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When thinking about the Basque Country, most travelers generally think of San Sebastian or Bilbao in Spain. However, the Basque Country actually stretches from northern Spain into southern France. It generally encompasses the area between the Ebro and Garonne Rivers and is bordered by the Bay of Biscay of the west.
While travelers usually go to the Spanish Basque Country (Pais Vasco) and cities like San Sebastian, the French Basque Country (Pays Basque) boasts incredible cities and places to visit as well! Two of the French Basque cities you should visit are Bayonne and Biarritz.
Bayonne and Biarritz are only separated by about 6 miles, or at 20-30 minute drive or bus ride, but they are very different cities!
Bayonne is more industrial and working-class, while Biarritz is a coastal city that caters more to the luxury vacationers. We recommend you stay in Bayonne to experience the Basque culture and save money on your travels!
Let’s check out 11 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Bayonne and Biarritz!
Starting with Bayonne…
Now onto Biarittz….
If you still aren’t inspired to visit the Basque cities of Bayonne and Biarritz, check out our more in-depth post about Visiting Bayonne and Biarritz: Two Basque Cities in France.
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Remember that beautiful hermitage called San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, off the norther coast? I loved walking to that! It was so remote and beautiful.
San Juan de Gaztelugatze is a very beautiful place! It’s in the Spanish Basque Country between the towns of Bermeo and Bakio, or for bigger city reference points San Sebastian and Bilbao. This is on our list of things you have to see in the Basque Country!