Discovering Gascony and the Basque Country
Southwest France’s Gascony and Basque Country offer a unique blend of wine traditions, culinary delights, and rich cultural heritage. This region, known for its robust reds and crisp whites, provides wine enthusiasts with an off-the-beaten-path experience. From rolling vineyards to dramatic Pyrenees landscapes, visitors can explore charming villages, sample local wines, and indulge in Basque and Gascon cuisines.
Towns and Villages
Bayonne
The capital of French Basque Country, Bayonne is renowned for its chocolate and ham. Explore the old town’s narrow streets and visit the Gothic cathedral.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
This picturesque fishing port offers beautiful beaches and Basque architecture. Don’t miss the Church of St. John Baptist, where Louis XIV married Marie-Thérèse of Spain.
Auch
The historic capital of Gascony, Auch boasts a stunning cathedral and charming old town. Visit the Musée des Jacobins for local history and art.
Wine Producers
Domaine Brana
Located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Domaine Brana produces excellent Irouléguy wines and Eaux-de-vie. Book a tour to learn about their winemaking process and taste their products.
Château de Pellehaut
This family-owned estate in Gascony offers tours and tastings of their Armagnac and wines. Their sustainable farming practices showcase the region’s commitment to eco-friendly viticulture.
Domaine Cauhapé
Situated in the Jurançon appellation, Domaine Cauhapé is known for its sweet white wines. Visit their tasting room for a guided experience through their wine range.
Accommodations
Hotel Parc Beaumont, Pau
This luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the Pyrenees and easy access to Jurançon wineries. Enjoy their spa facilities and gourmet restaurant.
Les Sources de Caudalie, Martillac
Although technically in Bordeaux, this wine-themed hotel is worth the short trip. Experience vinotherapy treatments and dine at their Michelin-starred restaurant.
Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz
For a taste of old-world glamour, stay at this historic beachfront palace. It’s an ideal base for exploring both the Basque coast and nearby wineries.
Dining
L’Auberge Basque, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle
This Michelin-starred restaurant showcases modern Basque cuisine. Pair your meal with local Irouléguy wines for a true regional experience.
La Table de l’Arraya, La Bastide-Clairence
Enjoy traditional Basque dishes in a charming setting. Their wine list features an excellent selection of local and regional wines.
Le Florida, Condom
Located in the heart of Armagnac country, Le Florida offers innovative Gascon cuisine. Don’t miss their extensive Armagnac selection for after-dinner sipping.
Wine Shops & Bars
L’Artnoa, Bayonne
Discover local wines and artisanal products at this charming wine shop and bar.Enjoy wine tastings and tapas while chatting with knowledgeable staff about regional varieties.
La Cave d’Irouleguy, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Specializes in Irouleguy wines from small, local producers.Offers guided tastings and sells regional specialties like Espelette pepper and Basque cheeses.
La Cave de Bruno, Biarritz
Extensive selection of wines from Southwest France and beyond.Regular wine tasting events and knowledgeable staff to help with selections.
Other Shops
Maison Adam, Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Famous for its macarons, a local specialty since 1660.Purchase traditional Basque linens and ceramics alongside sweet treats.
Pierre Oteiza, Bayonne
Renowned butcher shop specializing in Kintoa pork products.Buy locally-made charcuterie, pâtés, and foie gras to pair with regional wines.
L’Atelier du Piment, Espelette
Source authentic Espelette pepper products directly from producers.Learn about the pepper’s cultivation and uses in Basque cuisine.
Attractions
Cité du Vin, Bordeaux
Interactive museum dedicated to the history and culture of wine.Offers panoramic views of Bordeaux and wine tastings from around the world.
Musée Basque et de l’Histoire de Bayonne
Explore Basque culture, history, and traditions in this comprehensive museum.Learn about the region’s winemaking heritage and agricultural practices.
Château de Pau
Former royal residence with connections to Henry IV of France.Tour the castle and gardens, then visit nearby Jurançon wineries.
Events
Fêtes de Bayonne
Annual festival celebrating Basque culture with parades, music, and local food and wine.Held in late July/early August, it’s the largest festival in France.
