France * Spain: Basque Country and Navarre

This new, thoroughly updated, third edition of The Basque Country and Navarre, Bradt's award-winning guidebook, remains the most in-depth guide to a multi-lingual, multi-cultural borderland that is neither Spain nor France, but straddles the Pyrenees, mountains that divide the two countries. Bradt's guide offers real insights into a profound regional identity, uncovering the peculiarities which imbue the area with intrigue and takes you way beyond the delightful, well-known cities into the heart of the beautiful Basque countryside. Deep-seated Basque traditions, singular cuisine, world-class wine, strange sports, unique language, bold art and architecture all converge to showcase a land that continues to mystify and reveal itself the more you visit. Secluded valleys and rugged mountains, wild coastlines and the vestiges of industry long gone provide a strange mix that pays homage to a troubled past, a lively present and a constant reinvention that promises an exciting future for the Basques. Large and sparsely populated, little known and little visited, neighbouring Navarre offers natural attractions ranging from high Pyrenees to arid semi-desert. This former kingdom's troublesome history is waymarked by lonely hilltop castles, but only in the frenetic, bull-running days of Pamplona's San Fermín festival does it announce itself noisily on the world stage, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors to Ernest Hemingway's favourite party town. With advice on where to walk, cycle, horseride, surf and birdwatch accompanying traditional listings of where to stay and eat, author Murray Stewart guides travellers through this increasingly popular area. Find the best pintxos (tapas) and txakoli wine, the finest chuletón (beef chop) and the freshest fish. From elegant Biarritz, via the French Basque Pyrénées, to the Navarran 'badlands' of Bardenas Reales, travel to fascinating, less-visited places that host thrilling local festivals. New elements in this edition include a host of elegant hotels in San Sebastián, the city-on-the-beach, transport improvements, new restaurants serving culinary specialities, a major reconfiguration of Bilbao's Bellas Artes museum and constantly evolving wine tourism opportunities. Whether you are a hiker or surfer, foodie or cyclist, spiritualist or golfer, let Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre help you enjoy a fascinating, rewarding holiday.