Location
Talking of Spain, its proximity means that it has certainly influenced the local cuisine which tends to be spicy with grilled fish dishes 'à la plancha'. In Bayonne and the other coastal towns you will come across numerous tapas bars and traditional cidreries. Many of the locals drive over the border for cheap petrol, food and wine and there are numerous "venta" shops the length of the border which are particularly popular in the summer months. San Sébastien is a mere 15 mins from St Jean de Luz.
If you move slightly north, you come into a totally different environment of pine forests and vast, deserted beaches with very little habitation. In fact the Landes is the least habited region of France in relation to its surface area. A fantastic area for golfers, cyclists and surfers alike in search of unspoilt scenery.
If you have had enough of beaches, then the pure air of the mountains in never far away. The Pyrénées offer spectacular scenery in a more naturally wild way than the Alps. The Pyrénées are less exploited as far as ski resorts go so there are endless unspoilt walks both on the French and Spanish sides in summer. In the Winter months, you have a selection of resorts which are family-friendly and stress-free! La Pierre St Martin, Gourette and La Mongie are the most popular among locals but you can go further afield to Cauterets and St Lary - the choice is yours.
There is also good cross-country skiing just above St Jean Pied de Port in Iraty where you can explore the beauty of its immense woodland at your own pace.