Basque Country - Day 1

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Another 3-hour drive today (160 miles) -- from Bordeaux to Basque Country.  The drive was easy -- mostly highway -- a lot of construction though.  And by this point, I have become an expert at paying French tolls.

I didn't do much except drive, take a walk along the ocean, and then check into my home for the next 7 nights -- Villa Arguibel.

"Arguibel is a classic Basque farmhouse from the outside, but oozes with eclectic modern cool inside.  Crammed with designer touches, slumpy sofas, and quirky treasures from around the world, its neon-tinged ultra-modern décor is rather shocking in a region that loves its tradition."

There are just 5 rooms in the villa, boldly designed with sensational bathrooms, and they share an open-plan living area on the ground floor.  The villa doesn't have a restaurant -- only breakfast is served there -- but that wasn't a big deal, so many fantastic restaurants close by!

Click here to see some pictures of the villa (at this point, I've apparently had enough of taking photos -- because I didn't take any of the interior of the villa!   I stayed in the turquoise suite on the 1st floor (or 2nd floor in the US) -- the room was very comfortable -- fantastic shower -- and a huge terrace).

I really enjoyed staying at the Arguibel.  I was the only one there for a couple of nights -- so very quiet / peaceful.  And breakfast was amazing.  No hot items -- but lots of fresh fruit, yogurt, local ham, local cheese, freshly-baked baguettes and pastries (and with all of the fantastic breakfasts -- by this point, I've pretty much pared down to two meals a day).  As you'll read more about in tomorrow's blog -- the area is also known for it's hot peppers -- I always had four of them with breakfast --- seriously delicious!  Oh -- and the cherry jam, another local specialty, pairs extremely well with the local cheese (more on that later).


  • 1:  Atlantic Ocean, St Jean de Luz
  • 2:  The view from my terrace (although you can't really see them in this pic -- I could see the Pyrenees in the distance)
  • 3:  In the village of Guéthary; pre-dinner drink, waiting for the restaurants to open for the evening


  • Dinner with a view - Le Madrid
  • Starter:  crab special
  • Main:  steak with frites (the bone marrow bit was particularly good ☺)


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