The chic coastal resort on the Atlantic coast of France, Biarritz boasts some of the best beaches in Europe and the highest number of golf courses in France. This small seaside town known for its historical casino and great surfing opportunities. It also hosts excellent restaurants, lively nightlife, as well as spas and therapeutic centers. No wonder Biarritz is a common choice for holiday destination for both French and British royalty.
Small coastal town of Biarritz located on the Bay of Biscay in southwestern France, just a stone’s throw from the border with Spain. Belonging to the French Basque Country, the town has an interesting mixture of cultures and traditions. Once a thriving whaling settlement, Biarritz became a popular destination for therapeutic treatments in the 1700s, and a luxurious getaway for the European royalty since the 19th century. Today, it is a popular beach holiday destination alsom appreciated by the golfers and surfing people.
Culture & entertainment. Museums in Biarritz include the Museum of the Sea, that hosts an aquarium, as well as the Asiatica Museum with a collection of Asian art, and a Chocolate Museum. There are three impressive churches and a historical lighthouse in Biarritz, and the waterfront casinos are a historical sight as well. There are also several therapy centers and spas in Biarritz to enjoy. The main sports to try in Biarritz are golf, rugby and the Basque pelota. There is a great number of golf courses in Biarritz area, some of which have more than 100 years of history behind them. Other activities include_bicycling, horseback riding, rafting and diving in Biarritz.
Small coastal town of Biarritz located on the Bay of Biscay in southwestern France, just a stone’s throw from the border with Spain. Belonging to the French Basque Country, the town has an interesting mixture of cultures and traditions. Once a thriving whaling settlement, Biarritz became a popular destination for therapeutic treatments in the 1700s, and a luxurious getaway for the European royalty since the 19th century. Today, it is a popular beach holiday destination alsom appreciated by the golfers and surfing people.
Sights and activities in Biarritz: beaches, spas, surfing & golf
The award-winning beaches in Biarritz are regarded as some of the best in Europe, and are the prime reason to visit this seaside resort town. The main beach in Biarritz is the beautiful and crowded Grand Plage, while Cote de Basque beach is a popular spot for surfing, a sport that was once introduced to Europe in Biarritz. With large beaches and powerful waves, surfing in Biarritz is also excellent in several other beaches in the area. Other good beaches for sunbathing and swimming are for example Marbella and Milady beaches. There are also scenic cliffs and lookouts located west of the Grand Plage.Culture & entertainment. Museums in Biarritz include the Museum of the Sea, that hosts an aquarium, as well as the Asiatica Museum with a collection of Asian art, and a Chocolate Museum. There are three impressive churches and a historical lighthouse in Biarritz, and the waterfront casinos are a historical sight as well. There are also several therapy centers and spas in Biarritz to enjoy. The main sports to try in Biarritz are golf, rugby and the Basque pelota. There is a great number of golf courses in Biarritz area, some of which have more than 100 years of history behind them. Other activities include_bicycling, horseback riding, rafting and diving in Biarritz.
Biarritz travel information and practical tips
Climate in Biarritz is maritime with warm, sunny summers and mild winters. It is especially popular destination during the European summer holiday months, when the temperatures in Biarritz get perfect for sunbathing, and the beaches of Biarritz can get crowded.
Photo: bruce89, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Traveling to Biarritz is easy by road, rail and air. There is an airport with flights to Biarritz from many cities in France, as well as from the United Kingdom, Ireland and Switzerland. There are also high-speed trains to Biarritz from Paris, and buses to Biarritz from Spain. However, most visitors to the area arrive to Biarritz by their own car. Local transportation in Biarritz area is offered by a good local bus network. The town itself is small enough to be explored by walking, and also very pedestrian-friendly. Car rental in Biarritz is available for exploring the Basque region around it, and there is also a tourist street train for sightseeing that starts from the Esplanade Anciens Combattants.
Services & safety. Biarritz is a safe place to travel. The only major risk is caused by the strong sea currents. As you might expect in a place once favored by royalty, hotels in Biarritz offer a great deal of luxury and historical charm, but you can also find a great number of other accommodation choices, including guesthouses, residential hotels, rental villas and an affordable hostel and camping area. Restaurants in Biarritz serve an excellent array of French, Basque, Spanish and international cuisine. There are also many small cafés and bars to relax in. Nightlife in Biarritz is especially active during the summer months, with a number of nightclubs and a historical casino.
hint See also these nearby destinations: San Sebastian, Bilbao
