Back Singing in the Basque Country
The Basque country is located in the South-Western extremity of France. With its eternally green hills, villages gathered around churches and characteristic red & white stoned houses the towns of Ascain, Espelette, Cambo-les-Bains, and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
On the coast is built Biarritz, made famous by impromptu visits by the Empress Eugenie and Napoleon III, offers superb beaches and promenades by the sea.
Historical Bayonne with its cathedral is also a port along the Adour.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a tuna port in a superb site, saw the marriage of Louis XIV and the Infanta Maria Theresa. Today with its quaint alleys it is the capital of the Basque country.
The Basque Country is a region of tradition and celebration: the Basque language is mysterious and jealously preserved, the Basque pelota, traditional ball game, the Basque houses, “extea” polyphonic songs, sheeps cheese, Espelette pepper , Bayonne ham, fish specialties … this small region is a place with so much to discover. Come and experience for yourselves whilst performing for the Basque people, with two or three concerts given in places laden with history.
Program in 5 days / 4 nights
Day 1 – BASQUE COUNTRY
Arrival in the Basque Country at the end of the afternoon. Welcome, check in at hotel and welcome drink.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – BIARRITZ and BAYONNE
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning, guided visit for Biarritz, famous seaside resort with its beaches and its mild climate. Facing the Grande Plage, the Hotel du Palais, built at the request of the Empress Eugenie and Napoleon III, recalls the prestigious history of the station at the end of the 19th century. The visit includes a stop at the Rocher de la Vierge.
Free time for lunch.
Afternoon, guided visit of Bayonne, picturesque town on the banks of the Adour and Nive rivers. Walking tour of Vieux Bayonne followed by a spontaneous songs in the Sainte Marie Cathedral or in the cloister.
Dinner in a restaurant or at hotel near the Cathedral where you can taste the famous Axoa, the emblematic dish of Basque cuisine.
Overnight.
Day 3 – AINHOA – ESPELETTE – CAMBO LES BAINS
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning, full day excursion to French Basque Country. en route to Aïnhoa and visit of this perfect little basque village.
Visit of a chocolate manufactory, one of the old specialties of this country.
Lunchtime at restaurant.
Afternoon, visit of Espelette, typical village known for its peppers that can be seen hanging on the facades of the houses of the village.
Then, departure to Cambo-les-Bains and visit of the “Arnaga”, house of the famous playwright Edmond Rostand author of Cyrano de Bergerac. Featuring original architecture and a beautiful park, the site is listed as a historic monument.
End of afternoon or evening, rehearsal and friendly concert with a local choir.
Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 – LA RHUNE – ASCAIN – SAINT JEAN-DE-LUZ – ARCANGUES
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning, departure for a full day excursion. En route for the ascent of the Rhune in a small cogwheel train. From the top, you can admire a panoramic view of the Ocean, the surrounding countryside and the Pyrenees. Free time on the top and descent. Continuation to Ascain and visit a cider house or Espelette Pepper house or other local cheese farm.
Lunchtime at restaurant.
Afternoon, continuation to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, charming fishing village and renowned seaside resort. Walk in the pedestrian streets lined with houses with colourful facades and shops offering Basque products.
Spontaneous songs in our outside of the Cathedral (or other venue) where Louis XIV married the Infanta of Spain in 1660.
On the way back hotel, if time left, visit of Basque linen weaving workshop and store.
Then, stop at Arcangues, very nice little village with its fronton, very nice and typique church surrounded by its cemetary in which you will find the Luis Mariano song tumb
Back to hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Back home
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning, visit of a salting workshop and store in Bayonne. Back home.
Standard program suggested only as an example. Do not hesitate to contact us for any modifications or additions you may require. Upon availabilities of local choirs and venues.
