Biarritz is a commune in the Basque south of France, bordering on Spain. It is the capital of the canton of the same name and currently has around 25,000 inhabitants. As a holiday destination, Biarritz is becoming increasingly popular and can stand out for its unique architecture and landscape. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the place offers many bathing opportunities, but also convinces with culture and nature. Biarritz has something for everyone.
Beach holidays for young and old
For many centuries, tourists from all over the world have been drawn to Biarritz for a leisurely beach holiday. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean and the pleasantly high temperatures in summer make it a perfect destination. Beaches stretch for miles along the coast in and around Biarritz and offer a relaxing and relaxing experience for a holiday. In the background you always have the beautiful and Mediterranean-looking city, plus high rocky coasts that surround the city. You could confuse the city itself with Italy , so picturesque is the area around Biarritz.
The perfect time to travel to Biarritz for a beach holiday is from May to October. At peak times, the place is visited by a lot of tourists, Biarritz has long since ceased to be an insider tip. Summer temperatures are between 19 and 26 degrees, but are often intensified by high humidity. The water temperature does not exceed 22 degrees, so it is perfect for a bathing experience.
Surfing in Biarritz
Biarritz has also become a hotspot for surfers in recent decades. So if you want to plunge into the waves, you’ve come to the right place. When you think of surfing, you don’t immediately think of a small town in the south of France, but Biarritz is a real insider tip and has a large surfing scene. The location is perfect for riding the waves.
Sights
However, Biarritz does not only have the beach to offer and is also worth a look for water-shy tourists. The city itself is steeped in history, started as a small fishing village and has developed into a popular holiday metropolis. There are many well-known sights, but a simple walk through the city is also worthwhile to soak up the atmosphere.
Hôtel du Palais – The former residence of Empress Eugénie
Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, asked for the construction of a residence in beautiful Biarritz in 1855. This became a beautiful castle, which still stands today and has been converted into a hotel. Even if you don’t stay in the hotel, a visit from the outside is worth a look. The massive building with its red bricks and beautifully decorated façade still shines as it did back then.
Stroll through the alleys of Biarritz
Biarritz is a city that impresses above all with its breathtaking architecture. A simple stroll through the city and you will see beautifully decorated houses, you can treat yourself to a refreshment in all kinds of cafés or restaurants in between. Biarritz also offers many opportunities for shopping.
If you want to take a break from the beach, you can also visit one of the many museums. Biarritz is home to various maritime museums, but art lovers will also enjoy the Musée Asiatica. There is even a chocolate museum, for all gourmets among the tourists. Other cultural sites include the many theatres of Biarritz, as well as dance and music performances. This is especially worthwhile for a cozy evening to end the day in peace.
Church of Sainte-Eugénie
Near the beach, you can marvel at this large building, which was also commissioned by Empress Eugénie. It towers over the coast and catches the eye with its light gray stones and sandstone-colored windows. Inside, the church of Sainte-Eugénie also convinces with many decorations and beautiful stained glass windows that refract the light in different colors. For special events, the façade is illuminated from the outside and thus shows a true play of colours.
Phare de Biarritz
The Phare de Biarritz is a white lighthouse in the north of the city and blends beautifully into the coastal region of the city. It was built in 1834 and measures around 70 metres. It is a great photo opportunity and can be visited in the summer months. From the top you have a perfect view over Biarritz and its beach region. It gives you a different perspective on the city once you climb the 348 steps.
For sports and hiking enthusiasts
Biarritz is not only a perfect place for swimming and surfing, but also for a number of other sporting activities. Hikes through the rocky surroundings are a dream and give you a great view over the region. Cycling tours are also a way to get to know Biarritz better. As in many regions, the love of golf is becoming more and more widespread. Biarritz has a large golf course in the north of the city, where you can relax and tee off.
Culinary specialties
As is customary in France , wine is also the main thing to enjoy in Biarritz. In addition, due to the proximity to the sea, there are many dishes with fish. A restaurant near the coast is the perfect place to end the day, with a good meal and a wine, the view over the beach and the sunset is much more beautiful. However, the Basque and Spanish influence can also be found in the cuisine, with many local specialties of the region, including popular tapas bars and pinchos
