Culture & gastronomy week in
Biarritz Pays Basque
Biarritz Pays Basque
6 DAYS OF CULTURE & GASTRONOMY
Some ideas to enjoy Basque culture and gastronomy during your holiday week in the Basque Country.
DAY 1: The Basque Museum and the History of Bayonne Museum
for discovering the Basque Country of today with the objects and rites of the past, and the DIDAM for admiring the works of internationally acclaimed photographers. You cannot leave Bayonne without trying Bayonne ham and chocolate, the city’s star products. Head for Espelette, the chili pepper capital. You will enjoy the experience the enthusiastic producers have lined up for you in their workshops!
DAY 2: Anglet - Biarritz -St Jean de Luz-Ciboure
The Art Centre of Anglet, Villa Béatrix Enea, showcases a large collection of national and local contemporary art. Open the workshop doors of artists in the Milady district of Biarritz: the atmosphere is friendly and arty, there is always something going on! Dont miss Cazaux Ceramics, the height of chic in the Basque country’s most beautiful villas! A gourmet getaway in Saint Jean de Luz to try Macaroons, Tourons, Kanougas, and soft toffee. In Ciboure, let yourself be surprised by Egia Tegia, a white wine made from vines on the Basque Country’s cliffsides which is vinified in tanks underwater in the bay.
DAY 3: The Caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya
In the heart of the Arbéroue Valley, these caves are a highlight of the history of mankind, just after Lascaux and Altamira. In Hasparren, a farming village, take a gourmet break to make a purchase, try the famous Ibaiona ham or have a drink in the brewery. The beer is brewed here by Bob, the most Basque of all Englishmen! Continue to Saint-Palais to visit the Ona-Tiss workshop, the last table linen weaving workshop in the Basque Country and further southwards to the village of Larceveau to discover Basque lapidary in the Heritage Centre for the interpretation of the disc-shaped headstones, set in peaceful gardens.
DAY 4: The Aduldes Valley
The Aldudes Valley is a land of abundance and home to the rebirth of Basque pigs. In the village of Aldudes, Pierre Oteiza offers visitors a discovery trail about the Basque breed of pigs, which also includes a superb view of the valley and a tasting area. At Banca, on the site of a former 19th century windmill in the middle of the countryside, there is a fish farm which breeds the famous Banca trout. A short discovery trail winds through the estate which also offers finished products for sale.
DAY 5: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the Irouléguy vineyard
A stone’s throw from the ramparts, in the famous Rue de la Citadelle, the Fabrika gallery dedicated to artwork professions is definitely worth the detour. Come to Maison Brana in Ispoure to meet a family of winegrowers: you will get one of the best views of the Irouléguy vineyards from here.
DAY 6: Mauléon and L’Hôpital Saint-Blaise
Visit Mauléon, the main town in the Soule region, to buy the espadrilles which are still manufactured and stitched by hand, and see the exceptionally beautiful Soule dances. Visit the tiny Soule village of L’Hôpital Saint-Blaise and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed church, a testimony to Spanish and Moorish art.