Description
Book SynopsisThis new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's award-winning guide to the Basque Country and Navarre remains the most comprehensive and in-depth guide available to this multi-lingual, multi-cultural borderland encompassing parts of southern France and northern Spain. This fully revised second edition includes all the elements required for an enjoyable holiday and also the unique aspects of Basque culture and traditions which make this such a fascinating part of the world. Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre seeks to give a real insight into what is a strong regional identity, uncovering the peculiarities which imbue the area with its aura of intrigue and taking you way beyond the delightful, well-known cities and into the heart of the beautiful Basque countryside. When it comes to food, discover not just what to eat, but also how to eat it, for many Basque eating rituals apply! In this, the most complete guidebook to the Spanish and French Basque Country and Navarre, Murray Stewart covers the principal cities - rejuvenated Bilbao with its famous Guggenheim Museum, beautiful San Sebastián, verdant Vitoria-Gasteiz and lively Pamplona - and also delves deeper into the region's interior, capturing the quirkiness that makes it so special. With 36 maps, 16 walks, advice on where to cycle, horseride and surf, he guides travellers through an area whose profile is firmly 'on the up.' Find the best pintxos (Basque tapas) and txakoli wine, the finest chuletón (beef chop) and the freshest fish. From elegant Biarritz, via the French Basque Pyrénées, to the Navarran 'badlands' of Bardenas Reales, travel to fascinating, less-visited places. Here are the best festivals, including Pamplona's famous, bull-running San Fermin. Learn how the handing-over of three cows has kept the peace for centuries, or where you can see the annual 'Benediction of the Red Pepper'. Join the walkers on the Caminos de Santiago, the pilgrim routes which still sustain the local economy, 1,000 years after they began. Find information on the unique Basque and Navarran wines, top birdwatching sites, history, music, sports and culture - and when to visit. Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre is the ideal companion.
Trade ReviewWINNER Best Guidebook of the Year British Guild of Travel Writers
Table of ContentsIntroduction PART ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate, Fauna, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture, Sport Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Women travellers, Senior travellers, Travellers with disabilities, Ethnic minority travellers, Gay and lesbian travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money, Costs and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Sightseeing and entertainment, Sports and other activities, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Buying property PART TWO: THE BASQUE AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY Chapter 3 Bilbao (Bilbo) and Bizkaia Province History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Bilbao, Around Bilbao, West of Bilbao: Las Encartaciones (Enkarterri), West Encartaciones: the Karrantza Valley, Inland from Bilbao: Durango and around, The coast east of Bilbao Chapter 4 San Sebastian (Donostia) and Gipuzkoa Province San Sebastian, Inland from San Sebastian, East to France, West of San Sebastian, Further west: Deba and Mutriku Chapter 5 Vitoria-Gasteiz and Alava (Araba) Province Vitoria-Gasteiz, East of Vitoria: Llanada Alavesa, Southeast of Vitoria: La Montana Alavesa, West and north of Vitoria, La Rioja Alavesa (Arabako Errioxa) PART THREE: NAVARRE Chapter 6 Navarre (Nafarroa) History, Northern Navarre, Navarre's western sierras: Andia, Urbasa and Aralar, Southern Navarre: La Zona Media and La Ribera, La Ribera: Bardenas Reales and Tudela PART FOUR: THE FRENCH BASQUE COUNTRY Chapter 7 Biarritz, the French Basque Coast and Inland Labourd Biarritz (Miarritze), Anglet (Angelu), Bayonne (Baiona), Bidart (Bidarte), Guethary (Getaria), Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure, Urrugne (Urruna) and around, Hendaye (Hendaia), Inland Labourd, Northern Labourd Chapter 8 Basse-Navarre (Behe Nafarroa) History, Uharte-Cize Commune, Saint Martin de Arberoue (Donamartiri) Commune, Uharte-Mixe Commune Chapter 9 L a Soule (Xiberoa) History, Getting there and around, Mauleon-Licharre (Maule-Lextarre), L'Hopital Saint-Blaise (L'Ospitale Pia), Tardets-Sorholus (Atharratze), Sainte-Engrace (Santa Grazi), Soule's southwest Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Further Information Index
