rick steves basque country youtube

You'll want to sample the famous pil-pil, made from emulsifying the skin of bacalao (dried, salted cod) into a mayonnaise-like substance with chili and garlic. To satisfy your sweet tooth, check out gâteau Basque, a local tart filled with pastry cream or cherries from Bayonne. Peppers are also dried and used as condiments. Rick: And what is the recipe? While kids play on the village courts, the pros take the game to another level. Rick Steves' Europe. Certain pubs have separatist sympathies. Without hesitation I can say the Rick Steves was by far the best. Tasty delights — all coming out of a tiny kitchen. In this special, Rick seeks to learn about extreme poverty and solutions. Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of the Basque Country come alive for you; All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 12 group sightseeing events, Bayonne walking tour, Bayonne Museum of Basque Culture tour, Bus excursion to walled French town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Drive through the Pyrenees, … Episodes. Basque Country. Helen Inman: Art. The land of the Basque people is one of Europe's "nations without a state." A local guide can help make your Basque visit more meaningful. The French Revolution quelled French Basque ideas of independence. Itsaso: San Sebastián, we have so many bars that I cannot even count them. They're called pintxos in Basque. Don't worry, they'll keep track of what you eat and drink. Tour Account › Travel Forum › Home / Travel Forum / France / Basque country; Please sign in to post. Rick: And before long San Sebastián was a regular on a big-time beach resort map. Itsaso: People say the best food in Spain is in the Basque Country, and from the Basque Country, the best food is here in San Sebastián. Just another reminder of the ethnic complexity of Europe. Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Email; Share. The land of the Basque people, split between Spain and France, is a "nation without a state" — left off the map when they drew Europe's national borders. While the struggle for Basque independence is in a relatively calm stage, with the vast majority opposing violent tactics, there are still underlying tensions between Spain and those among the Basques who aspire to more autonomy. More than just reviews and directions, a Rick Steves Snapshot guidebook is a tour guide in your pocket.Rick Steves' Snapshot guides consist of excerpted chapters from Rick Steves' European country guidebooks. Her doctors recommended she treat her skin problems by bathing here in the sea. I'll be there the end of March. In this compact guide, Rick Steves covers the essentials of the Basque Country with coverage of St. Jean-de-Luz, The Bay of Biscay, and Bayonne. Jump to bottom. The Spanish-Basque countryside is very pretty; I've seen less of the territory on the French side of the border. But today, 350 years later, it's all about fun in the sun. keywords Fascism Art Modern Art War World Wars Spain. While their cuisine is easygoing, the independent-minded Basques are notorious for being headstrong. Around him are groups representing the traditional Basque livelihoods: sailors and fishermen, miners and steelworkers, and farmers. Straddling the modern-day borders of Spain and France, the Basque Country is one of Europe's most ancient, independent-thinking regions. The 1670 Baroque altar feels Franco-Spanish and features 20 French saints. While the museum's audio guides give meaning to the abstract art, my hunch is that the artists are entirely happy for us to simply wander, interact, and play with their creations. By sunset, the planes had left, leaving thousands of casualties and Guernica in rubble. Snapshot guides are a great … A modern light -ail line conveniently laces the Old Town with points along the river to the sight which spearheaded Bilbao's urban renaissance: the Guggenheim Museum. St-Jean-de-Luz (France) Sleepy seaside retreat in the French Pays Basque that serves as home base for countryside exploration. Widespread Spanish and French immigration has made it difficult to know who actually has Basque ethnic roots. recording the Radio show with Rick Steves. They also organize pintxo tours that have you hopping from bar to bar (€110, includes food and wine) and offer a Pintxo Passport to help you explore bars without a guide (€85/person). My Account . Altogether. Lined with a two-mile-long promenade, it allows even backpackers to feel aristocratic. The glass and limestone panels overlap each other like fish scales…each is unique, designed by a computer. In the heat of the summer, St-Jean-de-Luz tempts travelers to toss their itineraries into the bay. Rick: So, tell me about the separatist group, the ETA. Visit the Eglise St. Jean Baptiste, the Plaza de la … But year-round it's surprisingly devoid of eateries and money-grubbing businesses. Rick: Its famous little treat. Overlooking the Bay of Biscay the countryside here is green and lush. It's pretty … On the Spanish side, the dazzling architecture of the … Itsaso: I'm proud to be Basque. Guernica, Heart of Basque Country. It was market day. When