The last day of our pre-trip extension began as a rainy one, so our stops along the coast of Biarritz and Bay of Biscay were a bit of a bust at first and we missed out on what would have been beautiful views.  Still, the tumultuous seas and dark skies were alluring in their own way, and I found them intriguing to photograph.  Once I was out on the old wood-slat pier looking down on the waves crashing against the rocks, I didn’t want to leave.  I could have stood there watching for hours, it was so mesmerizing. 

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

Not leaving the pier with the rest of the group was a mistake though.  A large wave came crashing in, streams of water came rushing up through the slats of the pier and all over me.  I was drenched!  Thankfully, I was wearing quick drying travel pants, because I eventually dried out during the bus ride and while walking under the sunny skies of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

The picturesque fishing village and resort of Saint-Jean-de-Luz was a wonderful place for photography and taking in the views of the harbor and the beachfront of Bay of Biscay.  Colorful half-timbered Basque homes added to the charm.

Beachfront homes:

Scenes around town:

We were so fortunate the skies had cleared for our last day in southwestern France, before continuing to Bilbao to begin our main tour!

Next up: SOUTHWEST FRANCE, NORTHERN SPAIN & PORTUGAL #8: BRILLIANT BILBAO