Cycling Tours in Pays Basque

Basque Country

The Pays Basque enchants visitors with its vibrant culture and landscapes. Discover Biarritz’s surfing beaches, Bayonne’s historic architecture, and Espelette’s iconic red peppers. Delight in Basque cuisine, wander through picturesque villages like Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and experience traditional festivals. A region where mountains meet the sea, offering a unique blend of French and Basque charms.

Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pyrenees, the Northern Basque Country offers a unique atmosphere in the southwest of France.
Between the ocean and the mountains, the essence of the Basque character and heritage is present all over the territory.
The coastline is famous for its sandy beaches and dunes, and also for being the main destination for surfing in France. If you decide to follow the coast, you’ll have the chance to ride along the Velodyssée, the French part of the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route.
You can also choose to explore the inlands, with charming cities such as Bayonne or Dax, where you can explore the Basque heritage and soak in the unmatched ambiance.
With its own regional language, the Basque Country is the embodiment of the “living the good life” perspective, typical of the South of France.

Home » European tours » Basque Country

Best of Basque Country

2 Comment(s)

The Basque Country is your home during your stay. A cycling escapade spiced with an omnipresent Basque character, softened by a landscape in love with a...

8 Days / 7 Nights

Basque Country

This tour starts any day of the year.

From 2325€

Trip : Cycling - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :

Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...

Atlantic Coast, from Arcachon to Biarritz

1 Comment(s)

Through the Vélodyssée, the cycle path that runs along the Atlantic Ocean, set off to discover the southern part of this journey. You will ride through...

8 Days / 7 Nights

Basque Country

This tour starts any day of the year.

From 2290€

Trip : Cycling - Standard Activity : Hybrid Level :

Type : Self guided tours, Cycling tour,...

CONTACT

Contact a specialist consultant

5 REASONS TO VISIT THE PAYS BASQUE

The French Pays Basque is a region rich in culture, natural beauty and culinary delights. Here are five must-discover attractions:

Biarritz

Once a fishing village, now a vibrant city, Biarritz is famed for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and the elegant Hôtel du Palais. The Rocher de la Vierge offers stunning sea views.

Bayonne

A historic city known for its Gothic-style Sainte-Marie Cathedral, charming old town, and the annual Bayonne Festival. Don’t forget to try the famous Bayonne ham!

Espelette

This picturesque village is synonymous with the iconic red peppers that hang from its traditional Basque houses. The peppers are integral to the region’s culinary identity.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

A beautiful medieval town that serves as a starting point for many pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Explore its cobbled streets, ancient gates, and the vibrant Monday market.

Basque Cuisine

Discover the region’s gastronomy in traditional auberges or cider houses. Savor specialties like gateau Basque, piperade, and “marmitako”, complemented by local cider or Irouléguy wines.

Food & Wine

Basque gastronomy is one of a kind! During your trip don’t forget to stop for a Gateau Basque: a buttery cake filled with either black cherry jam or a creamy almond pastry cream, it captures the essence of Basque culinary tradition.
You can also try the famous piperade: a flavorful dish made from tomatoes, green peppers, onions, with Espelette pepper, often accompanied by Bayonne ham and sometimes topped with a poached egg. A unique taste of the fresh and aromatic flavors of the region.

Originating from the Irouléguy appellation in the northern Basque Country, the Irouléguy Wines, both red and white, are characterized by their robust flavors and deep colors. The mountainous terrain and oceanic climate give them a distinctive taste. You can also stop for a glass of Txakoli (or Chacolí): athough more commonly associated with the Basque Country of Spain, this slightly sparkling, very dry white wine has also found its way into French Basque cuisine.

Geography

The Pays Basque boasts a diverse geography, where rugged Atlantic coastline meets verdant rolling hills. Nestled in the western Pyrenees, its landscape is punctuated with traditional Basque villages, dense forests, and meandering rivers. This region effortlessly blends the majesty of mountainous terrain with the allure of the ocean’s edge.

History

The Pays Basque is steeped in ancient traditions, influenced by both Spanish and French cultures. It has a history marked by fervent nationalism, with its unique language, and resilient autonomy. A region defined by its distinct identity amidst shifting political landscapes.

You can also find your Normandy bike tour, your Spain bike tour, Paris bike tour or your Southern France bike tour.

Cycling Tours in Pays Basque

Basque Country

Best of Basque Country

Atlantic Coast, from Arcachon to Biarritz

CONTACT

Contact a specialist consultant

Biarritz

Bayonne

Espelette

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Basque Cuisine

Food & Wine

Geography

History

NEWSLETTER