French Basque Countryside Tour from San Sebastian

San Sebastian , Spain

French Basque Countryside Tour from San Sebastian

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(37 reviews)

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About this experience

A wonderful way to take a day off from exploring San Sebastian and head into the peaceful countryside of the French Basque region. You will cross the border into France through a mountain pass used by smugglers in the past and visit the typical villages of the French Basque Countryside. During the journey, you will learn about the way of life of local farmers and the importance of this charming area to the Basque Country, all while encountering beautiful mountainous and countryside scenery.

Available options

French Basque Countryside Tour from San Sebastian

Pickup included

What's included

Local guide

Easy going strolls in the towns of Sara, Espelette, and St. Jean Pied de Port

Transportation in air conditioned vehicle

All Fees and Taxes

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in San Sebastian

Detailed itinerary

Sara, a Charming Mountain Village
Our first stop is Sara, a beautiful mountain village surrounded by green hills and famous for its traditional whitewashed houses with red or green shutters. Sara is a delightful place to dive into Basque culture. Stroll through Sara's old town, filled with traditional Basque homes, offering a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.

Next, we head to Espelette, a village renowned for its Espelette pepper, a protected agricultural product and a symbol of Basque cuisine. In this charming village, you can:
Wander through streets adorned with red peppers drying on the facades of houses.
Learn about the production of this famous spice by visiting a pepper farm or the Pepper Museum.
Explore local shops, where you can find regional delicacies like pâtés, jams, and, of course, Espelette peppers in many forms.

Final Stop: Saint Jean Pied de Port, a Gem of the Camino de Santiago
We finish our day in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a charming medieval village and one of the most iconic stops on the Camino de Santiago. This historic walled town offers a unique atmosphere filled with history and beauty. In Saint-Jean Pied de Port, you can:
Walk along the famous Rue de la Citadelle, a cobbled street lined with stone houses, artisan shops, and traditional restaurants.
Visit the Citadel of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a fortress atop a hill with stunning views of the Pyrenees.
Discover the Navarre Gate, one of the main village entrances that marks the starting point of the Camino de Santiago in France.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified in inclusions

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

10 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

27 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country known for its stunning beaches, world-renowned gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Sea, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern sophistication.

Top Attractions

La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach is one of the most famous beaches in San Sebastian, known for its beautiful shell-shaped bay and calm waters. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

The Parte Vieja is the historic heart of San Sebastian, filled with narrow streets, charming plazas, and traditional pintxo bars. It's a great place to soak up the city's atmosphere and enjoy local cuisine.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Monte Igueldo

Monte Igueldo offers panoramic views of San Sebastian and the surrounding coastline. The hill is accessible by a historic funicular and is a great spot for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Nature 2-3 hours €3.50 for the funicular ride

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pintxos

Small, savory bites typically served on bread, featuring a variety of ingredients like seafood, meats, and cheeses.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Bacalao al Pil Pil

Codfish cooked in olive oil with garlic and parsley, a classic Basque dish.

Main Course Contains fish

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking in the surrounding hills Sunbathing on the beaches Strolling along the promenade Visiting museums and galleries Exploring the historic old town Swimming Kayaking

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit San Sebastian for its warm weather and vibrant atmosphere. The beaches are at their most inviting, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Basque, Spanish
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Sebastian is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

San Sebastian Airport • 20 km from city center
Bilbao Airport • 100 km from city center

By train

San Sebastian Station

By bus

San Sebastian Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in San Sebastian is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gros Antiguo

Day trips

Hondarribia

25 km • Half day

A charming coastal town with a historic old quarter, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to explore Basque culture and history.

Biarritz

50 km • Full day

A glamorous coastal town in France known for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and upscale atmosphere. It's a great destination for a day trip from San Sebastian.