IS THIS FRANCE? A DREAM DESTINATION FOR PEACEFUL WALKS | VILLAGE THAT LEFT ME SPEECHLESS

IS THIS FRANCE? A DREAM DESTINATION FOR PEACEFUL WALKS | VILLAGE THAT LEFT ME SPEECHLESS

Is this France?
Welcome to Elizondo – a pearl in the heart of the village that left me speechless. Elizondo lies in the heart of the Baztán Valley, in northern Navarre, surrounded by the western Pyrenees. The village is the capital of the valley, home to around 3,500 people, and has been a cultural and economic hub for centuries. The Baztán River runs directly through the center, dividing the town into two parts and shaping its daily life. Stone bridges like Txokoto Bridge connect both sides — landmarks that have stood here since medieval times. Elizondo is known for its traditional Basque houses, with whitewashed walls, red wooden balconies, and flower boxes. The village gained literary fame thanks to the “Baztán Trilogy” by Dolores Redondo, placing Elizondo on the world’s literary map. Markets have been held here since the Middle Ages, when Elizondo was a trade stop between Navarre and France. Today, it remains a meeting point for local farmers, artisans, and visitors searching for authenticity. Welcome to Elizondo – a pearl hidden in the Pyrenees! The Baztán River is the lifeline of Elizondo, flowing straight through the center of the village. For centuries, it powered mills, watered fields, and provided fresh trout for local families. Its constant presence shaped daily life — children played on its banks, women washed clothes, and farmers crossed with cattle. The most iconic spot is Txokoto Bridge, with perfect arches of stone rising above the rushing water. This medieval bridge once carried traders and pilgrims moving between Navarre and France. Other smaller bridges connect both sides of Elizondo, making the river part of every walk. From each bridge, the view is different: one shows the church towers, another opens to the hills beyond. The riverbanks are lined with traditional Basque houses, balconies stretching almost above the water. In spring, the melting Pyrenees snow gives the river a powerful, fast current. Legends say that in medieval times smugglers crossed at night, using hidden paths near the river. Today, the same bridges carry locals shopping at the market, schoolchildren, and quiet evening walks. Elizondo’s old town is a maze of cobbled streets lined with traditional Basque houses. The architecture is unique: whitewashed façades with wooden beams and red or green shutters. Many houses display coats of arms, reminders of noble families that once ruled the valley. The Palacio Arizkunenea, built in the 18th century, is the grandest mansion, now used for cultural events. Stone archways and carved doorways tell stories of wealth brought by trade and migration. Narrow alleys lead to hidden squares where fountains provided water for centuries. Every balcony is decorated with flowers, a living tradition that gives color to the stone walls. Shops in the old town sell local cheese, honey, and handmade crafts, continuing centuries of commerce. The church of Santiago stands as the spiritual heart of Elizondo, with its baroque altar and stone tower. This church was rebuilt in the 18th century after floods destroyed the earlier medieval building. Legends say the old streets once echoed with the footsteps of pilgrims on the Way of St. James. Today, silence and simplicity make them feel frozen in time. It is here that you sense why Elizondo feels both medieval and alive. Tourists often miss these hidden corners — but locals know their history well. Elizondo is not just stone houses — it is a living community with deep-rooted traditions. Every Tuesday, the town hosts its traditional market, continuing a custom from the Middle Ages. Farmers bring vegetables, cheese, and cider from the valley, filling the square with colors and scents. The most famous product here is sheep’s cheese, Idiazabal, protected by denomination of origin. Cafés around the square serve local pastries called “urrakin egiñak,” chocolate with whole hazelnuts. Life moves slowly — neighbors greet each other, news is exchanged, and time feels unhurried. In summer, open-air festivals bring music, dance, and Basque rural sports to the streets. The Basque language, Euskara, is spoken daily — one of the oldest languages in Europe. Signs and shop names are often bilingual, reflecting pride in preserving identity. This simplicity — markets, cafés, daily life — is the true hidden treasure of Elizondo. It is this authenticity that makes Elizondo a dream destination for peaceful souls. Tourists rarely come in large groups, so the atmosphere stays calm and intimate. You feel like part of the village, not just a visitor passing by. From the upper streets of Elizondo, the entire Baztán Valley opens like a green amphitheater. The valley stretches for more than thirty kilometers, surrounded by the western Pyrenees. Its fertile land earned it the name “the Garden of Navarre,” known for chestnut forests and pastures. From here you see patchwork fields, red-roofed farmhouses, and winding country roads. The hills are dotted with “caseríos” — traditional Basque farmhouses built of stone and wood. Cows and sheep graze freely, producing the milk for Elizondo’s famous cheese and butter. Every season transforms the valley: bright green in spring, golden fields in summer. In autumn, forests explode in red and orange, while winter often brings mist and snow. Legends say witches once gathered in hidden caves of the Baztán mountains. Dolores Redondo’s novels revived these myths, making the valley famous in modern literature. From Elizondo, panoramic walks lead to viewpoints where you can see both Spain and France. The peaceful silence here makes you feel far away from the modern world. Elizondo is also known for its rural traditions, and one of the most symbolic is the bull exhibition. Unlike bullfighting in the south, here the event is about strength, pride, and heritage. Bulls are shown in decorated enclosures, admired for their power and elegance. Farmers present the