Basque Country

In May, when a friend and I went on a Backroads International tour of the Basque country in northern Spain and southern France, I went with trepidation and came back singing its praises. The Basque country is beautiful with its mountains, rushing (rivers), rugged coast and charming small villages. And San Sebastian is a delight.

All of this was made more exceptional because of our tour guide, an American who now lives in the area, speaks both Spanish and Basque and brought the region to life for us because of his knowledge of Basque history. And the food! For those who enjoy great food, this trip could just as well have been billed as a gourmet tour. The Basques are noted for their cuisine and we were treated to some of the best of it.

This tour with Backroads International turned out to be one of my best trips abroad. They can be reached at 757 St. Charles Ave., Suite 203, New Orleans, La. 70130, (800) 227-7889.

MARIAN MICHEL

North Bend, Ore.