The mountains around Saint Etienne de Baïgorry

The Basque country is more known for its coast but the inner parts have an authentic beauty and culture that is more than well worth knowing. Mid november and the temperature is above 20... and we left the kids at home with a baby sitter... Life is more than sweet. Only one problem: why do we only have one day to spend here? Must plan coming back very very soon!



My husband stopped many many times so that I could take one more photo... the green rolling hills, the lush valleys and the typical houses...

... and the sheep and the cows... a living agricultural landscape!

The Domaine de Brana, an Irouléguy wine and liquor and eaux-de-vie producer. They have tastings in the 'house' you see on the photo... we decided to skip the wines this time but I really wanted to stop at the Cave Irouléguy in Saint Etienne de Baïgorry....

Our first stop was at the Bar du Fronton in Saint Etienne de Baïgorry. Empty outside but when we pushed the door open... it was full.

  

We had to wait by the bar for 15 minutes. Just the time to have a yellow (pastis) for my husband and a  Txapa for me, a mix of wine and red fruit liqueur. Cosy and easy going place. We felt good being there.

I had lamb with salad, chips and cheese. Simple and good. My husband had lomo, a kind of ham, egg and salad. A bit of local red wine, Irouléguy. Then we were ready to head south, towards Aldudes...