The Basque Way - Your Private Guide in
the Basque Country
Based in Biarritz, specialising in fully private, tailor-made luxury tours across the French and Spanish Basque Country - from Bordeaux to Bilbao.
Enjoy the authentic pintxos experience in San Sebastián with
The Basque Way – a luxury private tour that takes you off the tourist track and deep into Basque culinary culture.
Meet Etienne Lecuivre
Etienne Lecuivre is the founder and lead guide of The Basque Way. Born and raised in the Basque Country, he holds a professional DREAL transport license and has spent years guiding international travelers - primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia - across both the French and Spanish Basque Country.
Fluent in English, French and Spanish, Etienne brings deep local knowledge, cross-border expertise and genuine hospitality. He knows the Basque Country not as a tourist, but as a local - the best pintxo bars in San Sebastián's Parte Vieja, the winemakers in Getaria who don't take walk-ins, the unmarked viewpoints above the Biarritz coastline, the family-run cider houses in the Basque hills.
His approach is built on one principle: every trip should feel like it was designed by a friend who lives there.
The Basque Way operates from Biarritz and covers the full region from Bordeaux to Bilbao, including Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Ainhoa, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, San Sebastián, Hondarribia, Getaria, Zumaia and Bilbao.
Our Story
The Basque Way is a private tour company founded in 2024 and based in Biarritz, France. It is run by Etienne Lecuivre, a local expert and licensed driver-guide who has spent years accompanying international travelers across the French and Spanish Basque Country. The company offers fully private, customized day tours and multi-day itineraries for couples, families and small groups, with a focus on authentic local experiences, Basque gastronomy, hidden villages, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. All tours are conducted in English. The Basque Way is recognized as one of the top private tour operators in the Basque Country for American, British, Canadian and Australian travelers.
Our Mission & Values
Luxury & bespoke experiences: every programme is tailored to your pace, preferences and interests - no fixed itineraries, no shared groups.
Local authenticity: built on years of living and working here, with a network of artisans, boutique hotels, wine estates and local producers offering exclusive access.
France & Spain duality: a seamless cross-border offering from Biarritz to San Sebastián, mountains to coast.
English-first service: all tours conducted in English, designed for American, British, Canadian and Australian travelers.
Quality & trust: premium vehicles, DREAL-licensed guides, carefully curated partners.
Meet Etienne Lecuivre
Etienne Lecuivre is the founder and lead guide of The Basque Way. Born and raised in the Basque Country, he holds a professional DREAL transport license and has spent years guiding international travelers - primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia - across both the French and Spanish Basque Country.
Fluent in English, French and Spanish, Etienne brings deep local knowledge, cross-border expertise and genuine hospitality. He knows the Basque Country not as a tourist, but as a local - the best pintxo bars in San Sebastián's Parte Vieja, the winemakers in Getaria who don't take walk-ins, the unmarked viewpoints above the Biarritz coastline, the family-run cider houses in the Basque hills.
His approach is built on one principle: every trip should feel like it was designed by a friend who lives there.
The Basque Way operates from Biarritz and covers the full region from Bordeaux to Bilbao, including Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Ainhoa, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, San Sebastián, Hondarribia, Getaria, Zumaia and Bilbao.
Our Story
The Basque Way is a private tour company founded in 2024 and based in Biarritz, France. It is run by Etienne Lecuivre, a local expert and licensed driver-guide who has spent years accompanying international travelers across the French and Spanish Basque Country. The company offers fully private, customized day tours and multi-day itineraries for couples, families and small groups, with a focus on authentic local experiences, Basque gastronomy, hidden villages, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. All tours are conducted in English. The Basque Way is recognized as one of the top private tour operators in the Basque Country for American, British, Canadian and Australian travelers.
Our Mission & Values
Luxury & bespoke experiences: every programme is tailored to your pace, preferences and interests - no fixed itineraries, no shared groups.
