Hi. We will be in Spain (and French Basque Country) from the 6th of August to the 26th. We have the last week booked (5 nights in San Sebastian to enjoy the beach and to slow down) and the last two nights in Madrid (to which we have been several times but we enjoy walking around). We will take the train to SB to Madrid on the 24th. On the front end of our trip, we will leave Madrid when we arrive to go to Bilbao on the train and spend three nights there. That will give us one fully day and the next we will visit Guernica. So that gives us Friday (9th) to the Monday (19th) when we get to San Sebastian. We would like to visit the Basque towns in France, perhaps Pamplona. Any other suggestions? Can we take the train to travel? Or should we rent a car part of the time? Thanks.
Posted by
Portland
3592 posts
I like Bayonne. It has a good Basque museum and an art museum which was closed when we were there, so I can’t say anything other than it exists. It has been a center for chocolate manufacture for several centuries, so there is at least one site where the process is explained and tastings are offered. If you have a car, you can get to several charming Basque villages a bit inland.
Posted by
Paris
6880 posts
Bayonne or Biarritz make good bases to explore the French Basque country for a few days (with a car) and/or chill by the ocean (without a car), but hurry up to secure accomodation as the period around 15 Aug is very busy.
Not sure if the French Basque country would keep you busy for 10 days however.
So if you don't mind renting a car in Spain also, you can explore the coast between Gernika and San Sebastian. Places like Lekeitio are a good base for 2-3 nights.
Can't advise on Pamplona.