Advice

The pale pink palace on your left houses Biarritz's tourist office. Be sure to stop by and stock up on useful addresses. If you've got some spare time to explore the region, I'd like to take this opportunity to briefly mention some of the things you can do around Biarritz.

As you will have noticed, the town is clearly geared towards the ocean. As your holiday on the Basque coast inevitably rhymes with beach, you may want to know where you can lay down your towel. The seaside resort boasts seven beautiful beaches, from the family-friendly Milady beach, just outside the town on the way to Bidart, to the intimate Miramar beach behind the Grand Palace, not forgetting the famous surf spots or the large beach right in the town centre, you're sure to find something to suit you.

The best place to try your hand at surfing is Bidart. There are plenty of surf schools, so don't hesitate to give surfing a try. If you fancy a stroll while admiring the horizon, then don't miss the footpath between Bidart and Guéthary.

25km of sublime scenery, with views over the ocean, wild beaches and a few cultural excursions along the way. The trail starts from Erretagia beach in Bidart. For the more motivated, continue on to Hendaye, the last French town before Spain.

Alternatively, head south towards the Iberian peninsula. You can spend the day in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, less than half an hour from Biarritz, to soak up its tranquil atmosphere and discover its beautiful shipowners' houses, harbour and colourful shops full of local crafts. You can also visit the church where the Sun King married Marie Thérèse in 1660, as well as the house where they spent their wedding night.

If you enjoy discovering traditional sports, go watch a Basque pelota match. For those who prefer heights, why not head for the Ibardin pass, at the border with Spain, and use the opportunity to visit the small Basque villages. It's a great place for hiking and offers breathtaking views of the Basque Country.

No need to go that far to experience spectacular views and immerse yourself in nature! The Rhune cog railway, which departs from the village of Sare, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, takes you 900 metres above sea level to a magical setting between the sea and the mountains. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do if you feel like staying in the area for a while.