French Basque Country

Saint Jean de Pied de Port, for many people, is the beginning of the pilgrim walk to Santiago de Compostela. The village is situated in the Atlantic Pyrenees (chain of mountains that serve as a natural border between France and Spain). It is surrounded by steep mountains, old oak tree and beech tree forests, deep green valleys and crystal rivers. The medieval citadel or fortress was constructed in the 17th century to protect the citizens of Saint Jean de Pied de Port from invasions. Walk down the old village streets and travel in time… you will fall in love with the smell of the Gâteux Basque (Basque cake) and spices from the bakeries.

Espelette, Espelette…! The village of the spicy pepper! The Piment d’Espelette or Pepper from Espelette, is much more than a pepper, it’s a way of life. For the French-Basque people, Espelette is the number one spice used in cultural dishes. This delicacy is powered with flavor and can only be cultivated in the town of Espelette. The village is totally garnished by this pepper, the walls and windows are decorated with Espelette. You can buy the pepper in a million ways, grinded, in a paste, dry, fresh, in cakes, in marmalades, you name it!

One spice which originates on the road of Christopher Columbus…

The village architecture is unique. Picturesque homes with red roof shingles and pastel colored walls, similar to the paintings painted by Carmen. The church and imposing Castle are pieces to discovering this magical village completely submerged into the countryside of the Basque Country.

What about lunch?

An option would be to try the famous “Poulet Basquaise” or Basque Chicken, a delicious plate prepared with a piperade (peppers, onion and Espelette, of course!) And for dessert, spicy chocolate!