We arrived in the French Basque Country, passed the bridge in Bidarrray and there we were.. away from it all... but what an enchanting perspective. We were warmly greeted by Catherine who showed us to our Suite, it felt like like a real country house with the fireplace waiting for us and the wood standing by the front door. We were originally in the region for business, but truly thought we were on a weekend away (though it was midweek).
Welcomed afterwards by Francois Ricau, the hotel manager who gave us a superb tour of the 45 hectare property. We were lucky enough to savour the cuisine of Alain Soulhiac, its magret & foie gras, the chipirons (calamari) with its delicious risotto; on our second night, we were booked at the Auberge I Parla; you have to dine there at least one night if you stay at Ostape: it'd be a shame to miss it.
Overall, it was an enchanting experience, the location is incredible, the hospitality as best as it can get and do not believe that the Basque citizens are not welcoming.... Just try to share their love for their region... and you will be won over...