Villages such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Espelette are renowned as being the most typical in the Basque Country. This sense of the region’s distinct identity is further enhanced by visiting the towns and cities in the Spanish Basque Country, such as San Sebastian and Bilbao, the latter made famous by the Guggenheim Museum, and beneficiary of major reconstruction projects in the city.         

From april to october, the Basque Bondissant company offers visitors a choice of coach tours (bookings via the Tourist Office on 05 59 26 03 16):

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port :

Known as the Red Pearl of the Basque Country, this town surrounded by ramparts is the last stop before Spain for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela. The market here is a must for visitors.

Loyola and the Cantabrique corniche

Tour the delightful Cantabrique coast, lined by tiny coastal villages such as Zarauz and Zumaia. Make a stop in Getaria, a typical, small Spanish fishing port.
Visit Loyola, with its basilica and the house of St Ignatius. Lunch at leisure. Stop at the border for shopping.

Basques villages

Espelette: a village known for its peppers. Visit a chocolate factory and enjoy a tasting. Exhibitions on peppers from around the world.
Visit Ainhoa and its artisans’ workshops, a village listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. Enjoy a tasting of Basque  charcuterie.

Non-visit guided of Guggenheim museum

Frank Gehry’s innovative building houses works by famous 20C artists, as well as examples of contemporary Basque and Spanish art. Free time to explore the city. Opportunity to visit the the city’s Fine Arts Museum.

San Sebastian

Spend an afternoon at leisure exploring the city’s magnificent shell-shaped bay (known as La Concha), the plaza de la Constitution (the former bullring), the old town, port etc.

Navarra

Guided tour of Pamplona, famous for its Sanfermines festival, which includes the "running of the bulls". Lunch at leisure, with an opportunity to sample the famous "pintxos" (tapas). Stop in Olite, a village with narrow medieval streets and an atmosphere from the Middle Ages (tours of the royal castle and wine museum possible).

A new excursion on sundays :

Every Sunday, a full-day tour will depart from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

For further information, contact the Tourist Office on 05 59 26 03 16.

The Train de la Rhune, organised by the Basque Bondissant company

Several departures every day from the bus station in Saint-Jean-de-Luz : avoid the queues for the Train de la Rhune by buying your ticket 15 minutes before the bus departs.

Tours by air-conditioned vehicle :

For information and bookings, call 06 71 65 30 60 or send an e-mail: click here

San Sebastian and medieval Spanish towns and villages

Spanish fishing ports

San Sebastian and its tapas bars

Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum, and fishing ports. Free tapas!