Memories of Biarritz France – so so wonderful, I stayed in a wonderful creaky French home with a landlady that was the so sweet and kind and oh so French, always proper and always wearing a scarf. Her home is right near the golf course – 2nd oldest in France. Very easy walk to the Lighthouse built in 1831 (this is the most amazing place for a sunset).
The town has a very small bus/train station. But a good information desk and easy access to the City via bus. My host picked me up so bonus for me.
Rainy and stormy the first night in Biarritz, but it made for some amazing waves and the cool breeze was welcome after walking. But there was only a slight amount of actual rain, so it really didn’t spoil anything. I carried an umbrella the next several days, so it never rained.
The supermarkets are the best place for water & juice, oh and liquor. Not quite as inexpensive as in Croatia but still 3€ for a fifth of vodka works for me. The Biarritz fresh market is great for seafood, meat, baked goods and vegetables.
Here is a list of highlights to seek out in Biarritz…
- Biarritz Russian Orthodox Church with its Blue Dome
- Casino Barriere, the floor & ceiling are beautiful and the theater where I saw the Paris Opera Ballet for free (see separate story on that)
- Port des Pecheures was built by Napoleon (great spot for a meal too), so quant
- Rock of the Virgin & Statue of Madonna (was installed to protect the fisherman). With the Eiffel Bridge, only named after him, not designed.
- Hotel Edouard VII has an amazing Belle Epoque Grand Staircase
- Hotel du Palais is also amazing – huge
- Sunset view from the Kostaldea Bar (best drink spot)
- Jai Alai – which I was pleasantly surprised to see, I used to go all the time in Tampa
- The Spy House (you are going to have to ask a local where to find this one – it’s not on any map, but it’s at the top of the hill by the lighthouse). During the war a traitor used the center window to send signals to the enemy on ships out at sea
Here are several places I recommend for food:
- Traditional Basque meal at Restaurant Bakera
- Le Ble Noir Crepes – free wifi and an amazing view for sunset, looking out over the ocean. 8.60€ for crepes +2.60€ more for hard cider & I just had a sunset meal in Biarritz France for only 11.20€
- They have live Basque Music at Charles de Gaulle
- Le Halles Market is open every day & a MUST DO in Biarritz – L’Ecaillerie for Oysters, Crab & Snails Pelota, the best Ever. Fine de Claire Oysters are my absolute favorite. Also try Izarra a liquor drink which is very “Green” but traditional Basque
- Bar Jean – always packed. 1€ or 2€ tapas (1 or 2 toothpicks indicate). Sangria & Baby Octopus. I didn’t like the Pommes Frites, but I saw a lot of “Beef Tartar” come out of the kitchen so I suggest trying that
- Be sure to try Kanouga, there are 17 flavors at Pariès Confectioner – I tried six, my favorite being Chocolat Noix (Red Wrapper). Kanouga is a chocolate/caramel designed in 1905. Also wonderful is Basque Cake, especially filled with Jam. And Cannelé but MUST have the shot of Honey Liquor in it. Anything with the famous Espelette Pepper – Piperade (egg/ham/peppers) or my favorite the shrimp and pepper sauce – Gambas.
But the coastline is what I love the most of Biarritz, just walking from the lighthouse all way to the surfer’s beach. I will take about an hour and I did it every day, truly spectacular.
Plage de la Cote des Basque is where the surfing is – lots of opportunities for surfing lessons, go later in the day when the waves are not so intense, if you are a newbie like me. You can just watch the waves and surfers at Square Jean Baptisie Lassalle. I suggest walking down & then up the zig-zag pathways on the hill. It is tree covered and fairly easy, instead of the stairs or long way round on the road past the point Cachaou.
Day trip from Biarritz: take the bus to San Sebastian. Note it is just a stop (w/o any signage) on the side of the road (ask at the tourist info building or Google Maps is correct). But 20 min late the bus came, only 7€, which is a really good deal. Huge beautiful beaches & a low slow moving Grand Canal. Catch the 8:50 (scheduled) bus & arrive @9:45, then take the 19:30 back, perfect day trip.
Another great day trip is to Bayonne. This is where the bayonet was invented and crafted back in 1640 on Rue des Faures (Blacksmith Street). Beautiful town to wander through.
Be sure to check out my “Visions of Biarritz” photos for more specificity, with captions and write ups on all there is to do in Biarritz… Plus my TripAdvisor reviews will give detailed insight
TripAdvisor Reviews:
- L’Ecaillerie
- Le Ble Noir Crepes
