Ep 6. The Basque Country

The Basque Country is the sixth episode of season 1 of Taste of France, a travel and food show that explores the culinary culture of France. In this particular episode, the host of the show, Cléo, takes us on a journey through the Basque Country, an area spanning across the borders of France and Spain.

Cléo starts her journey in the coastal town of Biarritz, known for its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. Here, she samples some of the region's famous seafood, including squid, octopus, and mussels, all freshly caught from the Bay of Biscay. Cléo also visits a local cheesemaker who specializes in Ossau-Iraty, a cheese made from the milk of Manech and Basco-Béarnaise sheep.

Next, Cléo travels to the nearby town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a popular starting point for pilgrims trekking along the Camino de Santiago. Here, Cléo learns about the Basque Country's distinctive cider culture. She visits a traditional cider house where she gets to sample a variety of ciders made using locally grown apples.

From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Cléo heads towards the mountainous landscape of the Pyrenees. Here, she meets with a group of Basque shepherds who have been raising Pottok ponies for generations. These ponies, which are native to the Basque Country, are small in size but are known for their strength and endurance. Cléo even gets to ride one of these ponies through the breathtaking mountain landscape.

Later, Cléo visits the town of Espelette, known for its spicy peppers. Espelette peppers are a key ingredient in many Basque dishes and are known for their distinctive mild, somewhat sweet taste. Cléo meets a local farmer who shows her how to dry and grind the peppers, which are then used to make a traditional Basque dish called Piperade.

Finally, Cléo heads to the city of Bayonne, the cultural capital of the Basque Country. Here, she visits a chocolatier who makes chocolate using traditional methods, passed down through generations. Cléo learns about the history of chocolate-making in Bayonne and even gets to make her own chocolate.

Overall, The Basque Country is a fascinating and diverse episode of Taste of France. Cléo takes viewers on a journey through stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and hidden towns, while showcasing the unique and delicious culinary culture of the Basque Country.