The French Basque Country is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, and the Farms & Food Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in this captivating world. Exploring the region’s renowned producers of Kintoa pork, Ossau Iraty cheese, and Espelette peppers, this 5-hour private experience promises to delight the senses with local flavors and traditions. Hop aboard a vintage VW Combi van and prepare to uncover the hidden gems that make this corner of France so special.

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Key Points

This private 5-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the French Basque Country’s local farms, sample traditional Basque food, and learn about the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Highlights include visits to a Kintoa Porc farm, an Ossau Iraty cheese farm, and a pepper farm in Espelette, with tastings and cultural experiences along the way.
Travelers can enjoy a cozy and nostalgic ride through the Basque countryside in a vintage Volkswagen Combi van, seeing the region’s history and traditions.
The tour is suitable for adults, with a cancellation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Participants will have the opportunity to take home two food surprises, further enhancing their experience of the local Basque culinary delights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The French Basque Country Farms & Food Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the local cuisine and traditional farming practices of this picturesque region.

Explore the local cuisine and traditional farming practices of the picturesque French Basque Country on this unique tour.

Priced at £455.47 per group (up to 7 participants), the 5-hour private tour provides a live guide in English and French.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve now and pay later for flexible booking.

The tour includes visits to local farms, tastings of regional specialties, and scenic countryside views during the vintage VW combi transport.

Itinerary and Locations

Starting at the Cité de l’Océan Museum parking, the tour whisks guests away in a vintage VW combi to explore the French Basque Country.

First, the group visits a farm in Ainhoa to sample Kintoa Porc, a local ham.

Next, they travel to Itxassou to tour an Ossau Iraty cheese farm.

The final stop is in Espelette, where visitors meet a pepper farmer and learn about the famous Espelette pepper.

In between, guests enjoy scenic views of the Basque countryside as they journey through the beautiful villages of France.

Activities and Highlights

Visitors on the French Basque Country Farms & Food Tour have the opportunity to visit traditional farms and meet local farmers.

They’ll enjoy tastings of Kintoa Porc, Ossau Iraty Cheese, and Espelette Pepper. Two food surprises are included to take home.

Guests can admire the scenic journey through beautiful Basque villages and have the chance to meet a Basque shepherd and learn about cheese making.

The tour provides a unique insight into the local food and farming traditions of this region.

Vintage VW Combi Transport

As part of the French Basque Country Farms & Food Tour, guests are transported in a vintage Volkswagen Combi van, adding to the authentic and immersive experience.

This iconic 1970s van provides:

A cozy and nostalgic ride through the picturesque Basque countryside
A unique and memorable mode of transportation that complements the traditional farm visits
An opportunity for guests to fully enjoy the local culture and history of the region

The vintage VW Combi van creates an unforgettable atmosphere, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of the French Basque culinary traditions.

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Kintoa Porc (Local Ham)

The tour begins at the Kintoa Porc farm, where guests have the opportunity to learn about the traditional production of the renowned local Basque ham. During the 45-minute visit, the farmer shares the history and unique methods used to cure the Kintoa Porc. Guests explore the farm and observe the aging process of the ham.

| Kintoa Porc | Description |

| — | — |

| Origin | Pyrenees Mountains of France |

| Breed | Black Basque Pig |

| Curing | Salted, dried, and aged for 12-24 months |

| Flavor | Nutty, slightly sweet, with a firm texture |

| Usage | Sliced and enjoyed on its own or in Basque dishes |

The visit concludes with a tasting of the flavorful Kintoa Porc ham.

Ossau Iraty Cheese Farm

After departing the Kintoa Porc farm, the tour takes guests to an Ossau Iraty cheese farm nestled in the rolling hills of Itxassou.

At the farm, visitors:

Meet the cheesemaker and learn about the traditional methods used to craft this renowned Basque cheese.
Observe the cheese-making process, from curdling the milk to aging the wheels.
Enjoy a tasting of the Ossau Iraty, savoring its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.

The Ossau Iraty is a protected designation of origin (PDO) cheese, a testament to its unique regional characteristics and artisanal production.

Espelette Pepper Farmer

From the dairy farm, the tour continues on to the village of Espelette, known for its prized Espelette pepper. At the Espelette pepper farm, guests meet the local farmer and learn about the unique growing process of this vibrant red spice. The farmer shares the history and cultural significance of Espelette pepper in Basque cuisine. Visitors then sample the freshly harvested peppers and have the opportunity to purchase some to take home. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the traditional agricultural practices that have endured in this region for generations.

| Espelette Pepper | |

|—————–|—|

| Origin | Basque Country, France |

| Color | Vibrant red |

| Flavor | Mild, slightly sweet |

| Uses | Seasoning, stews, sauces |

| Cultural Significance | Essential ingredient in traditional Basque dishes |

Important Information

Although the French Basque Country Food Tour is suitable for most participants, it isn’t recommended for children under 5 years old or individuals with mobility impairments.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring rain gear, as the weather in the region can be unpredictable.

Plus, the following is prohibited:

Food and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle
Smoking during the tour

In the event of inclement weather, the tour may be postponed or cancelled.

Guests should check availability for starting times and meet at the designated parking area in front of the Cité de l’Océan Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?

The tour may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans as it focuses on local meat and dairy products. However, the tour provides two food surprises, so vegetarian/vegan options may be available if requested in advance.

Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Farms or Producers?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific farms or producers. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who’ll work to accommodate requests within the tour’s scope and duration.

Do the Tour Guides Speak Any Other Languages Besides English and French?

The tour guides speak English and French, but no other languages are mentioned. The tour overview states it’s a "private group tour with live guide (English, French)," implying those are the only languages available.

What Is the Group Size Limit for This Tour?

The tour has a group size limit of up to 7 participants. According to the information provided, the tour is a private group tour with a live guide offering both English and French language options.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer discounts for students or seniors. The price of £455.47 is fixed for groups of up to 7 participants, with no reduced rates available based on age or student status.

The Sum Up

The French Basque Country Farms & Food Tour offers a delightful immersion into the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Guests will visit a Kintoa Porc farm, an Ossau Iraty cheese farm, and an Espelette pepper farm, while enjoying scenic views in a vintage VW Combi van. With tastings, local insights, and food souvenirs, this tour provides an authentic taste of the Basque countryside.