Department profile: Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Pyrénées Atlantiques offers the Pays Basque and the Bearn. The ancient divisions of Labourd, Basse Navarre and Soule, with a population of around 250,000, make up the French Basque Country (Pays Basque). In 1970, despite local attempts to get departmental status for the Basque Country, the department was renamed Pyrénées Atlantiques. Pyrénées Atlantiques is a combination of beautiful landscapes, a deeply rooted and vivacious culture, a history it can be proud of as well as flavoursome gastronomy.

With nine centuries of glorious history, and one of the most breathtaking views of the nearby Pyrenees to be found, Pau is a favoured destination. Take a walk on the Boulevard des Pyrenees and take in the view with palm trees in the foreground and all around to the south, the mountains - a source of inspiration for the romantics. Turn and face the magnificent architecture of the city... the purity of the air is absolutely refreshing. The boulevard winds through the city front, leading from the sensational park of Beaumont to the architectural wonder, the Chateau de Pau.

When visiting Biarritz, a walk to the rocher de la Vierge and the Musee de la Mer is a must. Only 5 minutes from the casino and Grande Plage, the winding seafront stroll takes you past the Port Vieux, a marvellous example of the fine seaport this town once was. The view during the day is spectacular, with the seagulls chasing the rolling waves and the sailboats on the horizon. However at night, the walk is absolutely magical too.