Biarritz is the dreamy seaside town in the Basque country that attracts laid back surfers, elegant Parisians, backpackers, and the international jet setters. Here is why you should discover Biarritz.
About Biarritz
Biarritz became a popular vacation spot in the mid-1800s when Napoléon III visited it. Nowadays, the town attracts a variety of travelers, such as surfers from all over the world, backpackers exploring Europe, as well as foodies and trendy Parisians escaping the hot Paris summer. It is easy to understand the Biarritz charm and why it has become one of the Basque country's most famous spots.
The town lies beautifully by the ocean that also has waves popular for surfers of all levels. The picturesque town center has both small winding paths as well as wide boulevards. Being a seaside town in the Basque Country, Biarritz has a very different vibe than the cities along the French Riviera, like Nice.
It is a city that blooms during summer but offers a harsh life during winter when the windy storms hit this seaside town with full power. Most travelers visit it during summer, spring, or early autumn.
What to do and see
Biarritz is a town where you can shop luxurious design clothes, as well as locally sourced products. For those culturally inclined, there are several art galleries all around the city, as well as the museum City of Ocean (called Cité de l’Ocean).
The neo-Gothic cathedral Église St. Eugénie and the famous Hôtel du Palais are two examples of the architectural developments that took place after the European Royalty in Biarritz during the 19th century. A symbol and popular attraction is the rock formation called Rocher de la Vierge. On the top of the formation stands a statue of the Virgin Mary. You can reach the rocks via a footbridge.
Rocher de la Vierge in Biarritz
64200 Biarritz, France
Church of Saint Eugénie, Biarritz
Place Sainte-Eugénie, 64200 Biarritz, Frankrike
Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz
64200 Biarritz, Frankrike
Biarritz is also an excellent destination for those who rather spend their time outdoors than inside. Surfers have traveled to the seaside town since the 1950s, and there are several beaches in Biarritz that are perfect for surfing - and of course, sunbathing and swimming. But the city also has a great golfing course called Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, and many cyclists visit the area as the roads offer a great biking experience that is both scenic and physically challenging.
Hotels, food and drinks
As there are so many different kinds of travelers visiting Biarritz, the city has a range of different accommodation options in town. Stay at everything from boutique hotels to the lovely camping ground just outside of town.
The market and food hall in the middle of the town is a must-visit for food lovers. And don’t forget to enjoy a coffee and a pain au chocolate at one of the many charming cafés that lie around the food hall.
Extola Bibi is an open-air café that lies overlooking a steep hill and the Côte des Basques beach. Visit the café and watch the sunset while sipping a drink. Spend the rest of your evening at one of the many restaurants in town. For those who never want the night to end, spend it at one of the many bars or pubs.
Côte des Basques beach
Boulevard du Prince de Galles, 64200 Biarritz, Γαλλία
Extola Bibi
Square Jean Baptiste Lassalle, 64200 Biarritz, FrankrikeSo, it is no wonder that Biarritz is a destination that attracts such a diverse range of tourists. Visit it, and you will realize why everyone keeps coming back for a second visit!
The author
Maria Lundin Osvalds
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