The most beautiful villages of the Basque Country
Looking for an exotic getaway for two, with family or friends? Don’t hesitate to visit the villages of the Basque Country! Typical architecture, tasty local specialties and breathtaking landscapes are to be discovered in each of these villages. To make the most of your visit, you can stay at the 4-star campsite in the Basque Country: camping Suhiberry.
Here is our selection of the most beautiful villages of the Basque Country, a must see!
Sare, the paradise at the foot of the mountains
30 minutes from the campsite Suhiberry, you will find one of the most beautiful villages of the Basque Country and of France: Sare.At the foot of the Rhune and Axuria massifs, you will contemplate the sublime red half-timbered houses. Since it faces the summit of the Rhune, this Basque town can be reached by the cog railway.
In the center of the village there is a typical church and a pelota court. It is one of the most beautiful places in the region, with an idyllic setting and a breathtaking view. The village is also home to some treasures of Basque architecture, including the Ortillopitz farm and the prehistoric caves.
Ainhoa, the charming Basque village
Close to Sare and Espelette, Ainhoa seduces for its aversion to urbanization in favor of a traditional Basque architectural style. You can walk along its main street admiring its houses with red and white facades. This charming street is a real museum. Also, do not hesitate to taste the local gastronomy, in one of the shops.
La Bastide-Clairence, village of arts and crafts
Founded in the Middle Ages, Bastide-Clairence is located in the north of the Basque Country. It has preserved, over the years, the structure of the bastides. This very pretty village leaves no one indifferent to the abundance of its arts and crafts. You will be able to visit the workshop of a glass sculptor, a weaving loom… This old forge is still in activity. You will also find a central square with an arcade, craft workshops and the famous Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with its grandiose panorama
The village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a must-see. It is known for its typical architecture, its citadel and its Basque houses. These last ones offer an imposing panorama on the city.
Located on the banks of the Nive, this village has a rich architectural heritage. Everywhere you can feel the strong link between the village and the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela. During your visit, you will often see the small scallops carved on the walls.
Espelette, the capital of pepper
Espelette is a small discreet village which is characterized by the pepper. This herb is used in most regional dishes. Dried on the windows, it accompanies you along your walk. You will find many other local products such as jams, cheeses and chocolate. Every year, a chili festival is held in the village on the last weekend of October. Be there.
On the way to Compostela, the church of Espelette has a massive appearance with its thick walls and buttresses. The interior of this church dedicated to Saint Stephen is richly decorated.
