Colours of the Basque Flag...

A drive through the foothills of the Pyrénées will lead you to another village which has received the designation of "Plus Beau Village".

Sare (pronounced Sara) is a commune of the Pyrennes Atlantiques.

The village houses are the typical Labourdine maisons in white with shutters in red or green... the colours of the Basque flag.

The village is based around the "fronton". 

The "fronton" is the court on which the Basque game of Pelote is played.

                         

The "fronton" has stone bleachers where spectators can watch the games. 

Today the village children were playing a casual game.

Here you can catch the little tourist train that takes you to the top of Mount Rhune with panoramic views of the mountains and the sea... this was not on my agenda, it was way too high in the clouds!

Avocado green glazed brick made this house stand out amongst all the other houses in the village!

                             

Next stop... "Red Hot Chilli Pepper" country ... the village of Espelette!

Espelette is famous for it's red chilli peppers that are grown in the region and is governed by an appellation control to ensure their authenticity.

After the harvest of the peppers, they are hung on the buildings to dry.

Can you see them in the photos, these are the peppers from the previous falls' harvest.

We purchased a bottle of "Piment d' Espelette"  to take home to "add some spice to our cooking life!"

The 16th century castle which now houses the Mairie, Tourist Office and Library and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

                        

                            

After our busy morning and early afternoon of being tourists, we retreated for some quiet time before venturing out this evening.... 

We found a seaside café in the sunshine to enjoy a glass of good wine and a platter of seafood tapas for our dinner.

   

   The plates are even in the colours of the Basque Flag....

 

    Another colourful day!

A Colourful Day.

Bidart, a small hill top town situated near the ocean with the mountains in the background is charming and quiet with many beaches at the base of the cliff.

It is located approximately 5 Kms south of Biarritz and 8 Kms north of St. Jean de Luz...and very near the Spanish border.

Saturday morning market in Bidart is colourful...

Basque architecture is very different from other areas in France...

The houses ... Extea  (x pronounced as ch) have a stark white façade with dark timber accents in navy, brown, black or Basque red which I actually think looks more like burgundy. 

The style dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Views along the "corniche" ... A winding road along the coastline between Socoa and Hendaye. 

   Hendaye waterfront and marina...

   Market in Hendaye along the seashore...

This evening we ate at a Traditional Basque restaurant "Venta Gaxuxa" in the square.

   Our meal started with tapas...delicious dry Serrano Ham and pickled peppers.

The other plate was full of nibbles... Calamari, shrimp, cheese and ham croquette, chorizo sausage, roasted tomatoes and salad...

Tuna (bonito) on rice with tomatoes, peppers and onions...

Gateau Basque with cherry filling...

We were entertained by music with a Spanish flair, as there was a dance group performing on the stage in the square.

Our evening ended with a surprise fireworks display that we viewed from our Hotel window...a beautiful show of many colours even red and white...what better way to celebrate the Canada Day weekend.