The Pays Basque is located in the southwest of France, on the border with Spain and the Spanish Basque country. Visitors to this part of the country will notice that the culture, food and even the language is different to the rest of France, and many of the Basques feel they have more in common with their neighbours across the border than with other French people! However, the spirit of Basque nationalism is not as strong on the French side of the border and most people still speak French on a daily basis, rather than the Basque language, Euskadi. The Pays Basque Interieur is a mountainous region in the foothills of the Pyrenees, with some of the most outstanding scenery in the whole of France. Always popular with walkers and cyclists, who see the hills as a major challenge, the Pays Basque Interieur is also dotted with picturesque hilltop villages and historical fortified towns.
There are two smaller regions within the Pays Basque Interieur. Labourd is home to the historic towns of Bayonne and St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, which are connected by a train line that is popular with tourists. Bayonne itself is a medieval fortified town, with many of the original ramparts and towers still standing. There is a museum of Basque culture and history and Bayonne hosts a Basque culture festival every August. St-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a picturesque town with many of its oldest houses hanging over the River Nive. There is an important 14th century church in the town, which is on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route, as are many of the largest religious buildings in the region. La Rhune is the peak which dominates the Labourd region and offers the best views of the Pays Basque Interieur, all the way to the Cote Basque. The mountain can be climbed in around three hours, or there is a small tourist train that runs to the very top too.
The Haute Soule further east is a wilder, more unspoilt region, with huge wooded areas, deep gorges and few towns. Most people staying in this area bring their own accommodation, and there are several great camping spots where you can often be the only people staying even in summer. The town of Larrau is one of the largest in Haute Soule, though the main reason to visit is to stock up on supplies or to start on one of the many walking trails that make their way from the town to the Holzarte and Kakouetta gorges that are on the outskirts. A 180 metre-high rope bridge is the first obstacle to tackle on the six hour walk to these beautiful natural gorges, which offer stunning scenery and plenty of local wildlife.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Pays Basque Interieur? Then below is a selection of gites in Pays Basque Interieur and villas in Pays Basque Interieur 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.