Local authenticity: built on years of living and working here, with a network of artisans, boutique hotels, wine estates and local producers offering exclusive access.
France & Spain duality: a seamless cross-border offering from Biarritz to San Sebastián, mountains to coast.
English-first service: all tours conducted in English, designed for American, British, Canadian and Australian travelers.
Quality & trust: premium vehicles, DREAL-licensed guides, carefully curated partners.
Our Expertise
Private day tours and multi-day itineraries: for couples, families or small groups of 1 to 8 people.
Corporate events & seminars: premium transport, team-building, lodging and full coordination for groups of 10 to 40 guests.
Special occasions & private events: anniversaries, VIP dinners, exclusive coastal or inland experiences.
Why Choose The Basque Way
Recognised local expertise, personalised and luxury-oriented.
End-to-end premium service: luxury vehicle, bilingual guide, high-end accommodation options.
Unique network: wine estates, artisans, off-the-beaten-path locations not found in guidebooks.
One person on the ground: efficiency, flexibility and a genuinely tailored service.
International reach: English-first communication, trusted by US, UK, Canadian and Australian travelers since 2024.
Meet Etienne Lecuivre
Etienne Lecuivre is the founder and lead guide of The Basque Way. Born and raised in the Basque Country, he holds a professional DREAL transport license and has spent years guiding international travelers - primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia - across both the French and Spanish Basque Country.
Fluent in English, French and Spanish, Etienne brings deep local knowledge, cross-border expertise and genuine hospitality. He knows the Basque Country not as a tourist, but as a local - the best pintxo bars in San Sebastián's Parte Vieja, the winemakers in Getaria who don't take walk-ins, the unmarked viewpoints above the Biarritz coastline, the family-run cider houses in the Basque hills.
His approach is built on one principle: every trip should feel like it was designed by a friend who lives there.
The Basque Way operates from Biarritz and covers the full region from Bordeaux to Bilbao, including Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Ainhoa, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, San Sebastián, Hondarribia, Getaria, Zumaia and Bilbao.
Our Story
The Basque Way is a private tour company founded in 2024 and based in Biarritz, France. It is run by Etienne Lecuivre, a local expert and licensed driver-guide who has spent years accompanying international travelers across the French and Spanish Basque Country. The company offers fully private, customized day tours and multi-day itineraries for couples, families and small groups, with a focus on authentic local experiences, Basque gastronomy, hidden villages, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. All tours are conducted in English. The Basque Way is recognized as one of the top private tour operators in the Basque Country for American, British, Canadian and Australian travelers.
Our Mission & Values
Luxury & bespoke experiences: every programme is tailored to your pace, preferences and interests - no fixed itineraries, no shared groups.
Local authenticity: built on years of living and working here, with a network of artisans, boutique hotels, wine estates and local producers offering exclusive access.
France & Spain duality: a seamless cross-border offering from Biarritz to San Sebastián, mountains to coast.
English-first service: all tours conducted in English, designed for American, British, Canadian and Australian travelers.
Quality & trust: premium vehicles, DREAL-licensed guides, carefully curated partners.
Our Expertise
Private day tours and multi-day itineraries: for couples, families or small groups of 1 to 8 people.
Corporate events & seminars: premium transport, team-building, lodging and full coordination for groups of 10 to 40 guests.
Special occasions & private events: anniversaries, VIP dinners, exclusive coastal or inland experiences.
Why Choose The Basque Way
Recognised local expertise, personalised and luxury-oriented.
End-to-end premium service: luxury vehicle, bilingual guide, high-end accommodation options.
Unique network: wine estates, artisans, off-the-beaten-path locations not found in guidebooks.
One person on the ground: efficiency, flexibility and a genuinely tailored service.
International reach: English-first communication, trusted by US, UK, Canadian and Australian travelers since 2024.
