Biarritz boasts many accolades: it is the capital of the Basque country, one of France's most important surfing spots and a seaside resort on the Basque coast. Have you ever experienced that invigorating sea air that whips your face as you look out to the impetuous ocean, with your feet sinking into the sand of la Grande Plage?
To your right stands the Hotel du palais and the Bellevue is to your left, both testament to a time when the elegance of Biarritz, thanks to the Empress Eugenie, could be felt throughout Europe. A grandeur that remains intact even today, giving the city an olden-day charm. Naturally, this character is on show in its town center, as you walk past such legendary shop fronts as Miremont, the pastry shop that had already proved its reputation among Heads of State in the nineteenth century. This charm can be felt on the peninsula that's home to the Biarritz lighthouse, a pristine finger pointing skyward, the top of which will reward you with stunning views of the town, its surroundings and the Spanish Basque coast.
Because Biarritz would be nothing without the beauty of the Basque countryside, with its pine forests and this scent of sap, these dunes overlooking the hidden beaches, discovered as you walk around the surrounding areas of Bidart, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Anglet. So take the road to the Basque hinterland even if it's just to visit the center of Bayonne and its cobbled streets or to fall in love with the small fishing port of Guéthary. If sunny streets, clean air and lush, green countryside sound like something you'd love, head for the village of Sare, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, with its arcaded houses and its famous Church of St. Martin de Sare. A timeless Basque destination, an invigorating bubble that's a world away from the big cities.
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Sightseeing in San Sebastian
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With its sandy beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and great cultural attractions, San Sebastian is one of Spain’s most fashionable destinations. This picturesque town is set on the iconic scallop-shaped Bay of Concha, extending on a wide shoreline with calm turquoise waters, safe for swimming and ideal for seaside promenades. A quintessential experience of San Sebastian is to wander along the Old Town’s atmospheric cobblestone streets in search of “pintxos” – the Basque version of tapas, these famous Spanish bite-sized delicacies. Some of the best restaurants specializing in pintxos are situated around the magnificent basilica of Santa María del Coro, built on the site of 12th-century Romanesque church.
With its sandy beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and great cultural attractions, San Sebastian is one of Spain’s most fashionable destinations. This picturesque town is set on the iconic scallop-shaped Bay of Concha, extending on a wide shoreline with calm turquoise waters, safe for swimming and ideal for seaside promenades. A quintessential experience of San Sebastian is to wander along the Old Town’s atmospheric cobblestone streets in search of “pintxos” – the Basque version of tapas, these famous Spanish bite-sized delicacies. Some of the best restaurants specializing in pintxos are situated around the magnificent basilica of Santa María del Coro, built on the site of 12th-century Romanesque church.
Sightseeing in Bidart, Guéthary, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
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Halfway between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the small towns of Bidart and Guéthary exude the sheer authenticity of Basque culture. Overlooking the ocean, both towns are picturesquely set on verdant hills overlooking the ocean, offering stunning views of the sea and the neighbouring Pyrenees. In Bidart, don’t miss a taste of the authentic gâteau basque (traditional cake) at the Moulin de Bassilour. Formerly a whaling harbour, Guéthary is world-renowned for its surfing spots. Head further south to discover Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a lovely resort town sitting on a crescent-shaped bay, filled with colourful half-timbered houses. Famous for having hosted King Louis XIV’s wedding with the infanta of Spain in 1660, the church of St John the Baptist boasts an impressive altarpiece.
Halfway between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the small towns of Bidart and Guéthary exude the sheer authenticity of Basque culture. Overlooking the ocean, both towns are picturesquely set on verdant hills overlooking the ocean, offering stunning views of the sea and the neighbouring Pyrenees. In Bidart, don’t miss a taste of the authentic gâteau basque (traditional cake) at the Moulin de Bassilour. Formerly a whaling harbour, Guéthary is world-renowned for its surfing spots. Head further south to discover Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a lovely resort town sitting on a crescent-shaped bay, filled with colourful half-timbered houses. Famous for having hosted King Louis XIV’s wedding with the infanta of Spain in 1660, the church of St John the Baptist boasts an impressive altarpiece.
Situated at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, on the northernmost side of the French Basque country, Bayonne enjoys close proximity to the ocean. Aside from hosting France’s largest festival every summer, the fortified city boasts an array of exceptional historical sites to visit. Stroll along Bayonne’s wonderful maze of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colourful half-timbered-houses, as well as boutiques, chocolatiers, bookshops. Take the time to discover St Mary’s Cathedral, a gothic monument listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, as well as the Basque Museum, containing France’s largest ethnographic collection about the history of the Basque country.
Situated at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, on the northernmost side of the French Basque country, Bayonne enjoys close proximity to the ocean. Aside from hosting France’s largest festival every summer, the fortified city boasts an array of exceptional historical sites to visit. Stroll along Bayonne’s wonderful maze of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colourful half-timbered-houses, as well as boutiques, chocolatiers, bookshops. Take the time to discover St Mary’s Cathedral, a gothic monument listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, as well as the Basque Museum, containing France’s largest ethnographic collection about the history of the Basque country.
Ideally situated on the shores of Biarritz’s Marbella beach, and offering breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, Thalmar invites you to experience the healing and reinvigorating properties of thalassotherapy. Overlooking the Atlantic coast, let the rich marine environment enhance your health and wellbeing during a thalassotherapy session at the Hôtel Sofitel Biarritz Miramar Thalassa Sea & Spa.
Ideally situated on the shores of Biarritz’s Marbella beach, and offering breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, Thalmar invites you to experience the healing and reinvigorating properties of thalassotherapy. Overlooking the Atlantic coast, let the rich marine environment enhance your health and wellbeing during a thalassotherapy session at the Hôtel Sofitel Biarritz Miramar Thalassa Sea & Spa.
