This 150-mile loop through the Spanish and French Basque Country is a dream for food lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Best enjoyed from late spring to early autumn (May–September), the route offers mild coastal breezes, vibrant markets, and peak produce — ideal for a multi-day escape with time to linger over lunch.
Route: San Sebastián – Bilbao – Biarritz – Espelette – San Sebastián
San Sebastián, where the old town’s pintxos bars are legendary. Begin with anchovy-gilded bites at Bar Txepetxa or venture into Gros for modern twists at Bodega Donostiarra. A morning walk along La Concha beach sets the tone, while the San Telmo Museum offers cultural grounding before you hit the road.
Next stop: Bilbao, just over an hour west. The Guggenheim’s titanium curves are a must-see, but the city’s culinary scene is equally compelling. Sample Basque-style cod at Café Iruña or explore Mercado de la Ribera for local cheeses and txakoli wine. For a quieter detour, head to Getaria en route — a fishing village famed for grilled turbot and sea views.
Crossing into France, Biarritz delivers Atlantic glamour with a surfy edge. Stroll the Grande Plage, visit the Rocher de la Vierge, and indulge in seafood at Chez Albert. The town’s chocolate shops and Belle Époque architecture add a sweet, nostalgic touch.
From Biarritz, wind inland to Espelette, a postcard-perfect village known for its namesake pepper. Visit Maison du Piment to learn about the spice’s PDO status, and time your trip for the October pepper festival if you prefer autumnal colour and culinary celebration. The village’s red-and-white facades, strung with drying peppers, are a visual feast.
Return to San Sebastián via the scenic N-1, stopping in Hondarribia if time allows — its medieval centre and waterfront pintxos make for a fitting finale.
Throughout, the drive is relaxed and scenic, with rolling hills, coastal cliffs, and vineyard-dotted valleys. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in Biarritz to rural guesthouses in Espelette, many offering farm-to-table dining and local wines.
While summer promises lively festivals and beach days, early autumn brings harvest flavours and fewer crowds. Spring, meanwhile, offers wildflowers and crisp air perfect for hiking between meals.
Whether you’re chasing Michelin stars or market stalls, this Basque loop blends culinary depth with cultural charm. A rolling feast of a road trip!