Biarritz

"I know of no more charming and more beautiful place than Biarritz .... "Victor Hugo.

At the heart of the French Basque Country, at the crossroads of cultures, Biarritz is a rare destination. About 230 km separate Saint-Emilion and Biarritz. To get there, take about 2:20 by car on the A63 and 4:30 by the railways. You want to organize a trip? Visit the website of the Tourist Office of Biarritz.

A seaside town between Ocean and Mountain
Biarritz offers the walker an astonishing diversity of natural landscapes: from St. Martin advanced to the Basque coast, through the Great Beach, the coastline is an endless source of nooks and crannies to explore. Biarritz is also an excellent base for exploring the Basque Country. On foot, by car, 4x4, or Pottock, typical small Basque horse, many walks are possible to explore the hills and traditional villages. Here lie the lower slopes of the Pyrenees, stormed by bluish hills where the whiteness of smiling houses with red or green shutters come loose, tightened around the towers. Here lies a dormant wild world made for walkers and fans of all forms of tourism.

A city of history
Lighthouse destination forever marked by the passage of the Empress Eugenie and the great people of this world, Biarritz has always been one of the most welcoming cities in France. But the hand of man has nothing to envy to this natural setting, as centuries of history have given Biarritz an incredible variety of buildings: the Orthodox church, the Byzantine chapel, the medieval villa in the Art Deco style or the Municipal Casino ... The unique architectural heritage of Biarritz shows that past and live in the present.

A city of sport and wellness
The Biarritz area is a paradise for golfers in Europe, who find nearby an outstanding selection of golf courses. One of the oldest golf courses in France, the Golf du Phare, is located in the heart of the city. Biarritz is one of the best "spots" of surfing the world. Surf culture, is very present with its codes and champions. Other activities are supported by the city as the rugby and of course pelota. Biarritz is also emerging as "capital" of thalassotherapy. The search for serenity and well-being is an original response here in the natural benefits of the marine environment and the quality of the planned structures.

A city of gastronomy and shopping
If it is similar to the traditional cuisine of the Southwest, the Basque gastronomy nonetheless retains original features inspired by the nearby sea and land. Good addresses offer among others, the Bayonne ham, wine of Irouléguy, the chipirones, the axoa, sheep cheese served with a delicious black cherry jam, plus some sweets that end up to delight the palate like chocolates, traditional Basque cake and "muxus" whose name means Basque "kiss". Biarritz also offers a wide range of shops located in the streets of downtown and covered Halles. Thus you will discover the wealth of the Basque Country, both gourmet ham, chocolate, cheese, meats, or craft: Basque linen, sneakers .... not to mention its many luxury shops.

A city of festivals
Many highlights animate the city as the International Festival of Audiovisual Programs in May, the Festival of Street Arts in June, The Oceans in July, the Big Festival in August, Time to love Dance in September, Biarritz lights in December ... Find the news of the moment and the ticketing service on the website of the Biarritz Tourist Office.

Biarritz also has many sites and museums to visit: Museum of Oriental Art, Chocolate Museum, Imperial Chapel, Biarritz Historic Museum, Sea Museum, the Lighthouse of Biarritz or the Fishing Port and the Rock of the Virgin ... the treasures of the city are inexhaustible.

More information here >

Crédit photo : Biarritz Tourisme et Emmy Martens