Pays basque intérieur
At the origins of the interior Basque Country
The Inner Basque Country, also known as Basse-Navarre, is a region located in the southwest of France, on the border with Spain, and the Basque Country is not just about its coast. Indeed, it is in its hinterland, at the foot of the Pyrenees, that we will find picturesque villages, with breathtaking panoramas, witnesses of history. Far from the more touristy seaside resorts, the atmosphere is more local, intimate and warm. It is in the interior of the Basque Country, in the heart of the interior Basque Country, that we find its soul and its strength of character.The essentials of the interior Basque Country
In the heart of green hills and heavenly valleys, a multitude of small villages typical of the Basque Country are revealed. All these tourist sites filled with history and traditions will enchant you with their colorful houses, their narrow streets and their local products. Located in the heart of green hills and heavenly valleys, many small villages typical of the Basque Country are to be discovered. These tourist sites rich in history and traditions will charm visitors with their colorful houses, their narrow streets and their local products.Ainhoa, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is a place not to be missed. Visitors will be able to discover its old red and white houses, its green hills, its church built on a fortified house and its traditional wash house. They can also admire the Basque pelota pediment and the discoidal and tabular stelae that surround the church, representing a unique example of Basque funerary art. Close by is Cambo-les-Bains, a welcoming village known for its famous "art deco" thermal baths. Walking through the Haut-Cambo district, visitors can admire the Labourdine church with its superb galleries and its terrace offering a breathtaking view of the Nive valley. Villa Arnaga, home of Edmond Rostand, is an essential place to visit. Chocolate lovers shouldn't miss the city's famous chocolate museum.
Located inland, at the foot of the mountains, Espelette is famous for its eponymous pepper. Visitors will be able to stroll through the streets lined with superb traditional houses, admire the wash house, visit the church of Saint-Etienne and discover the castle of the barons of Ezpeleta, an emblematic monument of the region. For those looking for a small, charming and welcoming village, the Bastide Clairence is the ideal place. The white houses with shutters painted red or green will plunge visitors into a typically Basque atmosphere. Many artisans offer top quality local products, offering a great opportunity to find original gifts or souvenirs. Founded at the end of the 13th century by Louis 1st of Navarre, the Bastide Clairence is classified among the most beautiful villages in France.
Located near the Col de Ronceveaux, Saint Jean Pied de Port is a small fortified medieval town which is one of the essential stops on the way to Santiago de Compostela before crossing the Spanish border. Visitors can stroll through its historic center and admire the old Basque buildings there. Nature lovers will be delighted to discover Iraty, the largest beech forest in Europe, which offers a unique experience surrounded by nature.
