Sitting on the Spanish border in the southwest of France, the Cote-Basque region is a small stretch of coastline where the Pyrenees mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery in this part of France is stunning, whether you stay by the coast or venture further afield into the mountains. Cycling and walking are both popular ways to explore the region, while there are plenty of beaches if you prefer to spend your holidays relaxing in the sunshine. Try out Basque and Spanish cuisine in the Cote Basque restaurants, which are always well stocked with fresh, local seafood.
The two most popular holiday resorts on the Cote Basque are Biarritz and St Jean de Luz. Of course, there are other smaller and quieter towns with their own beaches, but the two main towns have a wider selection of accommodations, restaurants and family entertainment. Biarritz is home to some opulent 19th century holiday villas and was popular with rich British tourists into the early 20th century. The wide promenade would look more at home on the Cote d'Azur, but the scenery is definitely the wilder Cote Basque! Home to some of the best restaurants in the region, as well as art galleries, it is a great place to try water sports like surfing and sailing. St Jean de Luz was once a small fishing port, rather than a playground for the rich and famous, but it is now a popular family destination. Long stretches of sand and lots of family-friendly activities, such as mini golf, summer carnivals and pony rides, make it a great place for a holiday if you have kids.
However, if you don't want to spend your whole two-week holiday on the beach, you only need to travel a few kilometres inland to find some of the most beautiful scenery and villages n France. The fortified town of Bayonne, the capital of the French Basque country, is close to Biarritz, yet few tourists bother to make the short trip. The town’s walls and towers are still standing, as is the impressive 12th century cathedral. There is a Basque museum in the town, which also hosts its own festival dedicated to Basque culture each August.
For those who prefer more natural attractions, there are dozens of hiking routes either along the coats itself, or just inland in the foothills of the Pyrenees. For a real challenger, try the 25 kilometre path from Bidart to Hendaye along the coast or climb to the top of La Rhune, the highest peak in this part of the Pyrenees. If the walk is too much, there is also a small tourist train that takes visitors to the top, so that everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Cote Basque? Then below is a selection of gites in Cote Basque and villas in Cote Basque that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
