For guidance...we think Biarritz is similar to...well, actually, it's difficult to identify other seaside city resorts in France or the UK. Royan is probably the closest or possibly La Baule too. In the UK, Brighton is probably the closest match. These all feature great beaches, some lovely architecture, a feeling of 'grandeur' and a really eclectic mix of visitors.
Five
Reasons to Choose Biarritz
•
A
thriving & elegant resort, uniquely stylish & sophisticated
yet laid-back and understated
•
Huge beaches
in the heart of town, ideal for surfers
Explore
neighbouring Spain - San Sebastian is 'a must'
•
Discover
the charming Basque Country villages and landscape
"The
most fashionable and most frequented resort in south west France.
The setting is magnificent, with Atlantic rollers breaking against
the rocks and reefs, impressive cliffs, a small port, and superb
bathing beaches." Quoted
from "The Green Guide - Atlantic Coast" published by Michelin Travel Publications
which
rates Biarritz as a "highly recommended" seaside resort.
"One
place which completely blows me away is Biarritz, which has a stunningly
beautiful location beside the Atlantic, lovely architecture. It's
a city of rugby which means a culture of people which in turn means
a culture of food" - Raymond
Blanc, owner of Le Manoir de Quatre Saisons, asked about
his favourite city in France (source: Mail on Sunday 24.1.08).
Biarritz
- highlights
So,
why did generations of royalty from across Europe choose to
holiday in Belle Époque Biarritz? Why did Napoleon
III build a palace here for his wife, the Emperess Eugénie
(now
the town’s best hotel, The Hotel du Palais)?
Why did Hollywood stars such as Rita Hayworth and Frank Sinatra
vacation here in the 1950s? Why, in 1959, did the makers of
Cadillac name its 25ft long convertible after the town? And
why, today, are French celebrities such as Alain Prost choosing
to live here rather than on the French Riviera?
Well, the rugged and wild beaches are undeniably
spectactular. The surfing is amongst the
best in Europe. It is one of France's main centres for thalassotherapy.
There are several highly rated and historic golf courses
in and around the town. There's a host of fine restaurants
and an art-deco casino. The boutique
shopping is some of the best in France. And the warm all-year-round
climate might have something to do with it.
Above all, though, it's Biarritz's attitude and atmosphere
that wins us over. Stylish and sophisticated yet laid-back,
with none of the Côte d'Azur's pretence. This may because
of the town's eclectic and unique mix of surfers, boutique
shoppers, the retired, and families on holiday. The Grand
Plage is a great place to witness this - the beachfront
promenade buzzes with young couples, families, surfers and
elderly dames walking miniature dogs.
It is a laid-back place, grounded by its eclectic mix of residents
and visitors. Stylish and sophisticated yet laid-back and
understated.
Biarritz
- Our Personal Favourites
•
A
romantic evening stroll along the Atalaya walkway, high
above the lively surf, watching the sun set over the
Golfe de Gascogne
•
Idling
away the morning at a café on the Grand Plage,
admiring the surfers or just people watching on the
promenade
•
A
round of golf at Biarritz le Phare, built in 1889 and
with the added hazard of bunkers made from WWII bomb
craters!
•
A
day of luxury: a morning shopping at the boutiques;
an afternoon at one of the town's seawater & spa
centres; rounded off with a seafood dinner in a
backstreet brasserie
•
A
guided walk around the town to discover its eclectic
architecture, from turreted neo-gothic castles and art-deco
casino to its grand Victorian villas
Biarritz
-
client comments “Biarritz was all
we had hoped for and the little neighbourhood district of
St Charles was delightful.”
(Miss E Milsom)
“Biarritz
was fantastic – we would definitely go back there and
use it as a base to explore the Aquitaine region.”
(Mr P Gaidzkar)
Biarritz - Out of Season
French resorts tend to be very seasonal and this can often come as a surprise to visitors who are less familiar with France. Owners of seasonal business such as bars and restaurants can often get by simply by operating in two months of the year - July & August - and are happy to shut down the rest of the year.
That said, of all the south west Atlantic resorts, Biarritz offers the best choice of activities and places to eat all-year-round. In fact it's the resort where we take the most off-season bookings, notably for golfers, surfers, spa visitors, Heineken Cup rugby weekends, and those who simply fancy a seaside break somewhere chic on the Atlantic coast.
Find out more in our Biarritz tourist information guide.
Topics covered include beaches, activities such as golf and
surfing, kids' attractions, restaurants, cultural attractions
and more...
