"Pyrénées-Atlantique, the far southwest" Top 5 Page for this destination Aquitaine by aaaarrgh

Aquitaine Travel Guide: 1,807 reviews and 5,762 photos

Pyrénées-Atlantique is France's Département 64. It stretches from the Pays Basque on the Atlantic coast, through to the pretty region of Béarn. Its two main cities are the large fishing port, Bayonne and the bustling city of Pau, close to the mountains in the east.

Because I live in Wales, I like the fierce pride of the Basque people and the Béarnais. They have defended themselves from invaders for many centuries. Both countries have their own language, Euskeba in the Basque country and, yes, Béarnais in Béarn. The Basque language is unlike any other European tongue.

You can tell where you are by the roofs of the houses! Basque roofs in Biarritz and Bayonne are often shallow, bright red terracotta. Roofs in Bearn are steep, pointed and their eaves curve out at the base.

To the south are the tremendous Pyrénées mountains. They appear through the morning haze, changing colour according to the seasons and the time of day. In the winter they are white with snow. They hold a big influence over the weather, sometimes bringing strong winds and fierce showers of rain, or hail.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Some parts less 'discovered' by tourists. Always in view of the Pyrénées (weather permitting).
Cons:Hostage to Ryanair if you want to fly from England. Strange smell of gas!
In a nutshell:Widely varied geography, two countries beyond France.

Last visit to Aquitaine: Nov 2012
Intro Updated Nov 4, 2012
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Reviews (15)

St-Jean-de-Luz ~ sand, sea and... Things to Do (5)

Great place for people watching, St-Jean-de-Luz is a major seaside resort, as well as a pretty town. I visited when it... more travel advice

Bayonne - grande ville Basque Things to Do (5)

Bayonne is an incredibly beautiful city of colourful streets, two rivers and some fine museums. The highlight has to be... more travel advice

Mourenx - roundabout/circle town Off The Beaten Path (4)

A few kilometres south of the main Pau to Orthez highway is Mourenx, a small, very modern town. It grew rapidly in the... more travel advice

and now a cigarette and pizza? - Aquitaine

Ahem... the Fête des Ours Local Customs (2)

Well, I only hope the Virtual Tourist censors don't read this tip!!!!! Every February the city of Pau stages the Fête... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Low-cost flights to Biarritz and Pau
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Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 9, 2005

3 photos

Pyrénées Mountains

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Comments (9)

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balhannah Feb 6, 2010 at 3:19 AM

Some interesting tips on this page!
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Jim_Eliason Feb 18, 2007 at 5:26 AM

great page!
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millablake Aug 11, 2006 at 6:14 AM

hullo lovely. i am in Dublin. it is strange. Walthamstow was brilliant. i thought you would understand.
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BerniShand Jan 29, 2006 at 7:13 PM

l visited Lourdes in 1968 and I dont suppose its changed a bit LOL ticky tacky
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diocletianvs Jan 26, 2006 at 9:24 AM

Some interesting surprises in this off the beaten path area. I love your witty writing style!
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807Wheaton Jul 30, 2005 at 6:56 PM

Hi there. Thanks for visiting my Wales page. (Under construction). We are going to be in the Pyrenees in September so this was a great preview! Thanks for the good pictures and comments. Marcia
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tpal Mar 13, 2005 at 6:52 AM

Hi Sean, Carol and I have been considering Aqitaine for next year (we also will avoid February). Your writing is great. This definitely looks like an area where you can get away from the tourist traffic. Thanks for the tour...Tom
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Goner Mar 1, 2005 at 9:39 PM

I agree with Pa - good reading stuff here. Such a fascinating area I've yet to visit, will not however, visit it February, grrr.
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mapakettle Jan 16, 2005 at 1:50 AM

Sean, I look forward to reading your pages. You combine just the right mix of humour and info to provide an enjoyable 'read'. You also back up your comments with facts...good job. Pa