Its location in the Basque country gives it a unique culture, evident in its food, language and history. Take a look at the 12th-century St Martin's Church, beautifully restored in the 16th century. Bayonne is a must-see, as are Barniere Port and Saint Jean de Luz.
Away from the city, Biarritz car hire is an ideal way to reach the spectacular Pyrenees. Similarly, Spanish border towns, like San Sebastian, are easily accessed by car (it’s only a 45-minute drive between Biarritz and San Sebastian).
A four-hour drive north will be rewarded by the spectacular sight of La Rochelle. This heavily fortified port is home to several superb museums and France’s largest aquarium. Head east, again for close to four hours, and you will set sight upon one of France’s most beautiful towns – Carcassonne. Nestling like a jewel in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Carcassonne is a huge fortified town with a delightful charm that echoes throughout the maze of historic buildings.
Closer to Biarritz, just over the border in Spain, drive for 90 minutes and you’ll be in Bilboa – one of the surprise arts centres of Europe. Once an industrial ugly duckling, this huge port has turned into a real swan.
