funny signs

Etxalar (Navarra), Spain

Funny signs for the pharmacy...

 

popular Basque architecture

Etxalar (Navarra), Spain

eguzkilore

Lesaka (Navarra), Spain

This flower, eguzkilore, literally translated from Basque means "sunflower".  The name of this flower in English is the silver thistle.  Traditionally, Basque families put it on the outside of their houses for good fortune and to protect themselves from the evil spirits that were known to be out at night.  Having this flower supposedly meant the sun was shining on the house, which in turn would keep these spirits away.  Another belief is that the flower protected the house from lightning and storm damage.

If you travel around the Basque country, you will notice it decorating many homes!  So, now you know why!

another pretty street

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

red and white

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

So many houses and shops have peppers hanging from them!

change

Sare (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

heaven

Guéthary (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

This was just two weeks ago!  The weather has changed a bit since!

 

village life in the north

Etxalar (Navarra), Spain

verdant villages

Etxalar (Navarra), Spain

Here's a perfect example of what a village is like in Navarra...

austere beauty

Lesaka (Navarra), Spain

Quite somber and austere, but at the same time something catches my eye and I can't stop looking.

 

mountain villages

Lesaka (Navarra), Spain

The northern part of Navarra bordering France is full of villages tucked away in the mountains, valleys, pasturelands and forests.  This area is well worth a visit!

local architecture

Ainhoa (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

Less than three kilometers from the border with Spain, this quaint little village in the heart of the French Basque Country, with a population of less than 700 people, is a perfect example of the typical Basque architecture of the area.  Many of these buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century due to the fact that the original were destroyed in the 30 Years War.

French countryside

Ainhoa (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

Peeking out behind this rolling countryside is the 13th century Church of our Lady of the Assumption located in the village of Ainhoa.

 

peppers galore

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

Houses and shops alike are covered with this regional delight.

regional delights

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

So many kinds of cheese...

dried peppers everywhere

Espelette (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

Espelette, in the heart of the French Basque Country, is known for its dried red peppers.  The traditional red and white houses of this region are covered with these peppers hanging out to dry, creating quite a spectacle for anyone who visits.

quaint hilltop village

Sare (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

The 17th century Church of Saint Martin sits in the center of this quaint Basque hilltop village set amid pastoral fields with cows and sheep grazing everywhere.

November beach days

Guéthary (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

A day at the beach in November...

room with a view

Guéthary (Labourd, French Basque Country - Aquitaine), France

The picture is a little crooked, but all the same, what a view!

like a painting

Errezil (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country), Spain

The Basque Country has uncountable scenes like this as if you were walking inside a painting.  It looks like the clouds have been painted into this picture!