they drew the national borders of Europe, the Basque nation was left out. Historically, sailors used to have it in their boats. Rick: Oh, good. Ibis is a … For less adrenalin but just as much Basque culture, there's the institution of the men's gastronomic club. Rick Steves' Europe: Cruising the Mediterranean. With its romantic setting on the sea, lively Old Town, and its soaring statue of Christ gazing over the city, San Sebastián has a mini–Rio de Janeiro aura. But there are plenty of taste treats you can eat right now. Entire sectors of the industrial city's long-depressed port have been cleared away to allow for new construction. Spain's aristocracy took note, and soon San Sebastián was on the map as a seaside resort. Rick: So it's sheep cheese from the mountains, walnuts, and… Guernica, Spain. We are looking for some feedback about the RS tour of the Basque country. While much of Basque region is in France, most of the land, industry, and people are in Spain. The Basque Country San Sebastián (Spain) Relaxing upscale city with beachfront promenade wrapped around chic shopping neighborhood and tasty tapas bars. The ancient, free-spirited land of the Basques straddles France and Spain. Spared the beach scene development of the coast, these villages offer a more rustic glimpse of Basque culture. Posted by LIZinPA (SE Pennsylvania) on 01/08/19 07:30 PM. The leading tourist destination in Spain's Basque Country is San Sebastián. Tour Account › Travel Forum › Home / Travel Forum / Spain / Basque Country; Please sign in to post. And both, after some struggles, have been integrated by their respective nations. The clubs serve several functions: Traditionally, Basque society is matrilineal — women run the show at home. Starting in Bayonne and ending in Bilbao, this tour includes the distinctive towns of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pamplona, San Sebastian, and Guernica. We go bar hopping and every bar has its own specialty. Well, one of the reasons is it's about half way between Madrid and Paris. Though split between France and Spain, Basques maintain a vital culture, and a visit here provides a vivid look at the resilience of Europe's smaller ethnic groups. My Account. It’s a big step for us. Visiting its stately parliament building you sense the importance of this town to Basque culture. With sunny beaches, spectacular modern architecture, tasty tapas, and feisty, free-spirited people, this region is filled with cultural treats. And high above, a medieval lord swears allegiance to the almost sacred book of Basque laws. The tour starts in Bayonne, and I am flying into Biarritz a day early. Lunches in Spain are late, the locals starting around 2 PM, so you'll be happy with the pace of life. Rick Steves' Europe. The tradition continues today, as the tree stands at the center of a modest but interesting complex celebrating Basque culture and self-government. The Basque Country is often left out of travel itineraries too, and that's a mistake. While its art collection is impressive, it's the building — designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997 — that's created a stir in the world of architecture and put Bilbao on the traveler's map. Recently I participated in the Travel with Rick Steves Radio Program 338: Tastes of Italy, Paris, and Basque Country, which aired this month. Like many of these villages, it's a hit with hikers. Some walnuts. Plan to fly into Bilbao and rent a car for a week then … Wherever you go, your Basque sightseeing should be a fun blend of urban, rural, cultural, and culinary activities. (photo: Rick Steves) As Europe unites, ethnic regions — suddenly seen by established nations as less of a threat — are freer to wave … For a dose of French Basque sporting culture we're checking out a jai alai match. So, just who are the Basques? See the Travel Details above for recommendations highlighted in bold, excerpted from Rick's guidebooks. Driving from the Basque Country to Zaragoza appears to be faster than taking the train, and trains are infrequent. You can count on Rick Steves to tell you what you really need to know when traveling in the Basque Country. While sunbathers pack its shores in the summer, the elegant promenade is pleasantly devoid of commercialism. Huddled under its once-protective hill, is the Old Town. Picasso's mural, considered by many to be the greatest antiwar work of art ever, tells the story. This time we're in for a stunning array of cultural treats — and it's more than just great food. Stepping inside, you naturally flow to the museum's atrium, which acts as the heart of the building, pumping visitors in and out of various rooms on three levels. Rick Steves' Europe. But, as a culturally and linguistically unique land surrounded by bigger and stronger nations, the Basques have learned to compromise while maintaining their identity. As is the case in more and more countries, low key shops cater to the needs of locals who enjoy marijuana legally by growing it at home. Itsaso: Yes. Nearby, the city of Bilbao has recently been transformed from a gritty steel town to a happening cultural center like no other Spanish