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Motorhoming In Pyrenees Atlantique
MOTORHOMING IN THE PYRENEES ATLANTIQUE
Southern most department of the five departments of Aquitaine, the Pyrenees Atlantique is French Basque country and borders Spain. Its varied landscape is home to mountains and forests and sheltered beaches and also several delicious local specialities. Motorhome travel in France is an ideal way to discover this area full of contrasts.
On a clear day from the summit of La Rhune at 900m of altitude, the whole of the French Basque country is spread out before you. You can go up on foot if you’re brave enough but otherwise you can make the most of the little tourist train which ambles up the mountainside, slowly enough as not to disturb the mountain goats and sheep whose milk produces the exceptional cheese of the Basque region.
Bayonne was dominated by the English for three centuries and with its half-timbered houses and bourgeois residences is the capital of the French Basque region. It is a very convivial town of mixed cultures and boasts, amongst its specialities the Bayonne ham, chocolate, fish, sheep’s milk cheese and foie gras.
If you’re hiring a motorhome in France or hiring a motorhome in England head further south and on the coast you’ll find the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz with its sheltered beach. The town has been touched by two historical periods. In the past it was a whaling port and the town was constructed by its rich ship owners and corsairs. The second event was the marriage of the French king Louis XIV and the Spanish Infanta in 1660. A superb brick and stone house was built on the port to receive the Infanta on the eve of her marriage to the King. It looks over the narrow streets of the port where a little further on you will find the Kings own house which still carries his name.
If you fancy a change from wine tasting, head back inland to the village of Espelette where you can see how chocolate is made following Basque tradition, and taste, of course! Espelette is best known however for its pimentos which are even used to flavour the chocolate.
Motorhoming in the Pyrenees Atlantique is not to miss and you can find somewhere to stay by clicking on Aires de Service in the Pyrenees Atlantique. Combine your trip and do some motorhoming in the Landes. Motorhoming in Aquitaine has lots to offer.
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