Unspoiled FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRYSIDE - Private Cultural Adeventure

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, ES
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Excellent (3 reviews)

Highlights

  • Explore the medieval streets of Saint Jean Pied de Port
  • Visit Bidarray and its medieval church
  • Discover the history and flavors of Espelette
  • Experience the beauty and tranquility of Ainhoa
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture and gastronomy

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Arima Hotel & Spa
Aristondo
Arrizul Congress Hotel
Axel Hotel San Sebastian
B&B HOTEL Donostia San Sebastian Aeropuerto
Barcelo Costa Vasca
Casual del Jazz San Sebastian
Codina Sercotel Hotel
Gudamendi Hotel
Gurutze Berri
Hostal Alemana
Hostal Bahia
Hostal Eder 2
Hostal Fernando
Hostal La Concha
Hostal Ozkariz
Hostal Residencia La Estrella
Hotel & Thalasso Villa Antilla
Hotel Akelarre
Hotel Alcazar Irun Centro Ciudad
Hotel Anoeta
Hotel Arrizul Beach
Hotel Atalaia
Hotel Avenida
Hotel Bista Eder
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel Elizalde
Hotel Ezeiza
Hotel Jaizkibel
Hotel K10
Hotel Karlos Arguinano
Hotel Leku Eder
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian
Hotel Monte Ulia
Hotel Nicol's
Hotel Niza
Hotel One Shot Tabakalera House
Hotel Palacio De Aiete
Hotel Punta Monpas
Hotel Roca Mollarri
Hotel San Sebastian Orly Affiliated by Melia
Hotel Terminus
Hotel Txanka Erreka
Hotel Txartel
Hotel Villa Soro
Hotel Zaragoza Plaza
Hotel Zarauz
Hotel Zenit San Sebastian
Hotel Zinema7
I will contact the supplier later
Ibai Accomodations
Ibiltze Hotel Lasarte
Ibis Irun Hotel
ILUNION San Sebastian
Intelier Victoria
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Mercure San Sebastian Monte Igueldo
New Berri Hostal
NH Collection San Sebastian Aranzazu
Parma Hotel
Pension Aires
Pension Anoeta
Pension Basic Confort
Pension Bowling
Pension Edorta
Pension Kaia
Room Mate Gorka
Rural Farmhouse Aristondo
Sercotel Apartamentos Europa
Sercotel Hotel Europa
Silken Amara Plaza San Sebastian
Somn Hipsuites Ondarreta
Txartel
Urdanibia Park Hotel
Villa Lorenea
Pick up from different locations is possible for an extra charge.

What to expect

1

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port has been watching pilgrims go to Santiago for more than 1,000 years. Some are getting nervous because one of the hardest and most complex stages of the entire French section of the Camino, los puertos de Cize, awaits them. You have nothing to fear because, although the town hides a few slopes, we’ll calmly show you the cobbled and medieval streets of Saint Jean, the Romanesque cathedral, the stone bridge over the River Nive and the 17th-century citadel.

Duration 45 minutes
2

Bidarray

The river Nive will lead us to our new destination: Bidarray, with its medieval church built of the pink stone characteristic of this area, rising up in the highest part of town and characterized by its portico. Why a porch? So that the faithful can meet for chats (before or after mass), covered and safe from the rain so frequent here (whence comes the lush green landscape…).

Duration 30 minutes
3

Espelette

Espelette would be just one more adorable town in the south of France, with its cobbled streets and white houses with brightly colored picture windows, if it weren't for a distinguishing fact: in the 16th century, someone brought small peppers from South America and discovered that the climate of the area was ideal for their cultivation. Little by little, Espelette chilis were introduced into Basque-French cuisine, replacing other spices that had to be bought abroad, such as paprika and black pepper, and turning the town's balconies into makeshift drying rooms. Where shall we go? Very simple: to the restaurant where we’ll taste delicious French specialties, family-owned and operated for five generations (since the 17th-century!), and where we’ll discover why they bless the Espelette pepper.

Duration 75 minutes
4

Ainhoa

Ainhoa ​​is a very common Basque name. It’s also the name of one of the most beautiful villages in France. This beauty is evident the minute you set foot here: a street flanked by immaculate houses, and an atmosphere so relaxed that the headstones of the local cemetery are located in the very center, next to the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (of course we’ll catch the Gregorian chants) and the town frontón. We’ll also see some examples of houses built by “los Indianos” (Basque emigrants who made their fortunes in the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries) upon their return to the village.

Duration 30 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Specialized infant seats are available
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessibility is extra paid - contact for details
  • Additional information
    Please carry your passport or your European Union ID
Provided by Ikusnahi Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try local Espelette pepper dishes.
  • icon
    Visit the charming cafes in Ainhoa.
  • icon
    Explore the medieval streets of Saint-Jean.
  • icon
    Bring a camera for stunning landscapes.
  • icon
    Check out Bidarray's pink stone church.

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