With the beginning of September, the end of summer is becoming an ever closer reality. However, there is still time to plan a last minute getaway before the start of autumn, for which we will have to wait until next Sunday 22nd.
If the goal is to prepare a short trip without complications, both Spain like the neighboring country France They have a lot to offer. For years, multiple enclaves near the border between France and Spain have stood out for their unique customs, magical coasts and cities of great tourist and cultural attractionwhich will delight all those who decide to visit them.
However, planning a last-minute getaway can become a somewhat complicated task if you don’t know what to see or which tourist destinations to visit, because It’s easy to end up opting for well-known destinations and not as economical as Barcelona or Marseille, for example.
To diversify a little and delve deeper into what is less well known, we offer you three picturesque and peaceful destinations between Spain and France for a last minute getaway in September, before the end of the summer period.
Biarritz, France
Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, the coastal city combines modernity and luxury with tradition and simplicityThe enclave is part of the French Basque Country, a cultural region that brings together the customs of the two communities from which it takes its name.
The town served as a whaling port for decades, until the wife of Napoleon III, the empress Eugenie de Montijofell in love with its coast and its people after a visit in the mid-19th century.
After this, the regent ordered the construction of a huge, sumptuous summer residence on the seaside, the current one Palace Hotelwhich propelled the enclave to become one of the most special tourist destinations in the country.
Since then, the city has been distinguished by its more than 6 kilometers of coastlinewith fine sandy beaches, cliffs and sea water considered therapeutic for its properties, as well as for having been set as a standard in terms of fashion and the gastronomy. In addition, surf It is one of the most famous sports in the region, even being considered the historical capital of this sport in Europe.
One of the main attractions of this quiet town is Rock of the Virgin -or Rocher de la Vierge in French-, a rocky reef that ends with a white statue of the Virgin Mary with the Baby Jesus surrounded by water. The sculpture was placed in the late 19th century to celebrate the safe arrival of sailors on land.
Baztán Valley, Spain
Located in the north of the regional community of Navarre, the Baztán Valley It is a natural space surrounded by charming towns and a large number of landscapes, rivers and green spaces that you can enjoy with your family.
Throughout the valley – also called Navarrese Switzerland – it is possible to see a multitude of historic buildings such as palaces, mansions, megalithic monuments and countless natural treasures.
The enclave is considered one of the cradles of the Basque language and is divided into 15 locations grouped in 4 different barrackseach with its own history and unique buildings. The territory is divided into the following territories:
- Baztangoiza: Consisting of the towns of Erratzu, Azpilkueta, Arizkun and Amaiur.
- Elizondo: Composed of the municipalities of Elizondo, Elbete and Lekaroz.
- Erberea: Made up of the municipalities of Irurita, Gartzain, Arraioz and Oronoz.
- Basaburua: Made up of the municipalities of Ziga, Aniz, Berroeta and Almandoz.
The region is distinguished by its unique nature, among which you can enjoy waterfalls, forests and numerous hiking trails. But the Valley is also distinguished by its gastronomywhich emphasizes natural products from the surrounding area, such as mushrooms or local cider.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
Known for being the place where the marriage between the monarch Louis XIV of France and the Infanta María Teresa of Spain was celebrated in 1660, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a small town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
The enclave, less than 30 kilometers from the border with the Basque Country, combines the two traditions in a unique wayProof of this is its gastronomy, in which fresh seafood dishes stand out.
Its proximity to Biarritz – 20 kilometers away – as well as other French and Basque coastal towns in the region make it an ideal destination for organizing a good gastronomic itinerary
One of the most important districts of the city is its portwhich was the heart of the city for centuries, and which also served as a base for French privateers during the Italian Wars that involved France, the Crown of Castile, the Crown of Aragon, the Holy Roman Empire, among others.
Likewise, Saint Jean de Luz also has various historical buildings, such as the Saint John the Baptist Churchin which the baroque altar stands out. Another of the most remarkable points of the city is the House of the Infantaa 17th century mansion where he lived Maria Theresa of Spain before getting married. The house – now a museum – shows the lifestyle of the nobility of the time.