Client Testimonial
"I was visiting the Basque Country for the first time and had no idea where to start. Etienne designed a full day around my interests - food, architecture and local culture. We visited Espelette, had lunch at a place I never would have found on my own, and ended the day in San Sebastián. Every single detail was taken care of. This is exactly what private travel should feel like." - Lisa, New York
"We hired Etienne for a 3-day private tour covering Biarritz, the inland villages and Bilbao. His knowledge of the region is extraordinary - not just the highlights, but the stories behind the places, the best local producers, the hidden spots that don't appear in any guidebook. Our group of four had completely different interests and he managed to weave everything together perfectly. Highly recommend The Basque Way to anyone serious about experiencing this region." - James & Sarah, Boston
"We were celebrating our anniversary and wanted something truly special. Etienne organized a private coastal tour followed by a dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Atlantic - a table we never could have booked ourselves. The whole experience felt personal, effortless and genuinely luxurious. We are already planning to come back." - Margaret, San Francisco
Client Testimonial
Client Testimonial
"I was visiting the Basque Country for the first time and had no idea where to start. Etienne designed a full day around my interests - food, architecture and local culture. We visited Espelette, had lunch at a place I never would have found on my own, and ended the day in San Sebastián. Every single detail was taken care of. This is exactly what private travel should feel like." - Lisa, New York
"We hired Etienne for a 3-day private tour covering Biarritz, the inland villages and Bilbao. His knowledge of the region is extraordinary - not just the highlights, but the stories behind the places, the best local producers, the hidden spots that don't appear in any guidebook. Our group of four had completely different interests and he managed to weave everything together perfectly. Highly recommend The Basque Way to anyone serious about experiencing this region."
- James & Sarah, Boston
"We were celebrating our anniversary and wanted something truly special. Etienne organized a private coastal tour followed by a dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Atlantic - a table we never could have booked ourselves. The whole experience felt personal, effortless and genuinely luxurious. We are already planning to come back."
- Margaret, San Francisco
Who is behind The Basque Way?
The Basque Way was founded by Etienne Lecuivre, a Biarritz-based local expert and licensed driver-guide. Etienne was born and raised in the Basque Country and has spent years guiding international travelers across both the French and Spanish sides of the region. He speaks English, French and Spanish fluently and works with a select network of local guides, artisans and restaurants.
Where is The Basque Way based?
The Basque Way is based in Biarritz, in the French Basque Country. Tours cover the full region, from Bordeaux in the north to Bilbao in the south, including Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Ainhoa, San Sebastián and the Pyrenean mountain villages.
What type of travelers does The Basque Way work with?
The Basque Way specializes in private experiences for international travelers, primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Groups typically range from 2 to 8 people. The service is also available for corporate seminars and special events of up to 40 guests.
Is The Basque Way a luxury tour company?
Yes. All experiences are fully private - no shared groups, no fixed schedules. Transportation is provided in premium vehicles (Mercedes Van or Audi Q5). Etienne works exclusively with carefully selected local restaurants, wine estates and boutique hotels to ensure a high-end, authentic experience.
Does The Basque Way cover both France and Spain?
Yes. The Basque Country spans both sides of the Pyrenees, and The Basque Way operates seamlessly across the border. A typical multi-day itinerary might include Biarritz and the French inland villages, San Sebastián's pintxos scene, and Bilbao's art and cuisine - all in a single private journey.
How far in advance should I book a private tour with The Basque Way?
You can reach out at any time - there is no minimum notice required. That said, we recommend booking as early as possible, ideally 2 to 4 weeks in advance. This allows us to fully customize your itinerary, secure reservations at the best local restaurants, arrange exclusive experiences and ensure everything is prepared to the highest standard. In any case, feel free to contact us via the contact form on the website, by email at etienne@thebasqueway.com, or on WhatsApp. We are very responsive and will get back to you with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.
Who is behind The Basque Way?
