Myriad mountain and river pursuits including ski de fond, walking, climbing, 4 x 4 excursions, mountain biking, scramble biking, horse riding, canoeing, swimming, fishing, rafting and the assault course in the village but we are sure you will find many more.

An abundance of beautiful places for you to see from pretty fishing ports to mountain villages, from chic Biarritz to vibrant Bayonne (home of air-dried ham, chocolate and the bayonet). From the pepper capital Espelette to the sleepy wine village of Irouleguy, one of France’s smallest appellations.

Incomparable coastline, a surfer’s paradise and a seafood lovers dream. Stunning mountain scenery, birds of prey galore.

Historic churches, including St Jean de Luz where the Sun King married the Infanta of Spain, with many boasting their own magnificent choir, a feature of the area.

Gastronomy of the area is famous throughout France and boasts the highest number of Michelin starred chefs of any region in France.

Sporting tradition second to none. You can see the 5 different variants of Pelote Basque played in every village with professional league matches in the bigger towns.

Force Basque, which is the regions equivalent of the Highland Games, is a regular feature on the summer calendar. Rugby, from village teams to French Premier Division teams at Bayonne and Biarritz.

You can play golf at numerous courses within easy reach. Bullfights are still a regular feature at the Bayonne Festival. In 2006 Biarritz hosted the World Surfing Championships.

The Basque culture of singing and dancing is reflected in their joyful approach to life which they proudly share with all comers.