Our favourite place across the border is San Sebastian, a most elegant city peopled by Spanish Basques who go out of their way to direct the tourists to points of interest. The town hall is one of the most elegant civic buildings I've ever seen. The place like many others in Spain seems to shut down between 12.30 and 4 pm (siesta time!) but there are many places to eat during the "pumpkin time".

The weather is usually fine. I do however recommend getting up early and shoving off on foot to the village to buy bread; On the way you can see if the clouds are low on the mountains. If that is the case, then head towards the sea at St Jean de Luz where the bathing is superb even on overcast days. If the mountains are clear, then take the rack and pinion railway up to the top of La Rhune; you won't be disappointed by the views.

Brasserie Miramar at Hendaye Plage (15mins drive along the coast road) has wonderful views over the sea and you can watch the surfers while dining on the terrace. Good value for money

We have enjoyed our stay here and liked the area so much we asked to stay for a few more days