Fancy a week's road trip along the Atlantic coast? HawaiiSurf reveals the most beautiful places in the Basque Country to discover in a converted van. Discover our complete, easy-to-implement van itinerary to quench your thirst for adventure!
The Basque country: between ocean and mountains
When it comes to parking, the best thing to do is contact your local town hall directly, to find out about the rules and the very definition of parking. According to the FFCC, " parking on a public road (street, parking lot, parking area) means parking your vehicle for a day or a night on its four tires, without any chock or external object". So be careful not to confuse parking with camping. If you unfold your awning or set up your outdoor furniture on the public highway, then you're camping and could be fined. The French Code de l'Urbanisme clearly stipulates the principle of free parking for motorhomes. Once installed on an authorized site, a van has the right to park both day and night (without chock and without external objects). However, there are certain limits.
The law does not authorize:
- Parking for more than 7 days in the same parking space.
- Parking for more than 3 months on a serviced lot.
- Dangerous or protected locations, such as shorelines, classified or listed sites, historic monument protection zones or nature reserves.
In case of doubt or simply to anticipate your stops, we strongly recommend the use of " Park4night " ! This application shows you all the authorized places to sleep in your van, including classic parking lots, campsites and parking areas. Would you like to try a road trip, but don't have a van yet? If you're interested in renting a Volkswagen van, our partner So Van will be delighted to advise you! What's more, if you stop by HawaiiSurf you'll benefit from a 10% discount with the code"SOVAN10" until December 2023!
The Basque Country by van: the best itinerary for a week, in our opinion
1. Biarritz, the emblematic seaside town on the Atlantic coast.
Biarritz is a must if you're visiting the Basque coast! It's an emblematic town full of history. There's no shortage of anecdotes in Biarritz... surfing, history, museums, architecture, urban legends... you'll never tire of it! The city center is also full of great places to eat seafood, meat or party.
Villa Belza, Biarritz.
If the weather's not cooperating, you can also enjoy a hot chocolate at Miremont's while taking in the view of Biarritz's Grande Plage , or cuckoo to the seals at the Musée de la Mer. When it comes to sport, it would be a shame to come to Biarritz and not surf a little! Numerous surf schools are on hand to introduce you to the sport. Once you've visited Biarritz and its highlights, we invite you to continue along the coast from Ilbarritz at low tide to Plage de l'Uhabia in Bidart. An alternative route is available at high tide. A beautiful coastal walk from Biarritz to Saint Jean de Luz awaits the most curious among you!
❤️ Must-sees: The lighthouse, Hôtel du Palais, Rocher de la Vierge, Port des Pêcheurs, Place Sainte-Eugénie, Port Vieux beach, Musée de la Mer, Villa Belza and Côte des Basques beach.
🚙 Where can I park my van? Heading down to the coast, you'll find two parking lots in Biarritz. The first is the Milady and the second is a 5-minute walk from the beach. Ilbarritz. For overnight stays, we recommend that you book your pitch in advance at one of the many campsites in the area.Ilbarritz and Bidart. 
2. Guéthary & Saint Jean de Luz, the pretty coastal villages.
Guéthary is a typical village of the region. Once a small whaling port, this coastal village has not ceased to make us dream! The stroll along the beaches to the port is very pleasant. Parlementia beach is a must for local surfers. Next, a short stroll to the center of town, with its pediment and terraced cafés, for a moment out of time. On the way to the coast, the beautiful, unspoilt beaches in the Acotz district are ideal for cooling off and admiring your best sunsets.
Saint Jean de Luz is also a coastal village famous for its history and pleasant lifestyle. Like Guéthary, the town had a fishing port, but this also served as a departure point for many Basque explorers and fishermen. But it's its history with French royalty that makes the town so popular. Saint-Jean's culinary highlight: the Maison Adam and their authentic Basque macaroons. Delicious! The town center is very pleasant, with picturesque alleyways and the Rue Gambetta full of small shops. To round off the day in style, take a stroll along the long beach to Sainte-Barbe and you'll fall under its spell.
🚙 Where can I park my van? Summer parking is more complicated for the van. Parking lots have to be paid for and checks are very frequent. We therefore advise you to book a night at the campsite in the Acotz district.
3. Sare, one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country.
The village of Sare. Photo credit: Teddy Bear.
4. Saint Jean Pied de Port, the medieval Basque village.
5. Artzamendi - Baigura - Mondarrain, the emblematic hikes of the Basque Country.
For these hikes, we recommend that you take a good
They offer a easy access to a multitude of signposted trails, allowing you to enjoy superb landscapes while immersing yourself in the unspoilt nature. Whether you're an avid hiker or a casual enthusiast, you'll find options to suit your desires. It's also the perfect playground for adventure and thrill-seekers. There's a wide range of activities to choose from. MOUNTAIN BIKINGdiscover the waterfalls during a photo session. canyoningtest yourself at climbing rock faces or embark on an exhilarating descent in the rafting on the nearby rivers. What's more, these hikes offer an authentic atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in Basque culture and explore the charming picturesque villages nearby. 🚙 Where can I park my van? Artzamendi is located near the village of Itxassou, and is the only place with a motorhome park nearby. The site is located at the entrance to the Camping Hiriberria but reception is extended outside the campsite's opening periods.
6. Hendaye - Fontarrabie - Jaizkibel, on the Spanish border.
Let's continue our coastal drive towards the Spanish border. But first, a compulsory stop on the route de la Corniche! This unique natural site offers an incredible view of the coastline. The walk then continues to Hendaye, which boasts a huge beach ideal for swimming or surfing. The Domaine d'Abbadia, the Plage des Deux Jumeaux and the marina are also must-sees. If you're going to be in port, you might as well take the Marie-Louise boat to Fontarrabie! The shuttle makes the crossing in just 5 minutes, taking you to Spain to sample some delicious tapas. After your meal, a little digestive stroll is in order! We advise you to park your van at the Fontarrabie lighthouse. Stroll along the narrow lanes that lead to pretty coves with views of the bay's sailboats. A real little corner of paradise! Need some fresh air and a place to park your van in the middle of nowhere? No problem! Mount Jaizkibel, on the border with the Spanish Basque country, is just the place! It's also a very pleasant hike or mountain bike ride!
❤️ The must-haves : The Corniche, Domaine d'Abbadia, Deux-Jumeaux beach, Hendaye marina, Fontarrabie town center, Fontarrabie lighthouse, Mount Jaizkibel.
🚙 Where can I park my van? At the top of Jaizkibel, you'll find a camping area with a magnificent view of the mountains and the ocean. Information isn't available on Park4Night, but you won't be able to miss it - you'll drive right past it with the GPS!
And there you have it, all the keys you need for a road trip to the Basque Country that's as relaxing as it is rejuvenating! We hope you find our article useful for your next van vacation. See you next week for new adventures!Camille, HawaiiSurf.
