The Enchanting Pays Basque: France's Best-Kept Secret

• HelloKaixo
  [ka-ee-sho]
• GoodbyeAgur
  [a-goor]
• YesBai
  [bye]
• NoEz
  [ez]
• Please/You're welcomeMesedez
  [meh-seh-dez]
• Thank youEskerrik asko
  [es-ke-rik as-ko]
• Excuse me/SorryBarkatu
  [bar-ka-too]
• How are you?Zer moduz?
  [zehr mo-dooz]
• Fine. And you?Ondo. Eta zu?
  [on-do. eh-ta zoo]
• Do you speak English?Ingelesa hitz egiten duzu?
  [in-ge-le-sa hitz eh-gee-ten doo-zoo]
• I don't understandEz dut ulertzen
  [ez doot u-lehr-tzen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenua ikusi nahi nuke, mesedez
  [me-nu-a ee-koo-see na-hee noo-ke, meh-seh-dez]
• I don't eat meatEz jaten nahi dut haragia
  [ez ja-ten na-hee doot ha-ra-gia]
• Cheers!Topa!
  [toh-pa]
• I would like to pay, pleaseOrdaintzeko nahi nuke, mesedez
  [or-dain-tze-ko na-hee noo-ke, meh-seh-dez]

• Help!Lagundu!
  [la-gun-doo]
• Go away!Joan zaitez!
  [jo-an zai-tez]
• Call the Police!Deitu poliziari!
  [dei-tu po-li-zi-a-ri]
• Call a doctor!Deitu medikuari!
  [dei-tu me-di-kua-ri]
• I'm lostNirea galdu naiz
  [ni-re-a ga-ldu na-iz]
• I'm illGaixo nago
  [ga-i-sho na-go]

• I'd like to buy...Erosi nahi nuke...
  [eh-ro-see na-hee noo-ke]
• I'm just lookingBakarrik begiratzen
  [ba-ka-rrick beh-gee-rat-zen]
• How much is it?Zenbat balio du?
  [zen-bat ba-li-o doo]
• That's too expensiveDemasiado garesti da
  [de-ma-sia-do ga-res-tee da]
• Can you lower the price?Prezioa jaitsi dezakezu?
  [pre-zi-oa hai-tsi de-za-ke-zoo]

• What time is it?Zer ordu da?
  [zehr or-du da]
• It's one o'clockBatetik
  [ba-te-tik]
• Half past (10)Hamarretik erdi aldera
  [ha-mar-re-tik er-di al-de-ra]
• MorningGoizean
  [goi-ze-an]
• AfternoonArratsaldean
  [a-rat-sal-de-an]
• EveningArratsaldean
  [a-rat-sal-de-an]
• YesterdayAtzo
  [at-so]
• TodayGaur
  [gaur]
• TomorrowBihar
  [bi-har]
• 1Bat
  [bat]
• 2Bi
  [bee]
• 3Hiru
  [hi-ru]
• 4Lau
  [lau]
• 5Bost
  [bost]
• 6Sei
  [sei]
• 7Zazpi
  [zaz-pi]
• 8Zortzi
  [zor-tzi]
• 9Bederatzi
  [be-de-ra-tzi]
• 10Hamar
  [ha-mar]

• Where's a/the...?Non dago...?
  [non da-go]
• What's the address?Zer da helbidea?
  [zehr da hel-bi-de-a]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Erakutsi al zentzu?
  [e-ra-kut-si al zen-tzu]
• When's the next (bus)?Noiz dator hurrengoa (autobusa)?
  [no-iz da-tor ur-ren-go-a (au-to-bu-sa)]
• A ticket (to ....)Billete bat (....ra)
  [bi-ye-te bat (ra)]

The Pays Basque, or Basque Country, boasts some of the earliest human settlements in Europe. Evidence of this is found in the numerous prehistoric caves scattered throughout the region. The most notable is the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves, where artifacts such as stone tools, carvings, and ancient art reveal a thriving community dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period.

During the Roman Empire, the Pays Basque was part of the province of Aquitania. The Romans introduced new technologies and infrastructure, including roads and bridges, which facilitated trade and communication. However, the rugged terrain and fiercely independent spirit of the Basque people ensured that Roman influence remained limited.

In the Middle Ages, the Pays Basque was part of the Kingdom of Navarre, a significant medieval state. The region's strategic location made it a vital area for trade and military campaigns. Castles and fortifications, such as the Château d'Abbadie in Hendaye, reflect this turbulent period. The Basque language and culture flourished during this time, laying the foundation for the region's strong sense of identity.

From the 16th century onwards, Basque sailors became renowned for their whaling and fishing prowess. They ventured as far as Newfoundland and Iceland, establishing settlements and trade routes. The port towns of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure became bustling centers of maritime activity. This seafaring heritage is still celebrated today, with local festivals and museums dedicated to the Basque maritime tradition.

The French Revolution brought significant changes to the Pays Basque. The region was integrated into the newly formed French Republic, and the traditional feudal system was dismantled. Despite these changes, the Basque people retained their distinct cultural identity, continuing to speak the Basque language and maintain their unique customs and traditions.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of Basque nationalism. Influenced by broader European nationalist movements, Basque intellectuals and activists sought to preserve and promote Basque culture, language, and autonomy. This period saw the establishment of cultural organizations and the publication of Basque literature and newspapers.

During World War II, the Pays Basque became a focal point for resistance against Nazi occupation. The region's mountainous terrain provided a refuge for resistance fighters and facilitated clandestine activities. Many Basques played a crucial role in supporting Allied operations, including aiding the escape of downed airmen and smuggling intelligence across the border.

In recent decades, the Pays Basque has experienced a cultural renaissance. Efforts to preserve the Basque language, Euskara, have intensified, with bilingual education programs and cultural initiatives. Festivals such as Fêtes de Bayonne and traditional sports like pelota and Basque rural sports continue to thrive, showcasing the vibrant and enduring Basque culture.

Pays Basque in France is accessible by multiple modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Biarritz Pays Basque Airport, which is well-connected to various European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transport to reach your destination within the region. Alternatively, the region is well-served by trains, with major stations in Bayonne and Biarritz connected to the French high-speed TGV network. For those driving, the A63 highway runs through the region, making it easily accessible by car.

Within Pays Basque, transportation options include local buses, regional trains, taxis, and car rentals. The local bus network, Chronoplus, operates in and around major towns like Bayonne, Biarritz, and Anglet. Regional trains connect smaller towns and offer scenic routes through the region. Taxis are available but can be expensive for long distances. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the more remote areas at your own pace.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in towns and cities. Contactless payments and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also commonly accepted.

Pays Basque is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. Local police stations and medical facilities are available in towns like Bayonne and Biarritz. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and some pharmacists can provide basic medical advice.

Fashion: Do dress casually but smartly; avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in churches. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful on public transport. Offer your seat to elderly passengers and do not eat or drink on buses and trains. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Basque cuisine and wines. Don't rush meals; dining is often a leisurely and social affair.

To experience Pays Basque like a local, visit the traditional markets in towns like Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Bayonne, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the local festivals, such as the Fêtes de Bayonne, to fully immerse yourself in Basque culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking in the Pyrenees or surfing on the coast are must-do activities.