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French Basque Countryside Private tour

5 (4)

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, FR

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Experience the charm and beauty of the French Basque countryside on a private tour that will transport you back in time. Discover small, enchanting villages that seem frozen in a fairytale, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. Starting from Spain, you'll cross the border into France and embark on a scenic drive that will lead you to the picturesque town of Saint Jean Pied de Port, known for its medieval streets and historical significance. Immerse yourself in the pilgrim's footsteps as you explore this charming town and continue your journey to the stunning village of Bidarray, where you can admire the Pyrenees from the church's promenade. Then, traverse a fascinating back-road that will take you to Espelette, famous for its traditional Basque architecture. Before concluding the tour, visit Bayonne, a melting pot of French, Basque, Gascon, and Jewish cultures, where you can soak in the exceptional cultural heritage. Allow yourself to be captivated by the beauty and history of the French Basque countryside on this unforgettable private tour.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
8 hours - 9 hours
Suitable for 2-7 Participants
Private Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Experience the charm of small fairy tale villages
Cross the border from Spain into France
Explore the picturesque town of Bidarray
Take a fascinating back-road to Espelette
Discover Bayonne's exceptional cultural heritage

Included

Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
All fees and taxes
Local basque driver/guide
Private group

Not included

Lunch
Any other not specified item

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the charm and beauty of the French Basque countryside with the captivating French Basque Countryside Private tour. This exclusive tour takes you on a journey through time, allowing you to discover small fairy tale villages that have been frozen in time. As you venture from Spain into France, you will be enchanted by the idyllic landscapes, picturesque towns, and rich cultural heritage of this lesser-known region.

What to expect?

During this immersive tour, you can anticipate truly enchanting experiences. Explore the medieval streets of Saint Jean Pied de Port, a town steeped in history and a stronghold for the Kingdom of Navarre. As you follow in the footsteps of pilgrims, you'll soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way. Marvel at the stunning views from the town and visit a 12th-century church, immersing yourself in centuries of architectural beauty. The journey continues as you make your way to the quaint town of Bidarray, where you can admire the majestic Pyrenees from the church's promenade. Travel along a fascinating back-road route that leads you to Espelette, known for its vibrant red peppers and charming Basque houses. Lastly, stop in Bayonne, a cultural melting pot boasting a captivating blend of French, Basque, Gascon, and Jewish cultures.

Who is this for?

The French Basque Countryside Private tour is designed for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure and a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, this tour offers something for everyone. Embrace the slower pace, immerse yourself in local culture, and discover the hidden gems that only an experienced traveler could uncover.

Why book this?

This tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the lesser-known treasures of the French Basque countryside. With an experienced guide leading the way, you can bypass the typical tourist spots and uncover the authentic essence of this enchanting region. From the medieval streets of Saint Jean Pied de Port to the picturesque town of Bidarray, every step of the journey is filled with awe-inspiring sights and fascinating stories. Immerse yourself in centuries of history, marvel at breathtaking views, and savor the flavors of Basque cuisine. This tour promises an unforgettable and immersive experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Good to know

The French Basque Countryside Private tour has a total duration of 480 to 540 minutes, allowing you ample time to explore each destination at a relaxed pace. Be prepared for a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes along the way. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes as you stroll through medieval streets and take in the sights. Don't forget your camera to capture the postcard-worthy vistas that await you at every turn.

Reviews

Feedback from individuals who have embarked on the French Basque Countryside Private tour has been overwhelmingly positive. Travelers express their appreciation for the knowledgeable guides who bring each destination to life with fascinating historical anecdotes and local insights. Many reviewers highlight the beauty of the villages and the sense of stepping back in time. Overall, this tour is praised for providing an authentic and immersive experience in an idyllic corner of France.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Your Itinerary

La Citadelle de Saint Jean Pied de Port

Walk the medieval streets

Bidarray/Bidarrai

Enjoy the views from the town and visit the church from the 12th century

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant participants
Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews

(4)

5 (4)

Shelby_M

This was an unexpected treat during my visit to Spain! Spending time relaxing over a coffee or tea in a small French village, and enjoying a small taste of this facet of Basque culture was a great way to unwind. The tour operator, baskme (Andoni), is an excellent source for tours with a different perspective!

OdetteCF

When I was looking for a private guide for the Basque Country, Andoni made the best impression among those I contacted by his very prompt replies. One guide took days to respond, while another never responded at all. Andoni, on the other hand, returned my emails very quickly and with very helpful information. I had an ambitious list of places I wanted to see with very little time, and he designed itineraries that covered my wish list and allowed for reasonable amounts of time at each destination. The only thing that hurried us up in one instance was a sudden downpour while we were at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (and even then, he still took time to shoot our photo). I had booked three day trips for a group of eight people. One trip had to be cancelled due to a drastic flight change. The two trips we did have were both wonderful and enriching: One covered Pamplona, St Jean Pied-de-Port, and Bayonne; the other covered the Basque Coast between San Sebastian and Bilbao. During both days, Andoni walked us around while giving us historical bits about the areas we visited, gamely took group photos, took us to good restaurants for pintxos, and recommended other restaurants where we went outside of the tours. He even did us the great favour of booking our taxis for a cider house meal that we had reserved separately. Andoni is very warm and engaging, with interesting stories about his own life, making our time with him very enjoyable. Easy to reach, accommodating, personable, knowledgeable, goes the extra mile… what’s not to like? Look him up if you’re visiting San Sebastian. I give him five sparkling stars!

rreame

Andoni and Iker were fabulous on the three tours that we booked. Their knowledge of history and the current local scene is unparalleled. Both gentlemen are very easy to understand as they are fluent in English. They tours were completely designed with our input. Their knowledge of cuisine and wine provided us with complete up to date information on the current dining scene. The area is known as one of the best in the world for a gastronomic experience. Great personalities as well. Highly recommend.

klconley

Baskme was recommended by our hotel in San Sebastian. Andoni did a great job of customizing our day to exactly what we hoped to see, adding two lovely additional stops along the way. He also gave us some great recommendations for restaurants/pintxos in San Sebastian. We highly recommend.

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2024-06-28 10:16