Basque Country

The Basque country straddles both France and Spain, but its strong sense of a distinct and separate nationhood gives it a very different identity, making a stay in this region quite unique. The coastline is lovely and resorts such as St. Jean-de-Luz, San Sebastian and Biarritz are buzzing during the summer months. Dice with death and run with the bulls in Pamplona, explore the Guggenheim in Bilbao (hot new destination for the Brits), catch up with the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Then, to restore the energy levels, tuck into a plate of piperade or poulet basquaise washed down with a glass of Rioja or Irouleguy. This is a continuation of the "Vacances" series of guides, full of information and ideas for the family and active holiday-maker, with an emphasis on activities and leisure pursuits as well as sight-seeing.