Served by the Portsmouth ferry, Bilbao and the Basque Country (which overlaps into France) is an easy place to take your car or caravan on a driving holiday if you live in the UK. The Basque Country Circuit offers a fantastic way to see the mountains and weaving coastlines of this beautiful part of the world.

The 300 mile route takes you south from Bilbao on the B1623, through a wonderful mountain pass to Vitoria-Gasteiz, then east towards Pamplona (famous for the bull run which is attended by thousands each year). From here, take the N-135 through the Pyrenees and into the French Republic via the stunning Roncesvalles pass. It is around this point that your driving skills need to be right up to scratch, both due to the roads and the amazing scenery, which can be rather distracting.

Taking the D918 gives you more views of pretty foothills, before you re-join the coast once more, and experience Biarritz, which shares more in common with the French Riviera than a Basque coastal city. Heading west again to Bilbao, you’ll enjoy majestic views of the Bay of Biscay to your right. Don’t forget to drop in to glorious San Sebastian along the way.

Try to give yourself enough time to take a dip in the sea once or twice, or at least stop to enjoy one of the many superb, sandy beaches that line the Biscay coast.

Make sure your vehicle breakdown insurance policy covers Spain and France (it is very likely you will need European-wide cover, either annual or short term), as breaking down on one of these mountain passes could be costly. The minor risks are outweighed, however, by what many regard as some of the finest scenery in Europe.