Fête du Vin Nouveau et de la Garbure, Jurançon
Celebrates the release of new Jurançon wines each November.Sample wines paired with garbure, a traditional Gascon soup.
Fête de la Transhumance, Aramits
Marks the seasonal movement of livestock in the Pyrenees (usually in September).Experience local traditions, folk music, and regional wine and food tastings.
Appellations
Irouléguy AOC
Smallest wine appellation in France, producing red, white, and rosé wines.Known for its steep, terraced vineyards and robust, mineral-driven wines.
Jurançon AOC
Renowned for its sweet white wines made from Petit and Gros Manseng grapes.Also produces excellent dry whites with crisp acidity and complex flavors.
Madiran AOC
Produces powerful red wines primarily from the Tannat grape.Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc for added complexity.
Grape Varieties
The Gascony and Basque Country regions boast a diverse array of grape varieties. Tannat reigns supreme in the red wine production, especially in Madiran and Irouléguy appellations.
Other prominent red varieties include:
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
For white wines, the region is known for:
- Petit Manseng
- Gros Manseng
- Courbu
- Colombard
Main Wine Styles
Gascony and the Basque Country produce a range of wine styles. Full-bodied red wines from Madiran and Irouléguy showcase the power of Tannat.
Sweet white wines from Jurançon highlight the potential of Petit Manseng. The region also produces crisp, refreshing dry whites and light, fruity rosés.
Armagnac, a distinctive brandy, is a specialty of Gascony. It’s made from a blend of grapes including Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard.
Food Specialties
The culinary traditions of Gascony and the Basque Country complement the local wines perfectly. Duck confit and foie gras are iconic Gascon specialties.
Basque cuisine offers delights such as:
- Axoa (veal or beef stew)
- Ttoro (fish soup)
- Piment d’Espelette (local chili pepper)
Don’t miss the opportunity to try Bayonne ham, a cured ham specific to the region. Pair it with local sheep’s milk cheeses like Ossau-Iraty.
Drives & Walks
Explore the picturesque landscapes of Gascony and the Basque Country through scenic drives and walks. The Route des Vins du Jurançon offers a beautiful journey through vineyards and charming villages.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Basque Country provides numerous trails with stunning views. Try the coastal path from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Hendaye for breathtaking ocean vistas.
In Gascony, the Circuit des Bastides takes you through medieval fortified towns, offering a blend of history and scenic beauty.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
- Day 1: Explore Madiran vineyards, visit Château Montus
- Day 2: Discover Jurançon, tour Clos Lapeyre
- Day 3: Experience Irouléguy wines, visit Domaine Arretxea
5-Day Gourmet Adventure
- Day 1-2: Explore Bayonne, taste local wines and Bayonne ham
- Day 3: Visit Espelette, famous for its chili peppers
- Day 4: Tour Armagnac distilleries in Gascony
- Day 5: Enjoy a gastronomic experience in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
These itineraries combine wine tasting, culinary experiences, and cultural exploration. Adjust according to your interests and time constraints.
Getting There & Around
The main gateway to Gascony and Basque Country is Biarritz Airport. It offers connections to major European cities.
For internal travel, consider:
- Renting a car for flexibility
- Using regional trains for eco-friendly travel
- Booking guided tours for stress-free wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early fall offers ideal weather for wine tours and outdoor activities.
Visit during:
- September for grape harvest festivals
- October for autumn foliage and fewer tourists
- May for mild weather and blooming landscapes
Sustainability Efforts
Many wineries in the region are adopting organic and biodynamic practices.
Look for:
- Eco-certified accommodations
- Farm-to-table restaurants
- Wineries using renewable energy
Language Tips
While French is widely spoken, learning a few Basque phrases can enhance your experience.
Key phrases:
- “Eskerrik asko” – Thank you
- “Kaixo” – Hello
- “Ardoa” – Wine
Further Resources
For more information, consult:
- Tourisme64 – Official tourism website
- Vins du Sud-Ouest – Regional wine guide
- France.fr – National tourism portal
Download wine apps like Vivino or CellarTracker for on-the-go tasting notes and wine ratings.