They are mutually intelligible, but there are actually quite a few differences in spelling of words. Written Basque from France can be a bit difficult at time for a Spaniard Basque speaker and vice versa.
Regretfully no, I can't really speak it - it's a pretty dead language (especially in France, there are still strong preservationists in Spain though largely in smaller towns and such). I moved to the Midi-Pyrénées when I was youngish and lost contact with basque speakers, though I do know a few words, and some greetings.
