The Basque Village of Espelette

Espelette (or Ezpeleta), a few miles west of Cambo-les-Bains, is the Chilli Pepper Capital of the region, celebrating the harvest with a Chilli Festival at the end of October. The market square leads to quaint old shops and houses. The Maison du Fromage has a pungent selection of local cheeses and products, while dark red peppers are strung up on the outside walls of the hotels and houses to dry. The castle (Château des Barons d’Ezpeleta), dating from 1000 AD, now houses the library etc. The 17thC church of St Etienne is freely open and well lit inside. It’s another beautiful example, with a bell tower, three floors of wooden galleries and a lovely altarpiece. Again, the graveyard has the key-shaped headstones typical of the region.
 
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