best animals of the valley, continuing a practice that dates back centuries. For locals, the bull represents endurance, courage, and connection to the land. Children and families watch together, turning the exhibition into a festive community gathering. Traditional music often accompanies the event, filling the square with drums and flutes. It is less about spectacle and more about cultural identity — a ritual of belonging. In Navarre, bulls are not only animals — they are symbols of identity, strength, and continuity. The exhibition in Elizondo is called “Feria de Toros de Baztán,” held once a year in the main square. Here, breeders bring the most impressive bulls of the valley to be judged by locals and visitors. Each bull is paraded with pride, its lineage carefully explained by the owners. Unlike southern Spain, there is no corrida here — no fight, only admiration and respect. For farmers, this is a chance to showcase years of breeding, tradition passed from father to son. The event is accompanied by txistus and tambourines, traditional Basque instruments. Villagers wear red scarves, the same color used in Pamplona’s San Fermín, linking valley to region. Children watch wide-eyed, as these animals are much larger than anything seen on local farms. Stalls sell local food: chistorra sausage, cider, and fresh cheese, turning it into a festival. Older men recall legendary bulls from decades past, whose names are still remembered. For many, this day is not entertainment but a cultural memory, repeated each generation. Few tourists know about it — making the exhibition a secret tradition of Elizondo. If you plan to stay in Elizondo, there are small family-run hotels in Basque style. Hotel Trinquet or Hotel Elizondo offer rooms from 60 to 90 euros per night. You can also rent a Casa Rural, a rural house for families, starting at 100 euros per night. Getting here is easy. From Pamplona, buses reach Elizondo in about one hour. Tickets cost around 4 to 5 euros, making it affordable for any traveler. From San Sebastián, the trip takes about one and a half hours by bus. The ticket costs around 7 to 8 euros, and the views on the way are spectacular. If you travel by car, the road through the Baztán Valley is full of mountain scenery. As for food, Elizondo is famous for “urrakin egiñak” — chocolate with whole hazelnuts. On the market, you can also buy Idiazabal sheep cheese, about 15 to 20 euros each. Try chistorra, a spicy local sausage, just 2 to 3 euros per portion. And don’t miss the local cider — a glass in a bar costs around 2 euros. Every Tuesday, the traditional market fills the square with farmers and artisans. It’s the best place to taste, buy, and feel the authentic rhythm of village life. I wish you a peaceful and beautiful walk through Elizondo today. But stay until the very end of this video, because a surprise awaits you! We will take you to another hidden village, right on the border with France. It is even quieter than Elizondo, with fewer people and a slower rhythm of life. Its charm lies in its small stone streets and peaceful atmosphere. And among the old houses you will find small, picturesque hotels full of character. This is the kind of place where time seems to stop completely. If you enjoyed this walk, don’t forget to like the video and subscribe for more hidden gems! At the end of our journey, let’s discover Urdax, a tiny village on the French border. It is even smaller and quieter than Elizondo, with barely 400 inhabitants. Urdax is famous for its medieval monastery, founded by Premonstratensian monks in the 12th century. The monks built mills, farmed the land, and welcomed pilgrims on the Way of St. James. For centuries, pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago found here food, shelter, and spiritual guidance. The monastery still stands today, with cloisters, arcades, and calm gardens. Legends say witches once gathered here, giving the valley its aura of mystery. Unlike busy tourist spots, Urdax remains hidden — a secret gem very few visitors find. Small boutique hotels and rural guesthouses here offer peace and authenticity. They are perfect for travelers who want silence, nature, and charming hospitality. Nearby are the caves of Urdax, shaped by underground rivers over millions of years. Guided tours take visitors through stalactites, stalagmites, and halls filled with legends. Local myths speak of witches — “sorginak” — who gathered in these caves during the Middle Ages. Today, the caves host cultural events with light and music, creating a magical experience. Urdax also offers charming boutique hotels and rural guesthouses. Prices start from 70 to 100 euros. Here you find silence, green landscapes, and hospitality that feels personal and authentic.
(10 sec pause) Let me know in the comments which village you would like me to reveal in the next tour? Thank you for joining me today — your support makes these journeys possible!

Discover a pearl in the heart of the village that left me speechless – a place so authentic it feels like stepping into another world. This is more than just a dream destination: it’s a peaceful escape, a gateway to timeless beauty and simplicity.

Join me on a peaceful walk through the beautiful valley, where nature and tradition blend into unforgettable moments. You’ll experience true village life, hidden corners full of charm, and atmosphere that makes you wonder: is this France?

Elizondo is a hidden treasure, one of those secret places tourists never see. Every stone street, every sound of flowing water invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel the magic of this secret retreat.

Don’t miss it!
🌟 Bonus 1: at the end of this video we will also show you another enchanting village right on the border with France.
🌟 Bonus 2: you will see a local bull exhibition, part of the authentic traditions of the valley.

📍 Location: Elizondo, Navarre, Spain
📅 Filming date: September
⛅ Weather: +24°C / 75°F

📸 Enjoy the video with [CC] subtitles — don’t forget to turn them on!

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