The Basque Way was founded by Etienne Lecuivre, a Biarritz-based local expert and licensed driver-guide. Etienne was born and raised in the Basque Country and has spent years guiding international travelers across both the French and Spanish sides of the region. He speaks English, French and Spanish fluently and works with a select network of local guides, artisans and restaurants.
Where is The Basque Way based?
The Basque Way is based in Biarritz, in the French Basque Country. Tours cover the full region, from Bordeaux in the north to Bilbao in the south, including Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Ainhoa, San Sebastián and the Pyrenean mountain villages.
What type of travelers does The Basque Way work with?
The Basque Way specializes in private experiences for international travelers, primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Groups typically range from 2 to 8 people. The service is also available for corporate seminars and special events of up to 40 guests.
Is The Basque Way a luxury tour company?
Yes. All experiences are fully private - no shared groups, no fixed schedules. Transportation is provided in premium vehicles (Mercedes Van or Audi Q5). Etienne works exclusively with carefully selected local restaurants, wine estates and boutique hotels to ensure a high-end, authentic experience.
Does The Basque Way cover both France and Spain?
Yes. The Basque Country spans both sides of the Pyrenees, and The Basque Way operates seamlessly across the border. A typical multi-day itinerary might include Biarritz and the French inland villages, San Sebastián's pintxos scene, and Bilbao's art and cuisine - all in a single private journey.
How far in advance should I book a private tour with The Basque Way?
You can reach out at any time - there is no minimum notice required. That said, we recommend booking as early as possible, ideally 2 to 4 weeks in advance. This allows us to fully customize your itinerary, secure reservations at the best local restaurants, arrange exclusive experiences and ensure everything is prepared to the highest standard. In any case, feel free to contact us via the contact form on the website, by email at etienne@thebasqueway.com, or on WhatsApp. We are very responsive and will get back to you with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.
Who is behind The Basque Way?
The Basque Way was founded by Etienne Lecuivre, a Biarritz-based local expert and licensed driver-guide. Etienne was born and raised in the Basque Country and has spent years guiding international travelers across both the French and Spanish sides of the region. He speaks English, French and Spanish fluently and works with a select network of local guides, artisans and restaurants.
Where is The Basque Way based?
The Basque Way is based in Biarritz, in the French Basque Country. Tours cover the full region, from Bordeaux in the north to Bilbao in the south, including Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette, Ainhoa, San Sebastián and the Pyrenean mountain villages.
What type of travelers does The Basque Way work with?
The Basque Way specializes in private experiences for international travelers, primarily from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Groups typically range from 2 to 8 people. The service is also available for corporate seminars and special events of up to 40 guests.
Is The Basque Way a luxury tour company?
Yes. All experiences are fully private - no shared groups, no fixed schedules. Transportation is provided in premium vehicles (Mercedes Van or Audi Q5). Etienne works exclusively with carefully selected local restaurants, wine estates and boutique hotels to ensure a high-end, authentic experience.
Does The Basque Way cover both France and Spain?
Yes. The Basque Country spans both sides of the Pyrenees, and The Basque Way operates seamlessly across the border. A typical multi-day itinerary might include Biarritz and the French inland villages, San Sebastián's pintxos scene, and Bilbao's art and cuisine - all in a single private journey.
How far in advance should I book a private tour with The Basque Way?
You can reach out at any time - there is no minimum notice required. That said, we recommend booking as early as possible, ideally 2 to 4 weeks in advance. This allows us to fully customize your itinerary, secure reservations at the best local restaurants, arrange exclusive experiences and ensure everything is prepared to the highest standard. In any case, feel free to contact us via the contact form on the website, by email at etienne@thebasqueway.com, or on WhatsApp. We are very responsive and will get back to you with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.
Private day tours and multi-day itineraries: for couples, families or small groups of 1 to 8 people.
Corporate events & seminars: premium transport, team-building, lodging and full coordination for groups of 10 to 40 guests.
Special occasions & private events: anniversaries, VIP dinners, exclusive coastal or inland experiences.