Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)

Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) mini guide

Situated in the very southwest of France, Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie fell in love with this part of the Basque country . Her husband Napoleon III built her a summer palace overlooking the sea, now the Hôtel du Palais.

Just 15 minutes from the Spanish border, Biarritz today  is an affordable vibrant and cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches and is perfect for both a beach holiday and a weekend away, combining the elegance of a belle époque seaside resort with the distinctive sights and tastes of the Basque region.

Surfing

The town has the best surfing in France and each summer surfers from all over the world come to ride the waves at the annual Surf Festival.  There are numerous surf schools that offer lessons; the main surfing spot is at Grand Plage whilst longboarders should head to Côte des Basques.

Golf

If you are into golf this is one of the best regions in Europe for golf with four courses in Europe's top 100 and a further four courses in the top 50 in France.

Shopping

All the major boutiques with big designer names can be found on Place Clemenceau in the centre of Biarritz.

Eating and Nightlife

Basque specialities include piperade (a ham, pepper, tomato and onion mixture), chipirons (baby squid), meat and fish cooked a la plancha (cooked on an open hotplate in its own fat); alcoholic tipples include cider or Patxaran (a liqueur made from aniseed, wild prunes and vanilla.

There are some reasonable places to eat near the market halles, 200m southwest of place Clemenceau, and it's easy to eat well for a price, away from the touristy snack bars on rue du Port-Vieux. Biarritz has an active nightlife that includes nightclubs and a casino. Le Casino Municipal has an informal section with slot machines and an elegant section reserved for table games.

---

---

Guide point	Details
Department:	South West France > Aquitaine > Pyrénées-Atlantiques >
Location:	Biarritz is a town and commune which lies on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast, in southwestern FranceBiarritz is located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département, in the Aquitaine région. It is
Public Transport:	Biarritz is easily accessible from Paris by France's high-speed train, the TGV. Biarritz has an airport located about 4km away from the city.
Tourist information website:	http://www.biarritz.fr/en/Website/site/en_accueil.php
Tourist information contact email:	biarritz.tourisme@biarritz.fr
Tourist information switch board number:	33 (0)5 59 22 37 00
Tourist information address:	Biarritz Tourisme1, Square Ixelles, 64200
Quick links to accommodation:	Accommodation near Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) - Hotels in Biarritz (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) Show accommodation in Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Self catering in Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Bed and Breakfast in Pyrénées-Atlantiques properties with pools in Pyrénées-Atlantiques -