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South West of France trip:
 
 
Prepare to explore the southwest of France! Just a few hours away, we will discover Espelette and its famous peppers, Bayonne and its delicious ham, the beautiful beaches of Biarritz, the picturesque port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Hendaye, near the Spanish border. This short trip, without long journeys, will offer you breathtaking landscapes, unique flavors, memorable encounters, all while preserving the authentic charm of the Basque Country.
 



 
Espelette
 

 
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Espelette, located in the French Basque Country, is renowned for its red pepper, introduced in the 16th century. In 2000, Espelette pepper received the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status. The village, with its white houses adorned with drying peppers, has a unique charm. Every October, the Pepper Festival attracts visitors with markets, culinary demonstrations, and traditional dances. Espelette features rich Basque architecture and a 17th-century church. The surrounding area offers beautiful landscapes ideal for hiking.



 
Biarritz
 

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Biarritz, located in the French Basque Country, is famed for its stunning coastline and vibrant surf culture. Once a quaint fishing village, it gained prominence in the 19th century when Empress Eugénie built her summer palace there. Today, Biarritz is a luxurious seaside resort known for the Grande Plage and its impressive waves, attracting surfers worldwide. The town features elegant architecture, including the Hôtel du Palais and the picturesque Rocher de la Vierge. Each summer, Biarritz hosts the Big Festival, celebrating music and culture. The surrounding area offers beautiful landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and golfing.



 
Bayonne
 

 
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Bayonne is located at the confluence of the Nive and Adour Rivers in southwestern France and 28 km from the Spanish border of Irun. This charming city is the largest in the French Basque Country and has been certified Town of Art and History by the French government since 2011 (The town center in Bayonne is classed as one of the protected French Historic Towns). One of the top things to do in Bayonne is walking around the Old Town, to best experience Bayonne’s history and culture. There are also a lot of wines and delicacies that make perfect souvenirs.


 

Hendaye
 


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Hendaye is a charming coastal town in southwestern France, near the border with Spain. Known for its beautiful golden sandy beach and palm-lined promenade, Hendaye attracts visitors looking to enjoy the sun and the sea. In addition to its natural beauty, Hendaye boasts a rich cultural heritage. One of its highlights is the Abbadie Castle, an impressive mansion built in neo-Gothic style offering panoramic views of the ocean. The fishing and sports harbor is also a point of interest, where visitors can observe maritime activity and savor fresh seafood at local restaurants. Hendaye is also renowned as a starting point for excursions to the nearby Spanish town of Hondarribia, connected by a bridge over the Bidasoa River. This proximity to Spain adds an international allure to Hendaye, making it a diverse and vibrant tourist destination in the Aquitaine region.



 

Saint Jean de Luz
 


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The town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a seaside resort in the Basque country of south-west France, on the coast near the border with Spain and about 20 kilometres south of Biarritz and Bayonne. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is still an active fishing port, with anchovies, tuna and sardines being the main fishes caught. Nowadays, leisure and tourism also play a large part of the town's activity because of the position between the Atlantic Ocean and the western Pyrenees, which makes this a great vacationing spot for summer time. This place has a rich and extensive history dating all the way back to the fifteenth century. One of the most important events during that time was the wedding of Louis XIV and Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria and Infanta of Spain, which took place on 9 June 1660. The marriage was arranged as a way to finally put an end to the ongoing war between France and Spain that had been raging for 25 years at that point. It was not a marriage of love but it did have a big impact on history and the location.