Back to Bordeaux Along the Atlantic Coast

Awaken the senses with a pleasant stroll to San Sebastian's most famous and much-loved beach. And if you've packed your swimsuit, the water is usually safe for a tranquil morning's dip.

Established over a century ago in 1902, this fascinating museum showcases the history of Basque society, allowing visitors to learn more about the culture, arts, and traditions of the region in which they are being welcomed.
Closed on Mondays, it's open every other day between 10am and 8pm. Entry prices are very reasonable, and it's free for everyone on Tuesdays. For a list of entry prices, head to the museum website.

Before leaving San Sebastian, experience it one final time from up on high. Set aside an hour or so for the round-trip to the summit of Monte Urgull, but it's worth every step, as at the top you'll be greeted with panoramic views over the Bay of Biscay.

Return to your hotel to pick up your car. You're leaving San Sebastian but your time in Spain is not yet over!

You couldn't leave Spain without trying tapas, and this restaurant in the delightful coastal border town of Hondarribia serves up a fine selection of small plates.
In Basque, 'danontzat' means 'for everyone', and it's an apt description of a restaurant where you can order anything from smoked sardines with flying fish roe, to cured beef tongue with black truffle.
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it's open every other day of the week between 12pm and midnight. You'd be advised to book, which you can do online at their website.

Back to France, and it's the surfing mecca of Biarritz, where you'll spend the next hour exploring. Park here at the old port, and you'll be able to explore the popular seaside town on foot.

As well as Biarritz's old port and the Cotes des Basques beach, the Rocher de la Vierge is a great adventure that takes you out to the statue of the Virgin Mary that was built in 1865.
Surrounded by crashing waves, you'll be pleased that the original wooden footbridge has since been replaced by a sturdier metal one!

Once you've had your fill of the water and the views from the Holy Rock, head back to your car, for you're headed inland to the historic town of Bayonne.

On arrival in Bayonne, find the 24-hour Place des Basques parking for an easy place to leave your car for an hour to explore the nearby Cathedral.

Bayonne is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, influenced by both Gascon and Basque cultures. There are few better places to discover this than at its Gothic cathedral, built between the 13th and 17th century after the original Romanesque cathedral burnt down.
The cathedral forms part of the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Way, and contains the relics of Saint Leo of Bayonne, the city's 9th-century Bishop.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is open to visitors every day from 8am.

Before leaving Bayonne, here's another chance to pick up some sweet souvenirs from your trip. Established in 1951, this chocolatier is a Bayonne institution and even has an in-house chocolate-making museum.

No doubt with shopping bags brimming with chocolate goodies and macaroons, return to your car as you begin the journey north towards your dinner reservation in Arcachon.

Before arriving in Arcachon, stop at this welcoming café en route for a refreshment break with a view over the square in the quaint village of Labouheyre. There's parking at the front of the café.
You've then got a further hour's drive, but the good news is it's via the A63, cutting through the green and natural park of the Gascony Moors. Note the cafe closes earlier on Sunday at 1pm.

Le Cabestan is your final stop before you return to your hotel, and it promises to be a good one. The charming coastal village of Arcachon is known for its oyster farming, so there are no prizes for guessing what is on the menu here.
Other seafood favourites here include Thai tuna tataki and crispy brown crab, though they also offer duck liver cutlets, pork cheeks, and beef steaks if seafood is not to your taste. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday, with evening service from 7pm to 10pm.
Reservation is only taken by phone, and the number can be found on their website.

You'll be back late and ready for your bed after three days of creating memories from Bordeaux to the Basque Country!