Surrounded by rolling hills and the flowing Nive in Bidarray, France

We were in this pretty little town in France’s Pays basque region on a cheese-buying mission.

We were staying in the coastal town of Guethary and travelling to the picturesque medieval town of Saint Jean-Pied-de-Port, an important stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, when we stopped off in tiny Bidarray.

Bidarray, France/ Kimberly Sullivan

A friend who often visits this region told us to make a stop here to buy the local cheese – mission accomplished, and well worth it.

It was a sunny, beautiful day, so we also had an enjoyable wander around town and climbed up to the 12th century, pink sandstone church at the hilltop marking the town square. The church graveyard contained the beautiful Basque gravestones we enjoyed seeing around the region.

Bidarray, France/ Kimberly Sullivan

There were stunning views over the slowly meandering Nive River below, and the lush green hills and valleys of the surrounding countryside.

We spoke to some of the visitors who were there to enjoy some of the scenic walks in the surrounding mountains.

Bidarray, France/ Kimberly Sullivan

This area definitely merits a longer return trip to enjoy some of that relaxed hiking.

For us, however, it was a brief interlude on our way to the more famous pilgrimage site. When you’re in the region, don’t miss out on a wander in pretty Bidarray.

Bidarray, France/ Kimberly Sullivan
Bidarray, France/ Kimberly Sullivan

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