You’re going to France! What should you see and do while you’re here? Here are some of our favorites.
"Around Toulouse
Our home for the past two years. Toulouse is a medium-sized city in the Occitan region in Southern France, situated near the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains. Take a tour of downtown Toulouse, hike the Pyrenees mountains, watch a jousting match in a medieval castle, catch a rugby match, or just enjoy the food!
Toulouse
In addition to the classic old European city staples (beautiful old churches, bridges, capitol square, museums, etc), Toulouse is known for its red brick buildings, some of which date back to Medieval times, as well as a large aerospace industry.
The Pyrenees mountains (Ariège)
The Pyrenees are about one to two hours away from Toulouse by car or by train. Go hiking, climbing, camping, biking, kayaking, canyoning, horseback riding, marmot watching…
Cité de Carcassonne
A medieval citadel and fortress, the namesake of the board game.
That’s a castley castle
– Ji
Basque Country
Spanning the Western border between France and Spain, the Basque Country is home to a unique culture and language. Walk the Basque coast and Pyrenees mountains, watch a pelote match, and sample the local specialities including Kintoa ham, pintxos, taloak, sheep cheese, and Basque cake (the traditional one and the cheesecake). And above all, take in the spectacular landscape with its lush hills and iconic white-and-red houses.
Baigorri
Jean’s village. The village festival conveniently starts the day before the wedding. There will be cultural events throughout the week including live music, Basque dances, street food, pelote matches, fair games for kids, and more. Find more information on the tourism office website or on the town website.
Biarritz
Biarritz is an upscale beach town on the Basque Coast, once the summer residence of European royals. Here you can find beautiful views of the coast, luxury hotels and restaurants, boutique shops, as well as a local surf scene.
Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
Cross the border to discover the Spanish side of the Basque country. Spend an afternoon sampling pintxos (Basque tapas) in the old city and try the Basque cheesecake at La Viña. To digest, relax on the beach or walk up the Mota Castle. There is also a funicular to Monte Igueldo, an old theme park with a great view.
The Pyrenees mountains (Basque Country)
Hike the Pyrenees, this time with Basque ponies! There are hikes with spectacular views of the mountains and valleys pretty much everywhere in the Basque country.
Want the view without the hike? Take the train up to Larrun.