Road trip in the Basque Country: the best itinerary for one week

A little one-week road trip on the Atlantic Coast, interested? HawaiiSurf reveals the most beautiful places in the Basque Country to discover in a camper van. Discover our complete and easy-to-follow itinerary by van to satisfy your adventure desires!

The Basque Country: between ocean and mountain

Located between the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains, and Spain, the Basque Country is a treasure of diversity and beauty to discover. There are two Basques: the French and the Spanish. Here, we will only discuss the French one, also taking into account the coastline. Rich in history, culture, sports, and landscapes, you are unlikely to get bored! Between surfing, rugby, pelota, rowing, and Basque strength, you will never run out of entertainment... Added to this are, of course, the summer festivities with numerous village festivals. The Atlantic coast offers you magnificent beaches, great surf spots, beautiful walks, and breathtaking sunsets! For mountain lovers, the hinterland and the Pyrenees are full of hikes and incredible viewpoints! Each town has its own particularities and its story to tell, all that's left is for you to discover them!

Parking rules to know before leaving

For parking, the ideal is to get information directly from the town halls, to understand the rules and the very definition of parking. According to the FFCC, "parking on public roads (street, parking lot, parking area) means leaving your vehicle for a day or a night on its four tires, without chocks and without external objects." Be careful not to confuse parking with camping. If you unfold your awning or set up your outdoor furniture on the public road, then you are camping and could be fined. The Urban Planning Code clearly states the principle of freedom to park in a camper van. Once installed in the authorized spot, a van has the right to park both day and night (without chocks and without external objects). However, this right has certain limits.

The law does not allow :

- Parking for more than 7 days in the same parking spot.

- Parking for more than 3 months on a developed lot.

- In certain dangerous or protected locations such as: shores, classified or registered sites, protected areas of historical monuments, or in the heart of nature reserves.

In case of doubt or simply to anticipate your stopping points, we strongly recommend using "Park4night "! This app shows you all authorized places to sleep in a van, regular parking lots, campgrounds, and parking areas. Would you like to try the road trip experience but don't have a van yet? If renting Volkswagen camper vans interests you, our partner So Van will be happy to advise you!

The Basque Country by van: the best itinerary for a week according to us

1. Biarritz, the seaside and iconic town of the Atlantic Coast.

Biarritz is a must-see if you come to visit the Basque coast! It is an iconic city full of history. Anecdotes are never lacking in Biarritz... Surfing, history, museum, architecture, urban legends... you are unlikely to get tired of it anytime soon! The city center is also full of great places to enjoy a good seafood dish, meat, or to party.

The Belza villa, Biarritz.

If the weather is not fine, you can also enjoy a good hot chocolate at Miremont while enjoying the view of the Grande Plage de Biarritz or say hello to the seals at the musée de la mer. On the sports side, it would still be a shame to come to Biarritz and not surf a little! Many surf schools are available to introduce you to the practice. After visiting Biarritz and its must-see places, we invite you to continue the walk from d’Ilbarritz and follow the coastline at low tide to the l’Uhabia beach in Bidart. A high tide alternative exists. A beautiful coastal walk from Biarritz to Saint Jean de Luz awaits the most curious among you!

❤️ The must-sees: The lighthouse, the Hôtel du Palais, the Rocher de la Vierge, the Fishermen's Port, Sainte-Eugénie Square, Port Vieux Beach, the Sea Museum, Villa Belza, and Côte des Basques Beach.

🚙 Where to park my van? Going down to the coast, you will find two parking lots in Biarritz. The first parking lot is Milady by the beach and the second one is 5 minutes away at Ilbarritz. For sleeping, we recommend booking your spot in advance at the many campsites in Ilbarritz and Bidart.

2. Guéthary & Saint Jean de Luz, the pretty coastal villages.

Guéthary is a typical village of the region. Once a small whale fishing port, this coastal village still has much to inspire us! The walk along the beaches that leads you to the port is very pleasant. The Parlementia beach is a must-visit spot for local surfers. Then, a little tour to the center with the fronton and the cafes with terraces for a timeless moment. On the coastal path, very beautiful preserved beaches in the Acotz district will be ideal for refreshing yourself and admiring your most beautiful sunsets.

Guéthary Basque Country

Saint Jean de Luz is also a coastal village famous for its history and pleasant way of life. Like Guéthary, the town had a fishing port, but it also served as a departure point for many Basque explorers and fishermen. However, it is especially for its history with the French royalty that the town owes its popularity. The must-visit culinary stop in Saint-Jean: the Adam house and their authentic Basque macarons. A delight! The town center is very pleasant with charming picturesque alleys and Gambetta street filled with small shops. To end the day beautifully, a little walk along the large beach to Sainte-Barbe and you will fall under its spell.

❤️ The must-sees: Sainte-Barbe, Louis XIV square, Gambetta street, the Grande Plage promenade, Acotz beaches, Guéthary port, Parlementia.

🚙 Where to park my van? In summer, parking is more complicated for the van. Parking lots are paid and controls are very frequent. We therefore advise you to book a night at the campsite in the Acotz neighborhood.

