The Basque Country , Pays Basque , Euskal Herria , is located in the western Pyrénées mountains , straddling the border between France and Spain , meeting at the Atlantic Coast ’ s Bay of Biscay .
Emerald landscapes , distinctly rugged mountains , precipitous shorelines and the rich heritage of the Basque , Euskaldunak , kept this area uniquely singular .
Proudly independent , the Basque people , who are neither Spanish nor French , have been living in this autonomous region since the earliest known modern man was discovered in France some 45,000 years ago .
Discover some of the best of the Pays Basque …
St Jean de Luz
St . Jean de Luz is the most iconic fishing village in the Pays Basque . It has a working port where 10,000 tons of fish from over 100 varieties are caught each year , including tuna , sardine and anchovy . It was from this port that 15th century fishermen chased whales to the shores of Newfoundland .
St . Jean de Luz has a lively old town center offering daily farmers ’ markets , boutique shops selling Basque linens , berets and espadrilles , restaurants and cafés .
Espelette
Espelette is a small , colorful village nestled at the foot of the Mondarrain