Jennie and Tom's visit

With visitors to impress we thought that the glitz and glamour of Biarritz and San Sebastian were the order of the day. 

After our foray in to the spanish side of rural basque country, the familiarity of a french costal town was a dream come true.  With pavement cafes lining every cobbled street (with menus that we could understand) and an abundance of mouth watering artisan delights to tantalise the taste buds at the indoor market, we knew immediately that we were going to like the place! We think that Jennie and Tom agreed. 

Biarritz’ star attractions are its beaches - three to be precise!  Given the ridiculous heatwave we encountered whilst there (48 degrees one day) they were lined end to end with spit roasting bodies whilst swimmers and surfers fought for the perfect ride on one of the enormous atlantic ocean waves.  

The craggy headland is littered with stylish belle epoque and art deco buildings proving a glimpse of the old school glamour that must have surrounded visits from Napleon III & princess Eugenie and later the British aristocrats.  

When it comes to food Biarritz appears to have all bases covered.  From traditional french cuisine for Jennie; Escargots (surprisingly tasty - if a little gritty) and creme brulee... to a traditional American Diner for Mike (well it was his birthday!)  

We spent a very enjoyable four days there before making the half an hour journey back across the Spanish border and in to the grand old city of San Sebastian.  

This stylish city sits elegantly between two long crescent shaped beaches one of which has calm tranquil waters, ideal for a nice relaxing paddle, and the other (our favourite) which is constantly battered by the white water of the Atlantic - ideal for taking out a body board! 

We happened to arrive in town for San Sebastian’s biggest fiesta of the year (yes, unplanned again!!).  It seemed like the whole of Spain had arrived in town and they intended to party!  The streets came alive to the sound of bongo drums and spanish guitars.  There were huge stages on every corner providing free music and dance concerts. Street artists popped up every few meters with acts ranging from crazy guys spinning on their heads (technical name for it) to traditional spanish singers.  The once peaceful coastal road was transformed in to a buzzing fairground 

We couldn't resist

and as always - the piece de la resistance was the nightly firework display that rivaled anything we have seen before... and all for free!  

During our three days stay we tucked in to some delicious cuisine.  From the traditional fish restaurants of the quayside to the modern haute cuisine on our last night everything was delightful.  We must even confess to having thoroughly enjoyed our pintxos and sangria bar crawl through the old town - experiencing for the first time how pintox ought to be done!!