The French Basque Country, stretches from the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean at the foot of the Pyrenees along the border with Spain to the Soule valley (afterwards, you are in Béarn!).
From Biarritz on the Basque Coast, you cross Bidart to reach Guéthary, a fishing village, a small seaside resort at the gates of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Saint Jean de Luz was chosen to be the scene of the royal wedding of Louis XIV and the Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660.
We then discover Ciboure where Maurice Ravel was born, Hendaye which is reached by the famous road of the cornice facing the ocean and Urrugne which houses the castle of Urtubie inhabited by the same family since 1341.
Very close to Spain, Biriatou, perched on a hill, has sloping streets, a pink sandstone church and a pediment standing on the square. Inland, Ascain saw the birth of Pierre Loti's hero, "Ramuntxo", and the growth of many Basque pelota champions.
In the interior of the Basque Country, Sare at the foot of the Rhune, known for its smuggling activity, offers half-timbered farms dating from the 17th century. It is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, such as the bastide town of Aïnhoa with its unique street lined with half-timbered houses that leads to Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle and its Basque pelota museum.
→ Here are some of the villages of the French Basque Country that you can discover just a few hours away from the Pays de Nay.