Espelette, Pyrénées Atlantiques, Aquitaine

Description:

Espelette is a nice typical village in the hills not far from Bayonne in the Basque Country area of the Pyrénées Atlantiques.  It's well-known for its local production, « Le piment d'Espelette », a dried red sweet chilli pepper.  In the summer wherever you go in this town, you will see them hung outside on the house walls to dry.  A great photo opportunity for amateurs and professionals alike !

Geography and Climate :

About 20 km away from the ocean, Espelette sits at an altitude of about 80m.  The region is quite hilly, so even in summer it can get a bit chilly at night.

Tourisme :

Have a look in the village centre at the nice Basque houses, pay a visit to the 16^th century old church and its typical Basque cemetery.  The city also has a small castle.

Espelette is a good starting point to go hiking toward Mondarrain Mount or La Rhune Mount.  There are specific walking trails which are recommended and are available at the tourist office.

There is a market on Wednesdays all year round and an additional one on Saturdays during the summer.

Cuisine :

The “Piment d'Espelette”, a dried sweet red chilli Pepper, is the most famous production of the village.  It is used in the production of the delicious Bayonne's Ham (Jambon de Bayonne) and in many typical Basque meals such as Axoa (veal) or Piperade (vegetables).  The pepper is used in different forms : dried and crushed, or mashed, or mixed with oil... 

Perhaps less known, but no less appreciated is another local and traditional production, chocolate.  You can even taste chocolate with Espelette pepper in it !

Economy :

agriculture, tourism

How to get there :

By car : D20 road

By coach : Two regional lines stop in Espelette, from St Jean de Luz or Bayonne.

Key Statistics :

Surface area : 27km2

Population density : 70 inhabitants / km2

Key Facilities and Services :

There are two public primary schools and one private one.

There are small shops in the centre (butcher, baker...) but you have to travel a few kilometres to Cambo les Bains for larger supermarkets and other conveniences.

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