Basque Country
Crossed by the Pyrenees mountain range, the Basque Country stretches across the border between France and Spain. A land of character and distinctive culture, the Basque Country leaves no one indifferent. Let’s discover together all the assets of this vast, rich and complex region to perfect your stay in our Pays Basque campsite.
Geography of the Basque Country
Comprising 7 provinces, the Basque Country straddles France and Spain, to the west of the Pyrenees mountain range where it joins the Atlantic Ocean. In France, there are 3 Basque provinces: Labourd to the west, with the well-known coastal towns of Biarritz (its capital), Bayonne, Hendaye, etc., Basse Navarre in the center and Soule to the east. The Spanish Basque Country is made up of 4 other provinces: Guipúzcoa, whose capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava with San Sebastián, Navarre with Pamplona, and finally Vizcaya, with Bilbao as its capital; all must-see cities during a stay in the Spanish Basque Country.
The Basque coastline ranges from wide, golden sandy beaches fringed by moorland to steep, craggy cliffs up to 50 m high, dotted with coves.
The mountainous relief of the Basque Country peaks at around 2,000 m altitude. This region of the Pyrenees offers a soothing landscape of round, gentle mountains and lush green vegetation.
Climate of the Basque Country
The region enjoys a mild, temperate climate thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, with temperatures averaging 13 to 15° year-round. Winters remain mild, with few frosts and summers without excessive temperatures. Rainfall is generally high, with the Pyrenees holding back clouds. In addition, Alava and central and northern Navarre form a wide strip with a Mediterranean climate, with highs of 35° and above in summer, and lows of -15° in winter.
Gastronomy in the Basque Country
Gastronomy is an integral part of Basque cultural, historical and social identity. It is represented by local products, frequently produced on small family farms that fundamentally respect ancestral culinary traditions: charcuterie, cheeses, wines, pastries and even seafood are the hallmarks of a strong, distinctive gastronomic territory.
Among the many Basque specialties, there are a few products that enjoy a worldwide reputation:
- Ossau-Iraty, produced in the Basque country from sheep’s milk, was voted the world’s best raw milk cheese;
- Basque cake made with almonds topped with black cherries or custard has been made since the ⅩⅦth century ;
- piment d’Espelette is almost an emblem of the region, and is used in many recipes. Strings of chillies can be seen hanging everywhere;
- Bayonne Ham, made from pigs raised in the South West of France, is matured in the Adour region only, and has a Protected Geographical Indication;
Today, however, the Basque Country stands out thanks to San Sebastián’s world-renowned reputation as the world’s gastronomic capital, dethroning New York or Paris! Numerous restaurants in San Sebastián and the surrounding region have been awarded Michelin stars, making them a must-see during a camping holiday in the Spanish Basque Country.
Activities, festivals and events in the Basque Country
Thanks to its geographical location and cultural heritage, the region offers a wealth of leisure activities. All kinds of water sports are on offer, with surfing at the forefront thanks to world-famous spots such as the Grande Plage in Hendaye, Biarritz and Lafitenia in Saint-Jean-De-Luz. Art and culture also feature prominently in the region, with the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao attracting an ever-growing number of tourists. With its strong historical past, the Basque Country boasts a rich and well-preserved religious and architectural heritage, with Baroque and Gothic churches, basilicas and cathedrals in every town. Festivals are an institution in the Basque Country, with the San Fermin festival in Pamplona attracting some 3 million people every year from July 6 to 14, and celebrating the region’s widely-represented bullfighting culture. Between the ocean and the mountains, the Basque Country boasts an exceptional natural environment, and hiking enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice: on foot, by bike, on horseback, by boat, anything is possible to explore the territory, even scuba diving.
If you want to discover a magnificent, generous and unspoilt region that looks out over the Atlantic Ocean, the Basque Country is an excellent place to spend your vacation. There’s so much to do and so many places to discover, it’s impossible to get bored. Don’t wait any longer, pack your bags and come and explore the Basque coast!
