterranean). You can hike on your own, hire a local guide or join one of the many day outings organized by local hiking clubs.
- You are in the European capital of surfing. English-speaking pros will teach you the basics or perfect your style at a wide variety of surfing spots, and you can do this year-round.
Snowboarders can't turn down this opportunity, and neither can strong swimmers in search of adventure.
- Cyclists will find easy trails by the beach and
challenging but scenic training grounds along the coastal
mountains. Col d'Aubisque, Col du Somport, Tourmalet, just a 90
minute drive from the coast, will give cyclists Tour de France
shivers. Knowledgeable regional bike shops and various amateur cycling clubs can provide appropriate logistical support and an injection of passion and camaraderie.
- Learning the regional sport of pelote basque or the local dances
- Attending a rugby game in THE rugby region of France.
Check out the 2007 Rugby World Cup
- Skiing in the Pyrénées from December to April, a 90 minute drive from the coast
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Gastronomy
Art of Living & Wellbeing
Main cultural and sporting events
There are many opportunities to mingle and celebrate life with the locals:
- at food oriented festivals: where a specific food provides a perfect excuse for eating local specialties in the streets while listening to music
- at sport competitions (hiking, golfing, surfing, fishing, swimming etc…) that often end with a meal somewhere
- at town fiestas, we call ‘fêtes de village’, as each town and village has a 3 to 5 day celebration every year with again more food, music and outdoor dancing
- at Basque festivals for those of us interested in understanding the literature, the music, the singing and the sports of this ancient culture
- at nationally renowned music festivals with choral singing and classical music in beautiful
venues: Musique en Côte basque festival in late August-early
September, International Festival of Choral Singing late
October . Singing and music making are an important form of
expression for locals.
- Movie buffs? check out the International La Cita Film Festival
on Latin American culture in Biarritz in october, or the International
Film Festival for young movie directors in St Jean de Luz
And with kids?
Check
villa rental
family - friends reunion
small private group
self-guided trips
nearby region
And Paris?
and explore vacation ideas
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