In both summer and winter, the Basque Country, in the Gulf of Gascony, is a prized destination for family holidays as much as a short romantic break. Between sea and mountain, this region with strong character offers charm and a change of scenery. Les Collectionneurs offer the following establishments where you can stay or have a bite to eat.
On the occasion of the Bayonne 'ferias', for summer holidays or at the Toussaint, the Basque Country is appreciated all year round. Surfers and lovers of water sports will find happiness at Anglet, Guéthary, Bidart or on the large beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Nestled between ocean and mountain Biarritz, formerly a destination of choice for Empress Eugenie, offers beautiful panoramas with views of the Atalaye or the Rocher de la Vierge. To admire the landscape as a whole, jump on the small Train de la Rhune built in the 1920s to climb the tops of the Pyrenees to enjoy breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean, from Saint-Sébastien to Biarritz to the beaches of the Landes. Don't hesitate to enter the countryside, the picturesque villages and push it all the way to Sare, a French enclave in Navarre. On the opposite side of the Spanish border, take a trip to Saint Sebastian and Bilbao to the Guggenheim museum.
In all seasons, this beautiful region with a strong identity nestled on the foothills of the Pyrenees makes for a pleasant experience. The Basque Country is perfect for a romantic weekend or a break with children. In summer, enjoy the mild ocean climate of the Atlantic coast. The Basque Coast, the coastline linking Anglet and Bilbao, offers a rich and varied landscape. On the French side, beaches of fine sand while the Spanish side is wilder with peak cliffs. Travellers will enjoy a moment of lazing around and surfing enthusiasts will delight in the waves. To complete your stay in the Basque country, stay in a hotel in Biarritz allows you to explore the region. A room with sea view will allow you to enjoy the sun in complete privacy.
Les Collectionneurs offer a selection of hotels of character, rooted in the spirit of the region. These establishments are all equipped with comfortable rooms with excellent bedding. All modern comforts can be found, from the fully-equipped bathroom to a flat-screen TV via Wifi. More than just top-of-the-range, these establishments bring out real personality and a friendly welcome. Depending on your desire, its possible to choose a 19th-century castle tucked away in a large wooded estate or a typical "etxe", this large building with its whitewashed walls and red half-timbered facades. In the morning, a continental breakfast or a buffet are served in the garden or on the terrace. In winter, these charming hotels become cosy cocoons much loved from the very first snows. The perfect pied-à-terre for a mountain break, these hotels with fireplaces and rooms with exposed beams and warm decorations are akin to elegant refuges where you can enjoy a stay after a hike or a day on the slopes.
In summer, the beach at Socoa or the seaside resort town of Ciboure attracts visitors. Travellers looking for serenity might prefer to wander in the countryside, visit the village of Ainhoa, typical of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, which used to welcome pilgrims to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostella, or even enjoy the old town of Bayonne with its canals. But nothing prevents enjoying a dip in complete privacy in a spa . Staying in a hotel in Bayonne or towards Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port breathes in the sea air in complete privacy. These establishments offer a pool set in a lush . The gentle charm of a stone terrace with its sun loungers, the sounds of fountains and the song of the birds transport the traveller to a haven of peace.
With gascony and Béarnaise influences, the of basque country is rich in a range of flavours. Of course, it's seafood with chipirons, sorts of squid or txangurro, stuffed crab, ewe's cheeses like Ossau-Iraty or Etorki, but also desserts with the famous Basque cake made with cherry jam or pastry cream. Basque cuisine is also a journey . The symbolic Espelette pepper was imported from America by Juan Sebastián Elcano, a getaria native, who brought the ships back to The Persia. "Pintxos", these real traditional dishes in miniature, are reminiscent of Spanish tapas. These specialities can be enjoyed with a glass of wine from the vineyards of Irouléguy, the smallest AOC in France, which stretches out on the terrace on a steep relief around Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
The fine restaurants selected by les Collectionneurs embody restaurateurs' passion for the authenticity and love of local cuisine. To prolong a gourmet trip, all you need to do is book a room in a hotel-restaurant in the Basque region.
