Pays basque

The Pays Basque (Basque Country) is a region straddling France and Spain, currently in the news for two distinct reasons. Firstly, the Dolfi family, owners of Paris' oldest chocolate shop, are expanding their empire by acquiring historical chocolate businesses, including Henriet in the Pays Basque. This highlights the region's significance in the artisanal food industry. Secondly, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a tourist town within the Pays Basque, is experiencing a surge in culinary offerings, leading to a concentration of restaurants. This gastronomic boom is driven by a combination of authentic local ingredients, a thriving terroir, and contemporary culinary trends. However, this development also raises concerns about gentrification within the region. The Pays Basque, therefore, is relevant as a region experiencing both economic activity in established industries like chocolate and a burgeoning culinary scene, while also grappling with the potential negative impacts of increased tourism and development.