3. Sare, one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country.

Located at the foot of the Rhune, Sare is part of the ranking of the most beautiful villages in France. Leave the coast to cross the country via the Saint Ignace pass, where the ocean gives way to the Basque mountains. You finally arrive in the center of the small village of Sare, a real postcard! The time to have coffee on the terrace is approaching... The ideal spot: the small bars and restaurants facing the fronton of the central square. Afterwards, enjoy walks along the medieval path or a bit of history with the Sare caves or a visit to the Etxola animal park. If you are passing through Sare, you absolutely must climb to the summit of the Rhune! By little train or on foot, for the more courageous. The view of the French and Spanish coasts as well as the Pyrenees mountain range is simply incredible! The Lizarrieta pass is also a very nice walk to do. On foot or by car, this pass is a unique place. You will find very beautiful typical restaurants there as well as many hiking trails.

The village of Sare. Photo credit: Teddy Bear.

❤️ The must-sees: the pediment of the central square, the Rhune, the Lizarrieta pass, the Etxola animal park, the summer Thursday morning market, the medieval path, the Sare caves.

🚙 Where can I park my van? The area on the plane tree road is very popular with travelers. The spot is just a stone's throw from the village, and you have the option to get water and do your waste disposal!

4. Saint Jean Pied de Port, the Basque medieval village.

Located inland, this typical village will immerse you directly in Basque culture. This medieval village is situated on the route of the Way of Saint James of Compostela. It is at the medieval bridge of the citadel spanning the Nive that pilgrims from around the world gather and begin their pilgrimage towards Santiago de Compostela. It is therefore a well-known haven for walkers, which adds an extra charm to this beautiful fortified town! The ideal way to discover this small village is to stroll through the alleys towards the famous citadel. Once up there, you will enjoy a lovely viewpoint over the entire town. An ideal activity for history enthusiasts! The surroundings of the village also offer many outdoor activities. For hikers, the GR10 trail crossing the Pyrénées awaits you to explore the beautiful mountain paths. You also have the option of adventure sports nearby such as rafting, canyoning, and paragliding.

Village of Saint Jean Pied de Port. Photo credit: Le Ptitre Porter.

❤️ The must-sees: The citadel, the Saint James Way pilgrimage route, hiking on the GR10 trail, outdoor activities nearby. 🚙 Where can I park my van? The motorhome area at "Camping du Fronton" offers large shaded pitches with individual electricity included. Close to the town center and near shops.

5. Artzamendi - Baigura - Mondarrain, the iconic hikes of the Basque Country.

To do these hikes, we recommend that you take good

two days. You also need to rest! Nestled in the hinterland, near Bidarray and Itxassou, these mountain passes are true paradises for hikers.

Artzamendi - Baigura - Mondarrain. Photo credit: legeektrotteur

They offer easy access to a multitude of marked trails, allowing you to enjoy beautiful landscapes while immersing yourself in the preserved nature. Whether you are a passionate hiker or an occasional enthusiast, you will find options suited to your desires. It is also a perfect playground for adventure and thrill seekers. The possibilities for activities are numerous: go on an adventure by MTB, discover waterfalls during a canyoning session, challenge yourself with climbing on many rock faces, or embark on an exciting rafting descent on the nearby rivers. Moreover, 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, which is the only place where you have a motorhome area nearby. The area is located at the entrance of Camping Hiriberria but the reception is extended outside the camping opening periods.

6. Hendaye - Fontarrabie - Jaizkibel, at the Spanish border.

Basque Country corniche

Let's continue our coastal journey towards the Spanish border. But before that, a mandatory stop on the Corniche road! This unique natural site offers an incredible view of the coastline. The walk then continues to Hendaye, which has a huge beach ideal for swimming or learning to surf. The d’Abbadia estate, the Deux Jumeaux beach, and the marina are also must-sees. Since you're at the port, you might as well board the Marie-Louise boat heading to Fontarrabie! The shuttle crosses in 5 minutes to take you to enjoy delicious tapas in Spain. After the meal, a little digestive walk is a must! We recommend gaining some height by parking your van at the Fontarrabie lighthouse. Walk along the small paths that lead to pretty coves with views of the bay's sailboats. A true little corner of paradise! Need fresh air and to park your van in the heart of nature? No problem! Mount Jaizkibel at the border of the Spanish Basque Country will be perfect for that! It is also a very pleasant hike to do on foot or by mountain bike!

❤️ The must-sees: The corniche, the Abbadia estate, the Deux-Jumeaux beach, the Hendaye marina, the town center of Fontarrabie, the Fontarrabie lighthouse, Mount Jaizkibel.

🚙 Where to park my van? At the top of Jaizkibel, you will find a camping area with a magnificent view of the mountains and the ocean. The information is not available on Park4Night but you won't miss it, you will pass right by it with the GPS!

And there you go, you should now have all the keys in hand for a road trip in the Basque Country that is both exotic and refreshing! We hope our article will be useful for your next van holidays. See you next week for new adventures!

Camille, HawaiiSurf.