Nurtured by a mild sea climate and inhabited since prehistoric times, Lapurdi has traditionally been a land of promise for people seeking peace and tranquillity.
The relaxing ambience of the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a stroll along the seaside promenade and the colourful boats moored in the shipyard all encourage visitors to explore even further. One of the most beautiful churches in the area is Saint John the Baptist, whose exquisitely carved mahogany galleries observe from above the passing of time. Aromas of Africa recall the ships laden with valuable wood that once set anchor here, placing their cargo into the hands of skilled craftsmen who would turn the lifeless timber into genuine works of art of incalculable value.
Our route now takes us north-east. At first glimpse Bayonne looks like a good-sized village with commendably well-preserved streets which invite us to enjoy the historic neighbourhoods even after so many centuries. But in fact, today Bayonne is the capital of Lapurdi; a city with a number of museums and shops, as well as a port with continuous maritime traffic.
The grandiose cathedral allows us to forget our worldly distractions for a moment and concentrate on the spiritual. Built on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque church, dozens of visitors are inspired with awe every day as they take in the finely crafted pinnacles and stained glass windows of this work of art.
