Biarritz
The
mill is ideally situated for discovering the dramatic Basque or
Landes coastline. The beaches of Biarritz and surrounding beaches
of Anglet, Bidart and Guethary are just 30 minutes drive from
the mill. Biarritz is our favourite coastal town in the area and
we believed it deserved a page of its own.
History
Formerly
a whaling port, Biarritz became fashionable and glamourous in
the Victorian period with Queen Victoria being a regular visitor
for the mild winter climate and the local spas. The early 1900s
then saw the introduction of the town's amazing art deco buildings,
such as the Casino
on the sea front, the Musee
de la Mer (museum of the sea), Hotel Plaza and the old
train station which is now the festival hall. These all sit
side by side with the Bearn, Belle Epoque (Victorian) and traditional
Basque architecture. Le Grand Palais on the main beach in Biarritz
is one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in France -
it was built for Princess Eugenie by Napoleon III. The above-mentioned
buildings are just a few of the architectural and historical wonders
you will find on your visit to Biarritz.
Beaches
& Town
Biarritz
has three main beaches, the Grande Plage right in the town is
very popular and is the main picture on this page. It has safe
swimming areas but is also popular with surfers. Le Port Vieux
beach (old port) is sheltered from the Atlantic waves and is the
safest beach for swimming and bathing. La Cote des Basques beach
is the most popular beach with surfers
with its perfect long waves. This is where the Biarritz
Surf Festival is held every year in July.
The town is awash with shops, restaurants, bars and historical
buildings. There is a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. The shopping
here is very unique, the usual high street brand names make way
to individual shops selling the latest high street fashions. There
are all the usual surf shops such as Quiksilver, Rip Curl, Oxbow,
Roxy, Billabong, etc. Galeries Lafayette is a large department
store selling an array of quality goods from gastronomic food
to Gucci bags.
Surfing
Biarritz is the home of surfing in Europe as we know it. Whether
you are a hardened pro or a beginner, you will find the right
waves for you in Biarritz. As mentioned above, the town's two
main surfing beaches are the Grande Plage and La Cote des Basques
which are great for all levels with La Cote des Basques being
favoured by longboarders. Here you will find long-rolling lefts
and rights. If you want to venture a bit further either north
or south of Biarritz, you will find the less crowded beaches of
Anglet, Bidart and Guethary. Please see our full surfing
page for more information, on various surf spots, shops, hire
etc
Restaurants,
Bars & Nightlife
Biarritz is full of fantastic restaurants
(click here to see a full favourite list) ranging from
traditional Basque, French and International cuisine. You will
also find excellent seafood restaurants with our favourite being
Chez Albert on the old port. One place we cannot rate highly enough
for the quality of food and traditional Basque atmosphere is Bar
Jean in the Les Halles area of Biarritz.
As
for bars and nightlife, the options are too numerous to mention
with an array of bars and nightclubs. You will be spoilt for choice,
but wherever you go you will be met by a very friendly and relaxed
atmosphere. One thing we would recommend is to have a drink on
the terrace of the Casino
and watch the sun go down over the Grand Plage, or at the Santa
Marina restaurant/cafe on the rocks of the Port Vieux beach.
You
may have noticed that we're very enthusiastic about Biarritz,
but we're sure you will feel the same way after just one visit!
Links:
Biarritz
Tourist Office
Ryanair
Easyjet
The
Times of London review of Biarritz
Surf
conditions
weather
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BOOKING:
E-MAIL: kingdesign1@mac.com
Website:
www.pierretoune.com
