Biarritz

Destination Biarritz

The spectacular beach resort Biarritz lies on the Atlantic coast in the southwest of France, and only 15 minutes from the Spanish border. This luxurious seaside town is popular for vacations among the rich and famous, and surfers alike. The beaches of Biarritz have been rewarded several times for their top class standards and belong to the best beaches in Europe.

Biarritz began as a whaling port whose sailors set out across the Atlantic from the notorious Bay of Biscay. When the Spanish countess Eugenie de Montijo built her summer palace at the bay, aristocracy followed and soon Biarritz became a fashionable resort alike Cannes and St. Tropez. Attractive art deco villas, Basque houses and 19th century castles combined with lovely sandy beaches make Biarritz one of the most attractive travel destinations of France. A stroll along the seafront to the old fishermen's port with its tiny cottages is one of the greatest pleasures in Biarritz.

The proximity of Spain strongly influenced the local cuisine of Biarritz. Dishes tend to be spicy and the way of grilling fish and meat comes directly from the Spanish neighbors. A la plancha is meat or fish cooked on an open hotplate in its own fat, a delicious way of preparing the local specialty chipirons, which is a baby squid. A typical local drink is Paxtaran, a liqueur made from the anis seed, with wild prunes and vanilla. Tourists that love fish and sea-food will have a great time here in Biarritz.