mountain , renowned for its famous Espelette pepper , which arrived from Mexico by New World explorers during the 16th century . Since then this lightly spicy , red pepper has been rooted in the traditions of rural life . When autumn comes the facades of houses are adorned with strings of peppers .
La Bastide Clairence
La Bastide Clairence was founded by the King of Navarre in 1314 and settled by the Gascons .
The village church is distinguished by a unique courtyard cemetery paved with tombstones .
In the 17th century , Portuguese Jews fleeing from the Spanish Inquisition arrived in the village bringing with them the art of making chocolate .
Bayonne
Bayonne is situated at the confluence of the Nive and the Adour Rivers in the French Pays Basque . The historic district of Grand Bayonne is characterized by its narrow medieval streets , the Gothic Saint Marie cathedral and its 13th century cloister .
The Petit Bayonne district is dedicated to the arts , crafts and traditions of the region with over 3,000 objects on view at the Musée Basque .
Bayonne is considered France ’ s first capital of chocolate .