Luxury holidays in French Basque Country

Slow days passed chasing – or riding – the waves are a sign that summer is in full swing in the French Basque Country, where Belle Époque Biarritz and humbler – though equally charming – traditional towns sit along the sunny southwestern border. A youth-driven boom may have revived the region’s historic hotspots, but locals have ensured that spirited Basque culture lives on in thriving food scenes, artful architecture and gentle games of pelota. Laze away afternoons on sequestered sands, or don the wetsuits and ride the Bay of Biscay’s famed waves.

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Areas in French Basque Country

When to go

You’ll have the best weather between June and September, when temperatures average 25°C. If your trip happens to fall in July, be sure to visit Bayonne for its annual Basque Festival.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Fly direct into the French Basque Country’s main airport, Biarritz – a 20-minute drive from Bayonne. From there, you can easily travel around the region by car or train.
  • Trains

    There’s a high-speed train between Paris and Hendaye, with stops in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz. Once you’re there, most of the surrounding towns have small train stations for easy day-trips.
  • Automobiles

    If you’re planning on venturing further afield you’ll need a car, pick up a set of wheels at Biarritz airport.