Biarritz

Why Biarritz?

• Royal retreat with beautiful old historic port
• Laid back surfer town with stunning sandy beaches
• Excellent restaurant and bars with gorgeous Basque inspired cuisine
• Close to Spain for border hopping

Biarritz is a luxurious seaside town on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées Atlantiques department. Situated in south-western France with a temperate climate, it is popular with international visitors and surfers. Once considered a playground for the aristocracy, this pearl of the Atlantic now surfs on a wave of effervescent youth, awash with unselfconscious luxury and the slightest hint of glam rock. With breathtaking panoramas of celebrated beaches and its curved inlets, punctuated by rocky outcrops, it is an enchanting destination at any time of the year.

Biarritz has long made its fortune from the sea: as a whaling settlement from the twelfth century onwards; in the 18th century doctors recommended that the ocean at Biarritz had therapeutic properties, inspiring patients to make pilgrimages to the beach for alleged cures for their ailments. The sea still plays an active role in the success and appeal of the town today through the popularity of surfing and the continuation of thalassotherapy treatments.

Biarritz is the historic surfing capital of Europe and attracts surfers from all around the world. The first person to surf the waves back in 1957 was American Peter Viertel, husband of the actress Deborah Kerr. Today, the relaxed surf culture is everywhere in Biarritz and it is home to surfing competitions such as le Roxy Pro in July, the world female longboard championship and the Quiksilver/Roxy Jam competition

Biarritz is internationally famous for its thalassotherapy, both historically and in terms of expertise. Louison Bobet, the famous French Tour de France champion created this concept in the seventies after he became badly injured in a car crash. He was convinced of the benefits which a maritime climate and sea water brought to the human body - in thalassotherapy, trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iodide found in seawater are believed to be absorbed through the skin. The centre he created still exists in Biarritz, where a long tradition of marine therapy contributes to the success of the two landmarks which continue to meet an ever-growing demand.

Biarritz is a forward thinking town that is also proud of its rich history and its culture. The town shot to fame and became world renowned in 1854 when Napoleon III's wife, Empress Eugenie, built a palace on the headland overlooking the sea. Today the former palace is now the Hôtel du Palais and has been welcoming guest since 1893. Like the rest of the town, it has a blend of glamour and sophistication with Basque Country warmth. You should definitely take time to get in touch with your blue-blooded side and visit for a refreshing drink or high tea in the Salon Eugenie lounge with its beautiful terrace overlooking the bay. European royalty, including British monarchs Queen Victoria and King Edward VII and the Spanish king Alfonso XIII, were frequent visitors.

It was British residents of Biarritz who created what is now the Le Phare golf course near the lighthouse in 1888. In addition to this course which host many international competitions, the town has developed the the Ilbarritz Training Centre - a unique concept in Europe, well-known for its spectacular views and its impressive technical standards.

Other popular sports in Biarritz are rugby and Basque pelota. The town is host to the rugby union club, Biarritz Olympique. Biarritz also hosts several local and international Basque pelota competitions. There are more than 20 variations of the game, the most popular being la Pala. However, the most spectacular version of the game remains la Cesta punta which can be watched in the surroundings of the Jaï-Alaï staduim during the highly passionate tournament of the Gant d’or/Golden Glove in the summer. For those that like their games to be a little more sedate and sophisticated, why not have a flutter at the Biarritz Casino before heading out to toast your winnings - or to drown your sorrows - at the fabulous and thronging bars and restaurants where surfer-types rub shoulders with models and millionaires!

Free Shuttle Buses around Biarritz

A resort shuttle bus service runs three lines all summer long on varying schedules taking in the major sights in and around Biarritz.

Red line “Centre Ville” (town centre)
Runs: Every 15 minutes from 07:30 – 19:30, every 30 minutes from 12:30 – 13:30.
July – August: Daily
September – June: Monday to Saturday
The route: City centre and east of the town centre including Gare du Midi (train station) Serrano and O’Shea.

Green line “Saint Charles”
Runs: Every 20 minutes from 07:30 – 19:30.
All year: Monday to Saturday
The route: City centre and north of the town centre including Grande Plage and Miramar.

Blue line “Cote des Basques” (Basque coast)
Runs: Every 15 minutes from 10:00 – 20:00.
Mid- April – June: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
July – August: Daily
September – October: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
The route: The promenade, Port Vieux (old port), perspective and Helianthe.

Times: http://www.chronoplus.eu/horaires/?rub_code=23  
Price: Free of Charge 

Tourist Information in Biarritz is open every day during the high season from 09:00 – 19:30 (Mon – Sat) and 10:00 – 19:00 (Sun and public holidays – closed 13:00 – 15:00). Their comprehensive website is full of useful information, tips and suggestions:

Office de Tourisme Biarritz
Javalquinto
64200 Biarritz
Tel: + 33(0)559223700
Website: www.tourisme.biarritz.fr/en
Email: biarritz.tourisme@biarritz.fr