Gascony and the Basque Country Wine Travel Guide (South-West France)

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 Bayo

e The capital of French Basque Country, Bayo

e 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 stu

ing 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 stu

ing 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 i

ovative Gascon cuisine. Don't miss their extensive Armagnac selection for after-di

er sipping. Wine Shops & Bars L'Artnoa, Bayo

e 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, Bayo

e 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 Bayo

e 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 co

ections to Henry IV of France.Tour the castle and gardens, then visit nearby Jurançon wineries. Events Fêtes de Bayo

e 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 Ta

at 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. Ta

at 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 Ta

at. 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 Bayo

e 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 stu

ing 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 Bayo

e, taste local wines and Bayo

e 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 co

ections 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.