Nestled in the heart of Biarritz, the centenary “Le Phare” golf course welcomes beginners and advanced players alike in a spectacular setting. Further up north in Anglet, Chiberta is one of the most stunning golf courses in the region, offering a clever combination of oceanfront "links" and "inlands" set within the pine grove.
Nestled in the heart of Biarritz, the centenary “Le Phare” golf course welcomes beginners and advanced players alike in a spectacular setting. Further up north in Anglet, Chiberta is one of the most stunning golf courses in the region, offering a clever combination of oceanfront "links" and "inlands" set within the pine grove.
Biarritz’s picturesque Old Harbor (Port Vieux) hosts a number of treasures hidden among the rocks, bearing witness to its rich heritage. Wander along the Fishermen’s Harbour (Port des Pêcheurs) lined with traditional “crampottes”, these lovely fishermen huts adorned with typical red, blue, or green shutters, before stopping by for a few “pintxos” - Spanish-style bite-sized delicacies - at the nearby restaurants.
Biarritz’s picturesque Old Harbor (Port Vieux) hosts a number of treasures hidden among the rocks, bearing witness to its rich heritage. Wander along the Fishermen’s Harbour (Port des Pêcheurs) lined with traditional “crampottes”, these lovely fishermen huts adorned with typical red, blue, or green shutters, before stopping by for a few “pintxos” - Spanish-style bite-sized delicacies - at the nearby restaurants.
Ideally situated on top of a hill overlooking the Old Harbour (Port Vieux), Sainte Eugenie church is one of Biarritz’s major landmarks. Built in 1856 in a splendid Roman-Byzantine style, the church is dedicated to Sainte Eugenie, patron saint of Eugenie de Montijo, wife of Napoléon III and Empress of France. Enter the edifice through a large carved door and discover the magnificent interiors featuring exceptional stained glass windows by Luc-Olivier Merson. Other unique features include fonts made with giant sea shells from Manila. Sainte Eugenie church plays host to many concerts during the summer, and regularly curates exhibitions in its crypt. Don’t miss a visit to the neighbouring St Charles church, boasting a magnificent modern organum and splendid mosaics.
Ideally situated on top of a hill overlooking the Old Harbour (Port Vieux), Sainte Eugenie church is one of Biarritz’s major landmarks. Built in 1856 in a splendid Roman-Byzantine style, the church is dedicated to Sainte Eugenie, patron saint of Eugenie de Montijo, wife of Napoléon III and Empress of France. Enter the edifice through a large carved door and discover the magnificent interiors featuring exceptional stained glass windows by Luc-Olivier Merson. Other unique features include fonts made with giant sea shells from Manila. Sainte Eugenie church plays host to many concerts during the summer, and regularly curates exhibitions in its crypt. Don’t miss a visit to the neighbouring St Charles church, boasting a magnificent modern organum and splendid mosaics.
Sightseeing at the Grande Plage and the Rock of the Virgin Mary
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Stroll along the Grande Plage, Biarritz’s main beach famous for its therapeutic waters, and head southwards towards the legendary “rocher de la Vierge” (rock of the Virgin Mary), named after the Holy Virgin statue erected on its summit. Enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of this iconic monument accessible from mainland via an iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, father of the Eiffel Tower.
Stroll along the Grande Plage, Biarritz’s main beach famous for its therapeutic waters, and head southwards towards the legendary “rocher de la Vierge” (rock of the Virgin Mary), named after the Holy Virgin statue erected on its summit. Enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of this iconic monument accessible from mainland via an iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, father of the Eiffel Tower.
Les Halles food market is an absolute must-see when visiting Biarritz. Make your way up and down the aisles of this beautifully curated collection of gourmet stalls boasting an array of delights. These include locally sourced seafood such as oysters and octopus, Bayonne’s finest hams, foie gras, roast fermier chicken, delicious pastries, and the region’s best cheeses.
Les Halles food market is an absolute must-see when visiting Biarritz. Make your way up and down the aisles of this beautifully curated collection of gourmet stalls boasting an array of delights. These include locally sourced seafood such as oysters and octopus, Bayonne’s finest hams, foie gras, roast fermier chicken, delicious pastries, and the region’s best cheeses.
Stroll along Biarritz’s winding cobblestone streets lined with elegant independent shops and boutiques. Streets like Rue du Port Vieux and Rue Mazagran offer a range of regional specialties, including traditional Basque linen, espadrilles, fine chocolates, and local delicatessen. Don’t miss the famous “Kanouga” toffee delights, devised in 1905 for visiting Russian nobility by Maison Pariès.
Stroll along Biarritz’s winding cobblestone streets lined with elegant independent shops and boutiques. Streets like Rue du Port Vieux and Rue Mazagran offer a range of regional specialties, including traditional Basque linen, espadrilles, fine chocolates, and local delicatessen. Don’t miss the famous “Kanouga” toffee delights, devised in 1905 for visiting Russian nobility by Maison Pariès.
ArtNoa is young entrepreneur Antoine Vignac’s chic wine bar on Biarritz’s bustling Rue Gambetta. Passionate about the art of wine tasting, Vignac has made it his mission to uncover not-so-famous yet surprisingly exquisite wines. For an authentically French apéritif, enjoy your glass of wine with ArtNoa’s clever selection of charcuteries and cheeses.
* Prices start from. Offer subject to the hotel's conditions and availability. See the sales conditions for the rate. Depending on the country, these prices may not include taxes, may include VAT only or may include all taxes (VAT and city tax). When prices do not include all taxes, the relevant taxes (VAT and/or city tax) will be stated in the following stages of the reservation process. The price is only guaranteed at the time of reservation.
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