Bordeaux to Spain journey
May 8th, 2016, 08:07 AM
#1
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Bordeaux to Spain journey
We have 6 days to travel by car out of Bordeaux and like to hike, see art, stay in historic places or air bnbs. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thinking of maybe Basque region and Northern Spain. Love the local flavor, meeting people, etc.
May 8th, 2016, 09:58 AM
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I hope you're not planning to rent a car in Bordeaux and drop it off in Spain, because that will cost you a king's ransom.
Six days is a short time. You'll have tiime to wander down the Atlantic coast to Bayonne and Biarritz and St-Jean-de-Luz and then into Spain, but what happens after that? How do you get home?
I don't know about meeting people - normally doesn't happen unless you speak the language and really make an effort.
Sounds like a guidebook or two and a visit to the official websites of places along your route would be advisable.
Six days is a short time. You'll have tiime to wander down the Atlantic coast to Bayonne and Biarritz and St-Jean-de-Luz and then into Spain, but what happens after that? How do you get home?
I don't know about meeting people - normally doesn't happen unless you speak the language and really make an effort.
Sounds like a guidebook or two and a visit to the official websites of places along your route would be advisable.
May 8th, 2016, 10:46 AM
#4
we spent 7 days in and around Bordeaux last year and the place we liked most was Cadillac, which made a good base for exploring that area.
Then we moved onto Arcachon where for us 2 nights was one night too long.
I can't help with the area further south than that.
Then we moved onto Arcachon where for us 2 nights was one night too long.
I can't help with the area further south than that.
May 8th, 2016, 11:53 AM
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Oh yeah, stay off the A63. Go inland, but even that is boring - those miles and miles of sand and pine trees in Les Landes..wonderful if you come across the shepherds on stilts, deadeninly boring if you don't.
As noted, Arcachon is good for a night. More than that, move on to Cap Ferret or head south.
As noted, Arcachon is good for a night. More than that, move on to Cap Ferret or head south.
May 8th, 2016, 12:09 PM
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The Spanish Basque Country (Euskadi), just across the border, is full of very diverse highlights:
http://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/
Some of many good reasons to go here: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/essentials/
Should also mention the spectacular coastline: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/basque-coast/
And a food culture to die for, many of the best restaurants in the world are in this small region: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...y-for-foodies/
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/20/wo...sine.html?_r=0
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/e...basque-cuisine
http://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/
Some of many good reasons to go here: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/essentials/
Should also mention the spectacular coastline: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/basque-coast/
And a food culture to die for, many of the best restaurants in the world are in this small region: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...y-for-foodies/
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/20/wo...sine.html?_r=0
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/e...basque-cuisine
May 9th, 2016, 01:27 AM
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I agree that Arcachon is nice and the the dune of Pyla is spectacular.
But OP asked for Northern Spain, and Northen Spain is beautiful too.
Here a few tips:
- Donostia is a charming city with a wide sandy beach in a shell-shaped cove. 2 1/2 hours driving time from Bordeaux (if you take the fast A63).
- Bilbao's main attraction is the spectacular architecture of Frank O. Gehry's Guggenheim Museum. Outstanding.
- Santander is a stately city with history.
- The coastline is very dramatic - beautifuly sandy coves and bizarre cliffs.
- Along the coast and in the hinterland, you find many picturesque little villages, among the Santillana del Mar (however touristy).
- You find endless options for hiking in the mountains. Discover scenic canyons, lakes, prehistoric caves and more.
- Northern Spain is a paradise for food lovers. Lots of affordable Michelin-star awarded restaurants as well as excellent seafood. Do not miss centollo (spider crab)!
But OP asked for Northern Spain, and Northen Spain is beautiful too.
Here a few tips:
- Donostia is a charming city with a wide sandy beach in a shell-shaped cove. 2 1/2 hours driving time from Bordeaux (if you take the fast A63).
- Bilbao's main attraction is the spectacular architecture of Frank O. Gehry's Guggenheim Museum. Outstanding.
- Santander is a stately city with history.
- The coastline is very dramatic - beautifuly sandy coves and bizarre cliffs.
- Along the coast and in the hinterland, you find many picturesque little villages, among the Santillana del Mar (however touristy).
- You find endless options for hiking in the mountains. Discover scenic canyons, lakes, prehistoric caves and more.
- Northern Spain is a paradise for food lovers. Lots of affordable Michelin-star awarded restaurants as well as excellent seafood. Do not miss centollo (spider crab)!
