If you try to find a country with this name on a map, you will not succeed. And yet, it is a very specific territory with its own history, culture, traditions, language and even flag. Its largest part is located in Spain, the smaller part – in France. The French Basque Country is located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay and in the foothills of the Pyrenees and consists of three provinces: Laboure, Basse Navarre and Sul.
Due to the proximity of the ocean and mountains, this territory is characterized by a favorable climate: +6 – 9 ° C in winter and about 20 ° C in summer.
In ancient times, the Romans were unable to penetrate the interior of the country due to the mountainous nature of the terrain, which allowed the Basques to preserve their language and national identity. The Basque language (euskara) is the oldest language in Europe, of the so-called ergative type, which differs in its grammar from Indo-European, Semitic and Fino-Ugric languages. Similar grammar exists only in some Caucasian languages, for example, in Georgian.
White, red and green are the colors of the Basque Country. Their flag is a red cloth crossed by green and white crosses. The Basque man’s weekend attire is a white shirt, a scarlet wide beret and a neck scarf. And their neat white houses with red tiled roofs and shutters painted in red or green create the feeling of a fairy tale. Imagine that this fairy tale is set amongst picturesque low mountains with a variety of breathtaking views, and you will understand why even the French come to admire Basque villages, considering them more beautiful than others.
Basque villages are distinguished from typical French villages not only by their special care, but also by the presence of a gable. A gable is a large brick wall designed to throw a ball into. This is the Basque national game of pelota (pelota). The ball is hard and must be hit with a hand in a special glove. No less popular than pelota is the Basque bullfight.
If you come to a Basque village, be sure to visit a local restaurant: Basque cuisine is different from French cuisine. What’s more, it varies from village to village, each one growing or baking something special that they are proud of. For example, in the town of Espolet you will be treated to a fragrant pepper called “piman”, and in Ruxy they offer delicious delicate biscuits. Bayonne, the capital of the French Basque Country, is famous for its hot chocolate.
And, of course, the Basque Country is famous for its resorts, such as Biarritz, St.-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye with their ideal beaches, picturesque coastal landscapes and everything you need for a full-fledged unforgettable vacation.
