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7 ideas, picked for these days
A weekend on the French Basque Coast, 30 minutes from San Sebastián
12 October is a working day in France, so Saint-Jean-de-Luz, La Rhune and Biarritz have the rhythm of an ordinary autumn weekend. The La Rhune train and the cliff boat keep running until the end of October or early November.
Biarritz: surf at the Côte des Basques and the market
The Biarritz school gives lessons from April to November, and in October the water retains part of the summer's warmth. With the 12th a working day in France, there is room on the school beach. The lesson time changes with the tide: book it before organising the rest of the day.
Laguardia, Baigorri and a night at Viura
Designed for a weekday, like 12 October when it falls midweek: Héctor Oribe opens Wednesday to Sunday and Baigorri Tuesday to Saturday. At harvest, from mid-September to October, book lunch, tastings and the Villabuena hotel weeks ahead.
Haro: winery, grill house and Briñas
September and October are Haro's months, with the Station District wineries receiving grapes. The Muga visit lasts an hour and a half; if the holiday is not a Sunday, the La Rioja Alta one with a Viña Ardanza tasting opens on Saturdays and holidays.
A weekend in the Matarraña: Valderrobres, Beceite and the Puertos, under two hours from Zaragoza
With three days, the Matarraña makes up for its long three-hour journey: in October the Ports de Beceite have a walking temperature and the Parrizal is walked without summer's queues. Book the Parrizal ticket and the 4x4 to the Tossal del Rei.
A weekend in Ordesa, 1 h 20 from Huesca
October is one of Ordesa's months, with the beech wood beginning to turn. The Torla bus to the Pradera runs on October weekends and long weekends, with the first ascent at 7:00. From San Sebastián it is almost three and a half hours: arrive the night before.
Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka and the Casa de Juntas
October is still a good season on the Bizkaia coast, with fewer people than in summer. Climb the 241 steps first thing and check whether that day is controlled access, which the provincial council sets. Portuondo is closed Tuesday and Wednesday: if the holiday falls on those days, eat in Mundaka.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is 12 October a holiday in France?
No. It is a working day, with shops, markets and monuments open on their normal hours. That is why Lapurdi is quieter than on the French long weekends.
Does the La Rhune train still run in October?
Yes: it runs from late March to early November. Go up on the first clear day.
Can you see the grape harvest on the Pilar long weekend?
In Rioja Alavesa and Haro it runs from mid-September to October, depending on the year, so in mid-October it may be finishing. The wineries are still in full activity.
Which getaway works without a car?
The French Basque Coast by Topo and regional train, with Saint-Jean-de-Luz as a base, and the Sonsierra, with a bus to Laguardia from Vitoria or Logroño.