On the Franco-Spanish border, Fontarrabie (Hondarribia in Spanish) could be the perfect first stop-off to get a feel for the ambience in one of its numerous Pintxos (tapas) bars. Make sure you visit the old fortified town before making your way to Saint-Sebastian.

Less than an hour away, Donostia as it is known in Basque, is an absolute gem, nestling in its superb bay. Take a stroll along its elegant promenade, the Concha, and wander around the narrow streets where bourgeois villas and hotels flaunt their Belle Epoque style. And those looking for a bit of “retail therapy” will be delighted with the vast selection of clothes stores.

But nearby, Spain is also full of other surprises: Zarautz and its magnificent beach, Getaria and its romantic harbour, and Zumaia at the entrance of the Geological Park with its famous cliffs and extraordinary flysch. Inland, the Ekain cave with Unesco classified rock paintings is well worth a visit. If you have the time, make your way to Guernica and, of course, Bilbao, the cultural hub in Euskadi with its internationally famed Guggenheim museum, opened in 1997.

Within no distance, you’ll find both the capital of the Basque country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Pampelune, and on the very edge of the Spanish Basque country is the Bardenas Desert, with its Western-type landscape. Absolutely stunning.