Page 453 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France
P. 453

3 DAYS





       in the Basque Country



        Day 1                         Afternoon Cross the Charles de Gaulle
        Morning Explore Grand Bayonne (p458),   bridge, which overlooks the marina, to
        the area around the 13th­century   the village of Ciboure and wander its nar­
        Cathédrale Sainte­Marie, and stop for a   row, hilly streets lined with red­and­white
        glass of hot chocolate at one of the many   Basque architecture. Further west, the
        chocolateries. Then cross the River Nive   historic Socoa district has fabulous views
        to Petit Bayonne to visit the Musée   from the lighthouse on rue du Phare.
        Basque to learn about this vibrant cross­  Evening Walk up to Pointe Ste­Barbe
        border culture.               for sensational sunset views, then on
        Afternoon Enjoy a light lunch at bustling   to dinner at La Reserve (1 rue Gaëtan de
        Tarte Julie (18 rue Thiers) then spend the   Bernoville). Spend the night in one of its
        afternoon at a surf school on the Grande   luxurious rooms overlooking the water.
        Plage. Try Jo Moraiz (www.jomoraiz.com).
        Evening Sample Bayonne ham at the   Day 3
        Auberge du Cheval Blanc (p465). Then   Morning Travel inland through Aïnhoa
        head to the pier to stay in one of the   (p459), up to the lively village Espelette,
        spacious cabins aboard Peniche Djebelle   famous for its red peppers. Try axoa, a
        (www.djebelle.com), a small B&B in a barge.  veal stew, and local wines at Aintzina
                                      (440 Karrika Nagusia).
        Day 2                         Afternoon Further into the Pyrenees,
        Morning Arrive in St­Jean­de­Luz (p466),   St­Jean­Pied­de­Port (p460), a stop on
        and browse the buzzing market (each   the Camino de Compostela pilgrim route,
        Tuesday and Friday) for its charcuterie,   is famous as the last village in France
        cheese and seafood, then wander to the   before the route crosses to Spain. Climb
        Église St­Jean­Baptiste to admire its   the ramparts for panoramic views.
        glittering altar. Take care to look up – the   Evening Linger in St­Jean­Pied­de­Port
        wooden ship hanging from the ceiling is a   for a sunset aperitif and then head to
        witty nod to the town’s seafaring tradition.   Café Ttipia (2 place Floquet).
                                                                  453



   452-453_EW_France.indd   453                              30/01/2019   16:44
   448   449   450   451   452   453   454   455   456   457   458