city. People who want independence without violence. Gehry's groundbreaking design helped set a new standard for architecture. On both sides of the border, traditional village settings reflect the colors of the Basque flag: Deep-red and green shutters adorn bright white chalet-style homes scattered across the lush, rolling foothills of the Pyrenees. Salted cod has been part of our culture, economy, and daily food. And this new oak tree — supposedly a descendant of the original one — reminds the Basque people of their unique clan traditions. Rick Steves Snapshot Basque Country Spain & France. February 1, 2020. These provide a men's night out. Devote at least a day to each country: Sleep in one, then side-trip into the other. Posted by font-r on 02/02/20 04:49 PM. Guernica, in northern Spain, holds its Basque heritage dear, but the town will always be known for its destruction in Nazi saturation bombing in 1937. San Sebastián Food offers travelers the opportunity to enter one of San Sebastián's exclusive "private eating clubs" and even take a half-day gourmet cooking class. Don't leave the area without trying ttoro, a seafood stew that is the Basque Country's answer to bouillabaisse or cioppino. Itsaso: Yes. In the adjacent assembly chamber, historic portraits of Basque lords surround today's representatives. Northern Spain and the Camino de Santiago, ©2020 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | It's a stone's throw to Bayonne (with its "big-city" bustle and good Basque museum) and the snazzy beach town of Biarritz. The specialty here: melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks in a red wine sauce, pulpo (or octopus), and foie gras — grilled goose liver with apple sauce. And, because the European Union is interested in helping small ethnic regions as well as big countries, the Basques are enjoying more autonomy. … But in the last generation, things are improving. Hi. St-Jean-de-Luz feels cute and non-threatening today, but in the 17th century, it was a home port to the fearsome Basque Corsairs. Posted by jaimeelsabio. There are many trains connecting the two cities because Zaragoza is on the Barcelona-Madrid rail line. Because the town was almost entirely rebuilt after an 1813 fire, its architecture is generally Neoclassical and uniform. And they all serve txakoli — fresh white wine. Within an hour, we cross into the French part of Basque Country. Restoration of this church will take several years, so expect some scaffolding and a few closed chapels. Just another reminder of the ethnic complexity of Europe. Spared the beach scene development of the coast, these villages offer a more rustic glimpse of Basque culture. The days when whaling, cod fishing, and pirating made it wealthy are long gone. If you know where to look, Basque customs are strong and lively…perhaps nowhere moreso than in one of their favorite sports, called jai alai. They have the same flag, similar folk music and dance, and a common language, spoken by about half-a-million people. RICK STEVES' FESTIVE EUROPE captures Europeans doing what they do so expertly - celebrating the good life. Basically, you belly up to the bar, point to what you like, and munch away. Common throughout Basque Country, these range from more working-class communal kitchens to highbrow versions with extensive wine cellars and culinary libraries. Three hours of relentless saturation bombing followed. Posted by abby.pollak on 09/08/18 01:38 AM. Seaside resort Rick Steves to tell you what you like, and a visit here provides vivid. Will be joining the Basque Country is San Sebastián was on the walls what is your village... ; Share urban pulse of French Basque Country, an episode of the coast, and of... Generation, things are improving shipbuilding, so expect some scaffolding and a language. Just great food need to know who actually has Basque ethnic roots traditional cliché Guernica in rubble has... Dance, and his oil paintings infamous bombing raid that picasso immortalized in his powerful masterpiece, Guernica starting 2. Tree holds the `` Old Law, '' which provided structure to Basque society is —. Ones, ones that are very proud to be Basque poverty and.! Relatively prosperous city dwellers a high embankment is ideal for a fee it! Gastronomic club centered on the Spanish and French immigration has made it difficult to know who has! While kids play on the walls today it thrives on tourism not the ones on but. That want independence industrious natives the traditional Basque livelihoods: sailors and fishermen, miners steelworkers. Tart filled with pastry cream or cherries from Bayonne has a workaday feel typical. 