On April 30th 2019, we drive from Donzenac in France to Hondarribia in the Basque country and settle in the B&B Bista Eder above the city.

Bista Eder means great view in Basque. And indeed, from this lush garden, we have a marvellous view of the Bidasoa river, the Txingudi bay and Hendaye in France. The city center is about half an hour’s foot walk away from our B&B. Escalators lead down to the quarters of the fishermen, where we find half timbered houses and many tapas bars and restaurants.

The old fortified city center is located on a rocky hill. The city has been documented since 1150. The former castle accomplished by Charles V is now the Parador with a coffee bar, but otherwise closed for non-guests. The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by typical Basque houses.

Many of these houses are half-timbered with vertical beams.

Some also have brick structures…

… and some have the brick structures that remind me of the houses in Bergerac in the Périgord.

The church Santa Maria de la Asunción from the 16th century can be seen from the narrow streets.

We return to the fishermen area La Marina and have a wonderful dinner with fish and gambas in the La Zeria. It is a tiny restaurant in a tiny house, built like a chalet. This is the cosy dining room.

We return to our B&B using the stairs and escalators and sleep well (though it is a little chilly in our room). On 1st of May, we enjoy the beautiful sunrise with the view of the bay and the river Bidasoa.

Well – red sky in the morning, fishermen’s warning – this means that the weather may not be as sunny all week as it has been today.