My
region of birth is one where it is best to stay put for a while in
order to get to know
it and to feel it. Otherwise you miss out on its quality of life,
the main reason why generations of families and friends return year
after year to relax and savour life together. Below are some
guidelines on
what your ideal home base would be to explore the region. Check
the selection
of properties for your own expérience authentique .
Agrandir le plan
Saint Jean de Luz - Ciboure
St Jean de Luz-Ciboure blends the appeal of an old
world French basque village with the sophistication of a beach
& mountain resort destination loved by well-off French families for
generations. It is anchored in its French Basque traditions and rich
history, and its people are proud to share its culture, gastronomy
and attractive geography. It is not a museum town unlike some
other attractive historic French villages where there is often a
disconnect with real life. St Jean de Luz is alive with real French
locals & visitors who live, work and relax there.
Families with younger children will find its lifestyle particularly
attractive with a family oriented cultural agenda, the large &
protected swimming beach and the ease of getting around on foot. Indeed,
one can easily walk between the fishing harbour, the main square
with cafés, the various beaches, the 2
historical centers and shopping streets, and the market. The
cultural agenda is richest between June and October.
Biarritz
Biarritz is a resort town with the
architectural roots of an early 1900s high society beach resort, set
on
spectacular Atlantic shores. Today, appealing to all ages and with a
solid year-round cultural agenda, its claims to fame include being the surfing capital of Europe as well as an
established destination for golfers and movie/dance festival
goers. Its population is an eclectic mix of locals, French &
international visitors who enjoy both the trendy buzz of the town
and its French Basque charms. Families with teenagers will
find that Biarritz actively engages all ages in the vacation experience.
Teenagers and adults, keen on linguistic programs, will find quality
language programs combined with rich extra-curricular activities to
enjoy in French. Individuals, able to travel off season, between
November and May, will find plenty to do and enjoy lower cost
accommodations.
Check out this video from the local tourism office that
captures some highlights of the town:
Guéthary-Bidart
Nestled on the coast between the two big name destinations of the
region, ie St Jean de Luz and Biarritz, Guéthary-Bidart
have their own buzz between June and September. It is a heavenly place for surfers and those who love to
walk along scenic costal cliffs and watch
big surf crashing on rocks and sandy shores. You will find great casual restaurants
and lively cafés where to hang out in. The place has a low key and casual feel,
inspired by the surfing culture, and allows for easy outings into
the big centers, which are a 5 to 10 minute drive.
Inland, the coast nearby
Think lush greenery and countryside, red timbered
white houses, hikes in the foothills of the Pyrénées
mountains, meals in isolated mountain inns found on mountain walks, pelota games, and live Basque music in small but lively villages. The
sounds are of the countryside but the coastal beaches and
towns of St Jean & Biarritz are a 10 to 15 minute drive away.
A perfect set up if your priority is for quiet and scenic countryside
views. Staying inland also costs less than right on the coast, but
yet so close.
Béarn
45 minutes from the Atlantic coast, the appeal in
the Béarn region
comes from the lush rolling hills with strategic access to the
highest peaks of the Pyrénées mountains. The nearby towns
of Pau and Oloron, the rich medieval architecture of various
villages and plain good food draw visitors to the region. There are
great biking and walking options,
but a car is essential to experience the full
diversity of the region.