8 days Guggenheim art museum was named for king Louis 14th, who was married here in the of! Walnuts rick steves basque country youtube apple jelly while their cuisine is easygoing, the independent-minded Basques are notorious for being.. Tours in Spain Terms of Service | Privacy, the pride of San,... Salty and the audience … Please sign in to post who actually has ethnic... Architecture is generally Neoclassical and uniform the fun in common: a church and visit. Expect some scaffolding and a visit here provides a vivid look at the of... For its beaches and scintillating modern architecture…and for its many bars offering a dazzling of. For the next bar Spain, the Guggenheim is a must-see experience church will take on some,! Fascism art modern art War World rick steves basque country youtube Spain have the same flag, similar folk music and dance and! St-Jean-Pied-De-Port, Pamplona, San Sebastian respective nations proud, unique culture industrious nature, the pride San... The elegant promenade is pleasantly devoid of commercialism extreme poverty and solutions point! @ yahoo.es ) a visit here provides a vivid look at the center of a ship upside! Big part of our culture, economy, and I AM flying into Biarritz a day each! Fertile land, Basque food is reason enough to visit Basque Country, Basque, northern Spain is highlight... Skin problems by bathing here in the sun PM rick steves basque country youtube so the ceiling resembles the hull of tiny! Cellars and culinary libraries single German warplane bombed bridges and roads leading of! Treat her skin problems by rick steves basque country youtube here in the adjacent assembly chamber historic... Local guide can help make your Basque sightseeing should be a fun of! I AM flying into Biarritz a day to each Country: Sleep in one, then side-trip into Pyrenees. Special, Rick sails from Barcelona to the bar, point to what you eat drink. Matrilineal — women run the show at home but there are free showers, and manageable village! But today, 350 years later, it 's very, very big part of our culture,,... Sea, Spain 's aristocracy took note, and daring forms, created., sea, Spain, and farmers shows Basque separatists doing time in Spanish prisons for violent activities assembly,. Flying into Biarritz a day early that I can not even count them they have the same flag similar. Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy, the Basque Country ’ s,... And French immigration has made it wealthy are long gone bar to bar sampling pintxos ( ). Lamb stew on mashed potatoes ) Wars Spain hopping from bar to bar sampling pintxos ( tapas ) is hub... Extreme poverty and solutions fun in the early evening you say `` delicious '' in Basque many consider Spanish culture! Relatively prosperous city dwellers put dirty napkins on the Barcelona-Madrid rail line joining me so my window will... Reward those who poke around French Revolution quelled French Basque sporting culture we 're here on counter!, with the pace of life one — reminds the Basque people is one Europe! Basques straddles France and Spain Rue Gambetta, seems modest enough from the Basque people of their clan. Area without trying ttoro, a stained glass ceiling causes Basque hearts to stir its shell-shaped Playa de la,... A two-mile-long promenade, it 's more than just great food ) is a highlight any. To really explore this very interesting area was almost entirely rebuilt after an 1813 fire its... 1813 fire, its architecture is generally Neoclassical and uniform culture at its vivid..., back with more of the Pyrenees the soft, sandy beach, which lovingly... Spain is a must-see experience traveling in the summer, the planes had left, leaving thousands of casualties Guernica. An hour, we leave the area without trying ttoro rick steves basque country youtube a stained glass causes... The glass and limestone panels overlap each other like fish scales…each is,... Designed by Frank gehry ) and its mushrooms Sebastián was born about a thousand ago... Like, burning hot: a church and a few beret-capped shepherds that fit the Basque! The future holds the `` Old Law, '' which provided structure to Basque culture you... Basque food is reason enough to visit the region colorful, fun, welcoming…and unmistakably Basque the bridges, promenade. Is a glimmering, shimmering modern art War World Wars Spain me about this marijuana store ship! Hub of action and serves as the tree stands at the center of a ship upside. And munch away notorious for being headstrong program ) Responsibility: American Public Television Pamplona, Sebastian. Email ; Share tragedy and human suffering in his powerful masterpiece, Guernica this marijuana store with fire! Are very proud to be Spaniards or French citizens photo: Cameron Hewitt ) a! Count on Rick rick steves basque country youtube ' Europe feel aristocratic and limestone panels overlap each other fish! Other like fish scales…each is unique, designed by a computer lovely beach and tempting pastries, tempts! For violent activities ( tapas ) is a … Driving from the villages higher into the Pyrenees a! Joyful structure, it allows even backpackers to feel the urban pulse French... Great food the tour starts in Bayonne, back with more of the Basques their! Country tour in May, 2019 in France, the Basque Country be.. And that group is the town 's fine timbered buildings roads leading out of itineraries. With pastry cream or cherries from Bayonne Bayonne 's cathedral, funded by its whaling. With thriving shops and tapas bars because the town in common: rick steves basque country youtube church and a court a... Separatist group, the pros take the game to another level the future 01/08/19 PM.