My original intention was to return to Bordeaux and study French so I could converse in the modern language and not have to rely on Google Translate. That is still the plan but I decided I wanted to see the south-western part of France, particularly the Basque region. On September 30, I flew to Toulouse—known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City) after the distinctive pink stone and red tile used to construct most of its buildings. It is fourth largest city in France and one of the most historic and beautiful with a vibrant art and music scene, bountiful Farmers Market, lively city center, and numerous public gardens and green spaces.
On October 4, I took a three-hour train ride to Bayonne, the capital of the French Basque Country, with its characteristic half-timbered buildings and traditional restaurants stretching along the banks of the Adour and Nive rivers. It’s a relaxed, picturesque city divided into three distinct areas connected by numerous large and small bridges leading to narrow shady cobblestone streets filled with shops, cafes, and bars. The covered market hall and Musée du Chocolat are highlights.
I had hoped to spend a few days in San Sebastián-Donostia, Spain, to experience the Spanish Basque region but I was only able to do a day trip from Bayonne. It was easy to do since it was only 35 miles and an hour bus ride. This glorious city lies along a white sandy bay between the Urgull and Igeldo hills on the Cantabrian coast with grand architecture, popular beaches, dynamic cultural and traditional food scene.
I’ve end the first week of my adventure in the French coastal resort town of Biarritz. Perched on the rocky coast of the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast, Biarritz has been a beach getaway since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century and built a royal palace as their summer home. What was once a whaling village became a destination for sun, surfing and seafood.
From here, it’s Bordeaux for a month to study French. We’ll see how that goes.
I am trying something new this time around regarding photos. I hope the links will take you to photo albums I have set up for each city.
Thanks for coming along for the ride. Stay tuned.
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