Exploring Southern France

This area contains several locations we had considered visiting on previous trips to France, but for whatever reason, we did not get it done until this trip.

Southern France is a cultural and historical area, also known as the Nouvelle-Aquitaine région. It is known for its unique language, culture, and cuisine and is home to around 3 million people, and the majority of them speak the Basque language (also called Euskara or Euskera), which is unrelated to any other known language. We noticed (while driving) that all highway signs were always in 3 languages - for example in France, the signs would be in French, Basque and English. In Spain, the signs would be in Spanish, Basque and English.

Southern France is a beautiful region with a lot to offer visitors. The region is home to stunning mountains, picturesque villages, and charming coastal towns and is also known for its delicious food and wine. Some of the region's specialties include pintxos (small tapas), bacalao al pil-pil (cod in a garlic and chili sauce), and txakoli (a local sparkling wine).

Our drive south from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the D-933 and N-135 highways we found to be not only beautiful, but challenging. The number of switchbacks that we encountered were frequent and almost always nearly a complete u-turn! The geography changed as we continued south and once we reached the foothills south of the Pyrenees, we found ourselves in Northern Spain near Pamplona.

Biarritz was our target destination after we completed our Dordogne River Valley exploration, and as we only stayed there one night, we did not take very much imagery or video. Our goal was to relax, enjoy the beach view and get ready for our Spain adventure the next day. It is probable that we were missing our Florida beaches, and we thought we might be able to find some good seafood while there. We stayed at the Le Biarritz Hotel, just across the Rue de Madrid from Marbella Beach.

After we got checked into our Hotel, we hiked down the Rue de Madrid to where we were able to walk out to an overlook above (on the Impasse de Marbella) the Plage Marbella. There were a lot of surfers in the water, and quite a few surf schools & shops at that overlook location. The view from that height was beautiful and it felt really good not to be driving!

Biarritz has earned its reputation as the surfing capital of Europe. With its consistent waves and beautiful beaches like Côte des Basques and Grande Plage, it's no wonder surfers flock here. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, there are plenty of surf schools and board rentals available to get you riding the waves. After we checked into our room at the Le Biarritz Hotel, we walked over to the cliff above Marbella Beach and watched the local surfers having fun.

We had dreamed of visiting Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port ever since we first started planning this trip. As we considered walking the Camino Francés, this historic village became a focal point of our research. Time and again, we delved into its significance, picturing ourselves stepping onto its ancient cobblestone streets as we embarked on the legendary pilgrimage. However, unforeseen health challenges prevented us from taking on that adventure. Despite this, when mapping out our route to Spain, we knew without hesitation that we had to make a stop in this iconic town. Not only did we want to explore its medieval charm, but we were also eager for the breathtaking experience of crossing the Pyrenees Mountains.

The town’s name, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, translates to "St. John at the Foot of the Pass", a fitting tribute to its strategic location situated at the base of the Pyrenees. For centuries, it has served as the traditional starting point for pilgrims embarking on the Camino Francés, the most well-traveled route of the Camino de Santiago. From here, thousands of pilgrims set off on an awe-inspiring 900+ kilometer journey across northern Spain, their steps guided by history, faith, and personal ambition as they make their way to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela.

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, it serves as a gateway to the Camino Frances, a historic pilgrimage route leading to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

The town itself is a postcard-worthy vision, with its narrow cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and a formidable citadel that stands as a testament to its medieval history. The Porte St-Jacques, the iconic town gate, welcomes pilgrims and visitors alike. You can explore the town's charming boutiques, savor Basque cuisine at local restaurants, and soak up the peaceful ambiance of this historic place.

The Camino Francés is a legendary 780–800 km (500-mile) pilgrimage from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The journey typically takes 30–35 days (assuming 25 to 30 kilometers per day), covering diverse landscapes—from the rugged Pyrenees and vineyard-rich La Rioja to the vast Meseta plains and lush Galicia hills.

The first stage to Roncesvalles is one of the most challenging, with steep ascents through the Pyrenees. The middle section, through Castilla y León, features long, flat stretches that test mental endurance, while the final approach through Galicia is scenic but hilly. The last 100 km from Sarria is the most popular, as it qualifies pilgrims for the Compostela certificate.

Beyond the physical journey, the Camino Francés is a transformative experience, blending history, culture, and self-discovery. It’s well-marked, supported by hostels, and accessible to both seasoned hikers and first-time pilgrims. Whether for spiritual growth, adventure, or personal challenge, the Camino leaves a lasting impact on those who walk it.

The Camino Francés is the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. According to statistics from the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela, approximately 300,000–350,000 people complete the Camino de Santiago annually, with the Camino Francés accounting for around 55–60% of all pilgrims. This means that roughly 180,000–210,000 people walk the Camino Francés each year.

Stopping here was not part of our original planning, but as we motored east on the A-64 (headed to Lourdes) we realized that it was lunch time and Pau was going to be the largest city until we got to Lourdes. As French restaurants are open for lunch from noon to 2PM, we knew we'd better stop somewhere, and then maybe do some exploration before getting back onto the A-64. Otherwise we'd wind up eating "light"!

Pau, located in the beautiful region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France, is a city that combines historical charm, natural beauty, and a touch of elegance. This vibrant city, often referred to as the "Green City" or "Garden City," is framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the Pyrenees Mountains.

One of the city's most notable landmarks is the Château de Pau, a stunning medieval castle that was once the birthplace of King Henry IV of France. Visitors can explore its ornate rooms and immerse themselves in French royal history. The castle is surrounded by lush gardens and offers panoramic views of the city and the mountains beyond.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to appreciate Pau's proximity to the Pyrenees, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other mountain activities. With its rich history, natural beauty, and warm ambiance, Pau is a delightful destination for travelers seeking a taste of French culture and the splendor of the Pyrenean landscape.

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport was our departure point for our return to England, and we had previously decided to spend a part of the day at the Airbus Museum adjacent to the airport. Photography was not allowed inside the museum, but we can honestly say that the visit was interesting and we were able to board and explore the Airbus A-380 as well as an Air France Concorde.

NOTE: The above image is the property of Gyrostat via Wikimedia Commons using the CC-BY-SA 4.0 license.

The first column below ("All Trip Destinations") lists all of our major trip destinations (for this trip) and the next four columns list each of our trip "basecamps" and then a list of what we explored from that basecamp. Each destination name is linked to it's page - so all you need to do is click that name.

NOTE: The Trip Itinerary & Overview Page is where you should start your viewing.

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations & Information Pages, click any link to go to that page.