Although he grew up in Touraine, this summer Benoît feels invested in introducing his friends to the Atlantic region in which he spent the first six years of his life, the Basque Country. A terroir full of character and know-how. The essentials for a relaxed thirty-something.
Benoît's address book
1. A challenge
La Rhune on foot. An emblematic summit of the Basque country with a 900 meter drop, it offers a 360° view of the Pyrenees and the French and Spanish coasts. Most treat themselves to the ascent by taking the cogwheel train which is part of the charm of this visit. The braver alternative? Accessible to all provided they are in good physical condition, a 1h30 walk. Reward on arrival: the traditional tasting of an omelette sandwich.
(Photo by Philippe Giraud/Corbis via Getty Images)
2. Know-how
The espadrille. French capital of espadrille, Mauléon concentrates the heart of artisanal manufacturing and all the tradition that has accompanied this legendary shoe for generations. A house among others? Don Quichosse , a workshop operating for four generations, the only one to distinguish the right foot from the left foot and to offer a hand-sewn espadrille, the same since its origins.
Rue Jeanne d’Arc, 64130 Mauléon-Licharre. Tel: 05 59 28 28 18
3. A visit
Banka . A small village in Aldudes, it stands out for its fish farming and in particular that of Banka trout, which can be found on the best tables in the capital for its fine and tasty flesh. Michel Goicoechea, master trout farmer, raises his trout organically on his wild aquaculture farm. For several seasons, he has been recovering the skin, known to be resistant, elastic and sublime, to make trout leather. Accessories and small leather goods available.
4. A river
The Nive. Rich in trout and salmon, around Bidarray, this river has become a mecca for sports enthusiasts of rafting, canyoning or aquatic hiking.
More information on pays-basque.tourisme64.com
(Photo by Gérard SIOEN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
5. A religion
Surf . A must-see in the Basque Country, it is divided into two spots: the Milady beach , THE Biarrots beach, which can be recognized by its camel-shaped rock and the few tourists, and the Côte des Basques , an immense and legendary, with views of the coasts of Spain.
More information on tourisme.biarritz.fr
(Photo Salvator Barki/Gallo Images / Getty Images Plus)
6. Three addresses to taste
Elements . Anthony Orjollet's excellent short-circuit bistronomic restaurant. Who creates desirable and delicious dishes, without gluten or lactose, even skipping any added sugar. Live, fresh, sincere. THE right pick.
1247 avenue de Bayonne 64210 Bidart. Such. : 09 86 38 08 51
Zuzulua . The postcard known almost only to locals. On the road to Sare, on the banks of the Nivelle and in typical architecture. We come to taste one of the best Axoa in the area and for the bone-in rib, the “asador” chicken and the homemade Basque pâté. The base.
Lieu-Dit Cherchebruit, Dancharia road. Such. : 05 59 43 94 72
Arrantzaleak . A hinterland institution, a fish inn. Simplicity, authenticity, its entire reputation rests on its seafood grills.
18 Avenue Jean Poulou, 64500 Ciboure. Such. : 05 59 47 10 75
7. To report
Eric Ospital 's charcuterie. The essential in terms of know-how when it comes to Basque cured meats, ventrèche, Ibaïama ham, confit, etc... It represents the second generation and a success which leads it today to provide the most beautiful Parisian addresses . But the DNA is found in Hasparren and nowhere else.
47 rue Jean Lissar 64 240 Hasparren. Such. : 05 59 29 63 06
8. The best beach huts
At sunset, head to La Petite Californie in Anglet. Neighboring Biarritz owes a solid reputation to surfing and its sunsets. The essential? Kostaldea , for the tapas, the atmosphere and the view of the Petite Chambre d'Amour. In Biarritz, Les 100 Marches remains a must, overlooking the Côte des Basques.
Kostaldea and Boulevard de la Mer, 64600 Anglet
The 100 steps, Impasse Lassalle, 64 200 Biarritz.
9. To stay
The Madrid . It is one of the most beautiful typical buildings on the Basque coast, steeped in history. It houses a hotel, a restaurant and a café. The bistronomic terrace is one of the local meetings, 5 minutes from the beaches. It has only five rooms, with simple comfort and a view of the ocean. A hotel beyond fashion and that's so much the better.
From €175 per double room in high season.
563 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 64210 Guéthary. Such. : 05 59 26 52 12
Koskenia Hostel. Brand new, very beautiful, this small hotel with bohemian simplicity aims to be an alternative hostel. In total, 5 dormitory rooms, 3 six-person rooms, 2 four-person rooms, each with their own bathroom. Sea or mountain view, café, bar and 100% short-circuit grocery store. Good pick !
From €60 for a double room and from €25 for a bed in a dormitory.
Place Sauveur Atchoarena, 64210 Bidart. Such. : 05 59 52 70 25
