It's so easy to fall in love with Biarritz. Blessed with 6km of sandy beaches, generous promenades and sumptuous seafood restaurants, it's the perfect spot for a vacation. Further afield, the south of France and the French Basque Country awaits.
The beautiful beaches of Biarritz
If it's a beach break you're looking for, you’re in the right place. The town has an excellent range of beaches, covering several kilometers. The Grande Plage is the main beach, distinguishable by the colorful striped beach huts under which sunbathers can lounge. The feeling of luxury is only enhanced by the grand presence of the imposing Hotel du Palais in the background. A statement of opulence, this palatial residence was built as a summer villa residence by Napoleon for his wife, Eugenie.
Surfers love Plage de la Cote des Basques, Plage Port Vieux is small but has relatively gentle waters with little or no wind, and Plage Milady is perfect for families with younger children. It's a spacious beach with soft sand - and there are plenty of parking lots close by, too, so you can drive right up to it.
Here, it feels as if all roads lead to a golden beach. Pick one, find a spot, kick back and soak up the pristine views out across the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The setting of the sun
Rising high into the sky, the iconic Biarritz Lighthouse is 73 meters above sea level and dates back to 1834. If you're feeling energetic, the balcony at the top affords visitors a stunning, panoramic view across the Atlantic and the Basque coast. Although you’ll have to climb 248 steps to get there, you'll be rewarded by a magnificent sweeping sight, all the more spectacular as the sun sets.
Reward yourself by heading to the Fisherman Port, or Port des Pecheurs, for supper. In the former fishermen's houses are several authentic seafood restaurants and bars. Here you'll find traditional Basque dishes, including pintxos, which is similar to Spanish tapas. Ask for a table outside, order a selection of tasting dishes, and enjoy a rest as you bask in the atmosphere.
Break for the border
Just across the Spanish border, San Sebastian is a stunning city, with a growing and glowing reputation as the gastronomical capital of Spain; there are several Michelin three-starred restaurants here, and more per head than Paris.
As in Biarritz, there are plenty of pinxtos available, with each bar having a house specialty. Fresh seafood takes center stage, but you'll find a myriad of other dishes, including cheeses, cured meats and tortillas. Eating is an art form here, so take your time and try as much as you can.
In between sampling San Sebastian's finest culinary hot spots, wander around the beaches. La Concha has 1,500 meters of lush white sand, right in the center of the city. Work off any stresses in the outside Perla Spa before strolling along the promenade, taking in the sights. Find your way to the winding street of the Old Town - Parte Vieja - which is full of charm and bustle.
Whether planning a short stay in Biarritz or a trip across the south of France and into Spain, car rental from Biarritz Airport lets you create the perfect vacation.
