This year 2023, the Tour de France begins in the Basque Country, representing a great opportunity for both the region and the event itself. The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious and popular cycling competitions in the world, followed by millions of people worldwide.
Therefore, being selected as the starting point of this iconic race is a great recognition for the Basque Country and an excellent opportunity to showcase its culture, landscapes, and tourist attractions.
One of the main advantages of the Tour de France starting in the Basque Country is the region’s natural and cultural richness. The Basque Country has a diverse and beautiful geography, including sea, mountains, valleys, and impressive coastlines. These landscapes provide a perfect setting for the initial stages of the competition, challenging cyclists with mountainous terrain and breathtaking panoramas.
Furthermore, the Basque Country is known for its rich history and unique culture. Basque cities and towns have a strong and distinct identity, with deep-rooted traditions and internationally recognized cuisine. The Tour de France offers an ideal platform to showcase these cultural aspects to the world, as the initial stages are often broadcast live and covered in the media.
The Tour de France already knows Spirit Experiences.
On the occasion of the Tour de France, one of the organizers and a cyclist of the same team decided to make an alternative transport. Instead of traveling by car or bus from San Sebastian to Bilbao, where the start of the Tour will take place, they decided to travel by sea with Spirit Experiences, thus discovering the landscapes that link the coastal capitals.
The crossing started at 08:30 am inside the port of San Sebastian, where we loaded all the luggage, including the cyclist’s precious bike. After a brief safety briefing, we set sail and hoisted the mainsail inside La Concha Bay.
As the weather forecast had predicted, the first and only downpour of the day hit us as soon as we started the crossing. We protected ourselves inside the cockpit, sheltered under the hood that prevented the water from entering from the bow, the bimini covering the top and the igloo preventing the water, which was falling sideways driven by the wind, from entering from the windward side. After ten minutes, the squall passed over our heads leaving us with a beautiful sunny picture that would stay with us for the rest of the day. We continued the crossing towards the West, rocked by a medium-intensity swell that relaxed the guests falling asleep on several occasions on the mattresses of the cockpit.
In our passage through Lekeitio, we prepared snacks that were opening the appetite as the wind intensity decreased, and consequently, the waves. We crossed Matxitxako to reach San Juan de Gaztelugatxe followed by the cliffs that join Baquio and Arminza that give way to one of the most beautiful and little-known places of the Basque Coast, Cape Villano, were stands, over 150 meters above the sea, the lighthouse of Gorliz, with a structure of 21 meters high.
After Cape Villano, around 15:00 hours, we leeward course towards the river of Bilbao, which was beginning to come into view. It was then that we enjoyed a menu marked by local and seasonal products accompanied by a bottle of Champagne, celebrating our entrance to the port.
Having the Tour de France 2023 start in the Basque Country is a great opportunity to experience the region, its culture, and its natural beauty. If you are a fan of cycling, the Tour de France, gastronomy, and culture, you shouldn’t miss it. At Spirit Experiences, we also offer experiences during the days the Tour de France will be in the Basque Country, so you can enhance your experience with unique moments and even witness the cyclists from a unique and tranquil perspective.
Can you imagine a perfect weekend in the Basque Country? Contact us and create a unique and unforgettable plan for the occasion.
