Basque country

I thought Basque country was another area of France like the Loire or Provence. It wasn't until we arrived that I learned about a unique people with their own language, architecture and food. The origins of the Basque people are still unknown, but Roman sources mention a tribe in the same area.

There isn't much diversity when it comes to house style. Basque homes are all white with deep red detail, like this one.

Here is a sample sign - French on top and Basque on the bottom.

After going to church in Pau we took a long drive through the Pyrenees which was spectacular! Deep forests with rolling hills and fields carpeted in bright green. As we drove into the mountains there was a large sign that said, "CANADIAN BORDERS". What in the? As we drove on we realized there were no fences...anywhere. The cows and horses and picnicking families shared the same open spaces.