Basque Country foodie tour

First, work up an appetite by strolling through the market aisles at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The market is held every Monday morning. From June to September, there’s also a farmers’ and artisans’ market on Thursdays where the focus is on local products. Here you’ll find the inevitable Bayonne cured ham, sheep’s cheese and gâteau Basque, as well as jam, honey, cider and Irouléguy wine. 

For lunch, head for Les Pyrénées. The Arrambide family have kept the restaurant going for four decades, putting all their passion into this eatery which is now a must on any weekend getaway in the Basque Country. Philippe Arrambide makes a point of working with fresh, seasonal ingredients from as local sources as possible.

Like a pilgrim on the Way of St. James, spend the afternoon exploring Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. St. James’ Gate is a UNESCO World Heritage feature.

Then take the road heading northwest to reach Espelette, 38 km away, where you’ll spend your first night. Stay at the Chilhar, a hotel of typically Basque architecture, built in the 19th century. 

Get up early for a delicious breakfast prepared from fresh, local products. The icing on the cake is that, weather permitting, breakfast is served in the garden against the backdrop of the Basque mountains.

Don’t leave Espelette without finding out more about the famous chilli peppers that grow here and can be seen drying on the walls of most of the houses. To do this, visit the Chilli Workshop just 500 metres from the town centre. The team will be delighted to tell you all about the cultivation and processing stages of this product, from the seed to the chilli pepper. You'll round off your visit with a tasting session! 

After a quick coffee on the beautiful village square, make the 33-minute drive to Bayonne, 24 km away. You should be there in time for lunch. If you’re into gourmet bistro food, try La Table on the quayside, where you'll be greeted by Sébastien Gravé. At this pleasant restaurant, the chef’s colourful, elegant dishes showcase the best that his Basque homeland has to offer.

In the afternoon, go for a stroll around the pedestrian streets of the city centre. Then round off the day with an evening at Une bouteille à la Nive, a tapas bar with a local feel and a lovely friendly atmosphere. You absolutely must try their delicious croquetas!

 Stay overnight at Le Port Neuf, a cosy hotel in the old part of town that you’ll love for its historical dimension. 

Did you know? Bayonne is in a passionate love affair with chocolate that started more than 400 years ago. The Cazenave chocolate shop won’t fail to win you over with its delicious ‘txokolate’ (chocolate in Basque). We recommend their tearoom on Rue Port Neuf. 

Want to know more about chocolate-making and the story behind Bayonne’s passion for chocolate? Then visit the Chocolate Workshop.

For the last day of your Basque weekend, make your way to Biarritz. The fabulous waves here have earned the town a reputation as one of the country’s key surf spots. Treat yourself to lunch at the Ahpe, a bistro with a delicious menu that follows the seasons to perfection. 

While you’re here, take the opportunity to explore along the seafront, from the lighthouse to the Côte des Basques district. A feast for the eyes.

Then round off your weekend at Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where you can finish in style with a meal at La Cidrerie Luzienne. Here they serve Basque specialities with a Spanish twist, all prepared in-house.

If you want to make the most of what the Basque Country has to offer for even longer, book a room at the Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa. Standing tall and proud facing the Atlantic Ocean, this 5-star establishment shouldn’t fail to please. So relax and enjoy one last feel-good moment before saying au revoir to this heavenly little corner of France.

Visit le Pays basque