Heading to the Basque Country that borders France and Spain (three decades later), we are immediately transported to our twenty something selves, as all the French and Spanish feels come gushing back.
There’s something about the Basque Country from the flavors (and wine) of Bordeaux on the French side to the cultural mecca of Bilbao on the Spanish side. The fact that you can have breakfast in Biarritz, France and lunch in San Sebastian, Spain on the same day is what the Basque region is all about.
Basque culture runs deep through the souls of the people, connected by their own dialect, food, wine, oh and did we mention the natural cider? A traditional Basque drink, the cider is non-aerated, an organic apple cider that hits similar notes of the Georgian orange wines.
We visit a traditional cider house in the hills beyond San Sebastian, Petrigegi, where we brush up on our Spanish as literally no-one speaks English. The age-old house boasts a cellar door, a dining hall with an open chargrill (with some of the best beef we’ve ever tasted), and is surrounded by orchards growing a variety of apples.
A short drive back to San Sebastian, we stay in a local neighborhood hotel, Silken Amara, close to the CBD and old city. We book an authentic tapas tour and explore the old town, wandering and tasting pintxos and tapas along the way. Paired with an organic cider and local Txakolu, a traditional white wine of the Basque country.
The history of Pintxos dates back to the early 1900s when the delicacy was introduced to the Basque people. Originating in San Sebastian, pintxos translates to toothpick, an appetizer style to be eaten at the bar. Tapas came before the pintxos and is a small plate of food to be shared with a drink, pre-dinner.
The Basque Country is all about nature, from the hinterland hamlets to the stunning surf beaches like Mundaka, Gros, Biarritz, and Hossegor, renowned for the Quicksilver Pro Surf Festival. The ideal way to explore the Basque Country is by car. We go with the trusty Sixit hire company, pick up in Bordeaux and drop off in San Sebastian – a short drive, with no border woes – thanks to the advent of the EU.
The broader Basque country takes in the picturesque Pyrenees that straddles the west border of France and Spain. The region extends from the mountains to the Bay of Biscay, between the Southwest coast of France and the Northwest coast of Spain.
Modern Basque comprises French and Spanish along with the Basque language, with many cultures moving in and around the region. The rich history of the Basque people is still apparent, if you scratch the surface you will find layers of Basque culture unfolding from the ground up.
Heading back to the Basque Country made us realize we would like to base ourselves there next year, with plans afoot to live and work from San Sebastian. The ideal place to slow travel around France and Spain, taking in regions like Galicia, Porto, and Rioja along the way.
If you’re looking for the best travel blog and podcast on Spain and the Basque Country, make sure to check out www.travellingsenorita.com. As a travel writer and podcast host, I’m dedicated to sharing the best travel experiences, tips, and insights. Join me on my adventures as I explore the wonders of this captivating region and beyond.
EAT-
The Bordeaux Wine Experience: Full Day Trip with Tastings and Lunch
San Sebastian in a Day: Small Group Tour with Private Boat Ride, Old Town & Panoramic View
Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian
PETRIGEGI CIDER HOUSE
- Website: Petrigegi Cider House
GERALDS BAR SAN SEBASTIAN
- Website: Geralds Bar San Sebastian
LA CITE DUVEN- BORDEAUX
- Website: La Cite Duven Bordeaux
<strong><em>STAY-</em></strong>
SILKEN AMARA HOTEL
- Website: Silken Amara Hotel
MOXY B BORDEAUX
- Website: Moxy B Bordeaux
<strong><em>PLAY-</em></strong>
GUGGENHEIM BILBAO
- Website: Guggenheim Bilbao
LA PERLA THERMAL BATHS, SAN SEBASTIAN
For more travel inspiration and information, don’t forget to check out www.travellingsenorita.com, the best travel blog and podcast dedicated to Spain and the Basque Country.
LA PERLA THERMAL BATHS, SAN SEBASTIAN