Were heading from Carasonne to Bayonne and want to sample the Pyrenees on the way. Any insights on where to visit or "lifts" to reach alpine bliss? No alps this visit so this will be our only chance to see the mountians...
Posted by
San Diego, CA
638 posts
I recommend visiting St Jean Pied du Port, a beautiful Basque village in the French Pyrenees. It is the traditional starting point for people walking the Camino De Santiago, the 800 kilometer/500 mile pilgrimmage to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain.
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
355 posts
I agree, St Jean Pied du Port is a beautiful basque town. You can also head from there to St. Jean le Vieux and then follow signs for the Iraty ski areas. It brings you up through the Laurhibar with some beautiful views of the Pyrenees. This is, of course, assuming you are driving. St Jean de Luz, closer to Bayonne, is also a very nice basque fishing village that's worth a visit. And depending on the time of year, I also like going to Espelette (between St Jean Pied du Port and St Jean de Luz). It's a town famous for "piment", pepper. It's beautiful when they are drying the peppers, as they hang them outside of their houses and shops to dry.