Highlights
- Visit Les Halles in Biarritz market to try local seafood and wine
- Try Pintxos in Hondarribia (Private Tour) or chocolate in Bayonne (Small Group)
- Enjoy macarons that were invented in Saint Jean the Luz in 1660
- Meet a local ‘affineur' and sample their cheeses
- Discover three French Basque villages with a passionate guide
Description
Get ready for a full-day feast through some of the most charming villages of southern France—because sightseeing is great, but sightseeing with amazing food is even better. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll explore historic towns, indulge in top-notch French gastronomy, and sip on carefully selected wines. Sound good? Let’s go.
First stop: Saint Jean de Luz
We kick things off in this gorgeous coastal town with a cheese-tasting experience like no other. A selection of perfectly aged cheeses, handpicked by an affineur (a fancy French word for someone who knows their cheese like a best friend).
After that, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through town, visiting Maison Adam, the pastry shop where the world-famous ‘macarons’ were first created in 1660. You’ll get to try them, of course. We’ll also stop by the harbor, once home to the legendary French corsair Johannès de Suhigaraychipi (try saying that three times fast), and the Church of Saint John the Baptist, famous for its stunning baroque interior.
Next up: Biarritz
A glamorous seaside city where aristocrats once vacationed and where American surfers made their European debut in the 1950s. You’ll take in the views, stroll along the promenades, and admire the grand hotels that have hosted everyone from royalty to rock stars.
But let’s be real—you’re here for the food. At Les Halles Market, your guide will introduce you to a vibrant selection of local products, from cheeses and charcuterie to freshly baked pastries. And because this is a food tour, we’ll take a break at the market bar to enjoy some of the region’s most famous delicacies: Arcachon oysters, fresh shrimp, or escargots, all perfectly paired with a crisp local white wine.
Free time (Only Small Group Tour)
Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the seaside town at your pace: lunch, shopping, or simply a stroll along the promenade.
Final stop: Hondarribia (Only Private Tour)
Back across the border, we explore one of the most charming towns in the Basque Country. The colorful fishing district is full of life, while the medieval upper town offers breathtaking views over Txingudi Bay. Your guide will share the fascinating history of this coastal gem before we wrap up the day in true Basque fashion—with pintxos and wine experience. Because no Basque adventure is complete without these bite-sized culinary masterpieces.
Final stop: Bayonne (Only Small Group Tour)
We finish in Bayonne, the cultural capital of the French Basque Country and the kind of place that surprises you at every corner. Half-timbered houses line the streets, the Gothic cathedral watches over the town, and the scent of fresh chocolate lingers in the air—for good reason. Centuries ago, chocolate-makers brought their craft here, and the tradition never left. We step into one of the city’s artisan chocolate houses to sip rich hot or cold chocolate and sample handcrafted pralines.
Includes
Professional guide/driver
Hotel pickup and drop-off (Private Tour Only)
Transportation
Private tour: Selection of local specialties like cheese, ham, seafood, sweets, pintxos (enough for lunch) and local wine
Small Group Tour: Selection of local specialties like cheese, ham, seafood, sweets, pintxos and local wine
Guided visits of 3 French Basque Towns
Excludes
Meals, drinks and tickets not listed above
Lunch in case of Small Group Tour
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
