Geography Activity trips to France and the Basque Country

Curriculum Themes

Geographical landforms

Ecosystems

Vegetation

Wildlife

Inhabitants in the ocean

Why the Basque region?

The Basque region stretches over both northern Spain and southern France and is the perfect destination for our activities trip. San Sebastian’s Ondarreta beach was voted in 2018 by TripAdvisor as number one in the world. The region is ideal for water sports and a plethora of other land activities in the surrounding areas.

‘Get your adrenaline pumping!’

Our geography activities trip combines thrilling outdoor adventures and a chance to learn about the geography of the surrounding areas; within this journey, students will focus on topics such as differing landscapes and natural habitats. Release your adrenaline whilst kayaking and at the same time having the opportunity to learn about the surrounding water landforms or admire the Basque scenery and abundance of wildlife on offer. There is a good reason as to why this area is commonly referred to by experts as taking a hike through the ‘Amazon of Europe.’

Spend a day out of the sun in Cite d’lOcean, an amazing museum dedicated to the world’s oceans, full of interactive exhibitions and 4D cinemas which are guaranteed to take your breath away.

Marcher à 150m au dessus du vide #enmodebasque 🏞 📸 : @freelensers 👏🏻 . . . . . #paysbasque #basquecountry #euskadi #travel #travelgram #travelphotography #instatravel #visitlafrance #ilovefrance #explorefrance #super_france #igersfrance #super_europe #sudouest #paysage #exploretocreate #wilderness #nature #savage #beautifuldestinations #wu_europe #places #canyon

A post shared by Pays basque Tourisme (@paysbasque_tourisme) on Jul 5, 2018 at 3:08am PDT

What to do on a Geography activity trip to the Basque?

There are a huge range of activities for students to explore in the Basque country. Here we have just a few excursions we can include in a bespoke itinerary.

Basque Coast Geopark

This geopark has an interpretation centre which helps visitors to understand the Zumaia cliffs and tidal plain, a phenomenal natural setting to enhance your learning. The imposing cliffs at Zumaia constitute one of the most impressive, well-known geological sanctuaries in the world. Besides this geological treasure, Zumaia also features remarkable examples of different Cantabrian formations and ecosystems.

Haitzak itsasoari begira. . . Rocas que nos dirigen la mirada hacia el mar A post shared by Algorri Interpretazio Zentroa (@algorri.eus) on May 28, 2018 at 2:15pm PDT

Surf lessons

Take part in a surf class on Trip Advisors number 1 beach in the world, and head out into the water of the Bay of Biscay. Then enjoy the day exploring San Sebastian.

Testing 6’0 Arakawa Gx in France #surfrentalsansebastian #visitsansebastian #visitbasquecountry

A post shared by Surf Rental San Sebastian (@surfrentalsansebastian) on Jan 27, 2018 at 12:19pm PST

Gorge du Kakuetta

Explore paths engineered out of rock, steps and walkways and discover the gorges, waterfalls, lakes, caves & tunnels. This area of unspoilt beauty is known as the ‘Amazon of Europe’ and is home to lush vegetation, and an abundance of wildlife. A 2km walk along the most popular trail takes you through the most spectacular sights to see.

Bidarray

Travel to Bidarray for canyoning, gorge walking and rock climbing. Canyoning involves climbing, jumping and swimming in the canyons naturally created by the river. Rock climbing at the edge of the freshwater pools, ascending cliffs, trees and rivers at the foot of natural waterfalls of the Baztan Valley are all activities you can enjoy. There is also 1000m of wires, ramps, bridges, ladders and footbridges to navigate and enjoy. The aquatic Hike consists of discovering unique sites accessible only by the river and a chance to jump in natural basins along the way.

In addition, you can also fill your days with the following

Kayaking in St Jean De Luz
Cite de L’ocean
Tour Mount Urgull

Example Itineraries

Our educational travel experts have spent considerable time crafting a selection of ready-made itineraries for your geography activity trip to the Basque, which you will find below. However, we can also create a bespoke and unique itinerary to meet the educational needs of your group.

The Basque region

DAY1: Visit Basque coast geopark and check in to hotel
DAY2: Day at Gorge du Kakuetta
DAY3: Surf lesson and exploring San Sebastian
DAY4: Canyoning, Gorge walking, and rock climbing
DAY5: Kayaking and Cite de l’ocean

Getting there

The best way to get to the Basque is flying into either Biarritz, Bordeaux or Bilbao from any major UK airport. Coach transfers will be provided on arrival.

Where to Stay

Domaine du Pignada This hotel is based in the centre of Anglet and the perfect location for our activities. It has a swimming pool, outside terrace and 4 hectares of grounds. Free wifi is also included.

When to visit the Basque

You can visit the Basque region at all times of the year, but summer is better for the calmer seas for the water sports and of course the sunshine.

The city 💙 📸 @annerisca #SanSebastianTourism #KaixoDonostia . . #SanSebastian #Donostia #Donosti #Euskadi #PaisVasco #BasqueCountry #visitspain A post shared by Visit San Sebastian (@sansebastiantourism) on Jul 12, 2018 at 11:42am PDT