Trails & Beyond

Destination in focus: Béarn

A Country in a Different Way

The historic Béarn is the proud neighboring province of the Basque Country—sharing the administrative Department 64, yet remaining strikingly distinct in its culture, history, and landscapes. Well off the beaten path, Béarn reveals a completely independent and unspoiled character. Shaped by rolling green hills, wild rivers, and the majestic panorama of the Pyrenees, this history-steeped region is a true haven for explorers in search of the authentic France.

From our base camp, at Camping Le Pavillon Royal in Bidart, we begin by exploring three villages: Salies-de-Béarn, renowned far beyond its borders for its salt deposits; Sauveterre-de-Béarn, the cradle of the famous Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle breed; and Navarrenx, picturesquely nestled amid the rolling green hills of Béarn, right on the banks of the Gave d'Oloron, and serving as a major historical stopover on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela.

Trails & Beyond

Destination in focus: The Basque Country

The Basque Country lies in northern Spain and south-western France and is known for its green hills, rugged Atlantic coastline and culture.

My world tour through the Basque Country isn’t a round trip this time either; instead, I’ve chosen Camping Le Pavillon Royal in Bidart as my base camp – a charming village on the Atlantic coast known for its beautiful beaches and surfing culture.