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- Destinations
- Europe
- France
- Basque Country
- Biarritz
Biarritz
Situated in the very southwest of France, the holiday
destination of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when
Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this
part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach (which
is now the world-class Hotel du Palais) and a centre with natural
springs at Eugenie les Bains.
Soon the became popular with aristocracy from all over Europe -
Queen Victoria came here regularly over a period of 30 years,
Edward VI stayed in the Hotel du Palais days before his death and
in the 1930s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were regular visitors.
Until the revolution in 1917 the Russian nobility wintered here and
built the magnificent Orthodox Church next to the Palace.
However, the days of being reserved for high society are long
gone and today Biarritz is an affordable, vibrant and cosmopolitan
town with magnificent beaches. There are a couple of interesting
museums, including the Musée de la Mer which houses 24 aquariums of
fish native to the bay; try to visit during seal-feeding time
(10:30am and 5pm).
Biarritz has good sporting facilities, including some excellent
golf courses and the best surfing in France to enjoy while on
holiday. Each summer, surfers from all over the world come to
Biarritz to ride the waves at the annual Surf Festival. Those after
more gentle exercise while on holiday opt to stroll along
Biarritz's principal promenade, Quai de la Grande Plage.
Information & Facts
Activities
Biarritz is steeped in the surfing culture and is considered to
be the surfing Mecca of Europe. Surfing has become a symbol for
Biarritz and the Basque Coast and there are numerous surf schools
that offer lessons for holiday visitors; the main surfing spot is
at Grand Plage, and longboarders should head to Côte des
Basques.
Golf has also reached legendary standards in Biarritz with
greens around town offering first-rate facilities and an
exceptional setting. A long tradition of marine benefits to health
and beauty (thalassotherapy) has created a spa environment in
Biarritz; the Thalassa Institute at the Hôtel Miramar and the
Thermal Seawater Baths of Biarritz offer a variety of care in high
quality settings. Horseriding, tennis and squash are other
activities on offer, or if simple relaxation is on the agenda then
any one of the fine beaches will do.
Language
French is the official language.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can
be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels,
though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques,
particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not
accepted.
Negatives
Biarritz gets very crowded during the peak summer holiday season
(June to August).
Night Life
Biarritz has an active nightlife that includes nightclubs and a
casino to enjoy while on holiday. Le Casino Municipal has an
informal section with slot machines and an elegant section reserved
for table games. Le Caveau is the city's best nightclub or try the
hip Le Copa Cobana for Latin salsa along with every other kind of
dance music, or Le Cayo Coco for Cubano music and tequilas. The
best way to start the evening is in a deckchair at Côte 57 where
the cocktails help the sun to go down.
Restaurants
Biarritz has a good mix of brasseries, casual taverns and formal
dining, offering diners on holiday a variety of good local cuisine
and classic French fare. Chez Albert is a locals favourite serving
excellent seafood in a lively Basque atmosphere; la Concha is also
a good bet for seafood. For tapas and good, authentic Basque food
and appeal head to Bar Jean or Le Bistroye where local dishes are a
speciality.
Shopping
Several Biarritz stores sell holiday souvenirs such as Basque
tablecloths, handmade sandals, antiques and jewellery. Almost every
shop in the region sells espadrilles (traditional slippers), and
all the major boutiques with big designer names can be found on
Place Clemenceau in the centre of Biarritz. Excellent Biarritz
chocolates and confections can be found in chocolatiers like
Pariès, Daranatz, and Henriet, while Mille et Un Fromages
specialises in French cheeses.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).