On this tour of Biarritz, Bayonne, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you'll discover the history of three gems of the French Basque Country. You'll love it!
Tour Details
At the designated time, we'll meet at the meeting point and begin our tour of Biarritz, a city that underwent a profound urban transformation in the 19th century. It went from being a whaling outpost to becoming the European aristocracy's favorite summer resort. How did this transition happen? We'll find out!
During this 1.5-hour tour, we'll admire the Casino, a prime example of Belle Époque leisure architecture, and the exterior of the Hôtel du Palais, a former imperial residence linked to Napoleon III and Empress of the French Eugénie de Montijo.
We'll also stop at the neo-Gothic Église Sainte-Eugénie and stroll among villas and stately buildings that reflect the town's refined urban planning. Finally, we'll visit the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin's Rock), a spectacular promontory that has become one of the best viewpoints on the Atlantic coast.
Afterward, we'll take an approximately 20-minute drive to Bayonne. In its old town, we'll embark on a 1.5-hour tour, where we'll explore a medieval urban layout dominated by the Château Vieux. We'll also admire the Cathedral of Saint Mary, a remarkable Gothic structure declared a World Heritage Site.
We'll also stroll along Rue Port Neuf, linked to the city's chocolate-making tradition. Did you know that Bayonne is considered the gateway to chocolate in France? After arriving at the Les Halles market, you'll have an hour and a half of free time for lunch.
The next destination of the day will be Saint-Jean-de-Luz. There, for 1 hour and 15 minutes, we'll visit its market, its streets lined with traditional Basque houses, and the Church of Saint John the Baptist, famous for having hosted the wedding of Louis XIV. At the fishing port and enjoying the coastal views, we'll take the last photos of the tour before heading back.
We'll say our goodbyes at the initial meeting point after a total of 9 hours of travel.
Meeting Points
This tour includes pickup at the following pickup points:
- Bayonne: 25 Pl. des Basques
- Biarritz: 6 Rue Gardères