Biarritz Life
About Biarritz
Life’s a beach in Biarritz, which is known for its Basque gastronomy and sporty lifestyle. The town has become increasingly cosmopolitan, attracting international jet setters and gaining a reputation as “ The Queen of beaches and beach of Kings.” Biarritz lies along the Atlantic coast in South West France adjacent to Spain’s Basque region, the influences of which are very apparent in Biarritz’s architecture and cuisine
Shopping in Biarritz
We fuly appreciate that not everyone who wants to come to Biarritz always has golf on their mind and so for those who would rather stroll around town, whilst others stroll the fairways, we have to let you know what fantastic shopping there is in Biarritz
The most expensive shopping is along avenue Edouard VII, including Natacha at number 3 and Hermès at number 19, as well as along rue Mazagran and around place Clèmenceau. Red Basque berets, fabrics and handicraft are available from the shops at Place du Port Vieux. More contemporary Basque craft, in the form of colourful clothes, can be bought from 64 rue Gambetta.
“The major boutiques, with all the big designer names, are here for you to walk around and enjoy at your leisure”
The exceptional Biarritz chocolates and confections are not to be missed. There is a great selection of gourmet foods and tiny trinkets to top end couture and jewelry. Surf shops abound and of course the golfers are catered for as well. A breathtaking selection awaits you, after which your credit card might need some essential first aid … who cares? you’re on holiday !
Biarritz restaurants
“Gastronomy between the sea and the Mountains”
With the benefit of produce from the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees Mountains, Basque country cuisine has a worldwide reputation Fresh fish from the Bay of Biscay, traditional secret family recipes, meat and poultry cooked in a colourful mixture of sweet peppers, onions and tomatoes. Bayonne Ham, St Jean de Luz fish soup. All of these Basque specialities are here waiting to be enjoyed by you
Excellent cheeses, sumptuous desserts, traditional chocolate patisserie dating back to King Louis XIV. Red wines from the Spanish Rioja region, light white wines, Izarra sweet brandy and green apple Manzana all ready to compliment your gastronomic experience.
Fine dining or bistro .. gastronomy to suit all
Biarritz offers a great mix of brasseries, bistros and more formal dining, to suit any mood, occasion and budget. Because we have eaten in most of them, as our expanding waistline will testify, we can help you make that very important decision by recommending and booking your chosen restaurant for your lunchtime or evening meal.
Biarritz beaches
Grande Plage, Miramar, Port Vieux, Cote Basque, Milady and Marbella .. the intriguing names of the beaches around Biarritz and all with an abundance of soft sand on which to soothe your feet. Nobody will ask you for any money to use these fantastic beaches and there will invariably be regular surf to enjoy. There are many more miles of sand dunes, beachside cafes, craggy rock pools and invigorating surf to experience, south towards the Spanish border and north into the Landes region
Enjoy a Biarritz surfing lesson
The Biarritz area became a European surf mecca when in the late 50’s American filmmaker Peter Viertel brought a longboard from California and surfed the huge waves astonishing the open mouthed locals. You to can attempt to astonish the locals and indulge in a surfing lesson, on the main plage with all of the equipment provided. If you don’t think you could stay on the board for long, after the excellent instruction you will receive and the great fun also .. you may just be surprised.
Sit and watch Biarritz beach life
Nowadays, Biarritz is home to the “Biarritz Surf Festival” attended by over 150,000 surfing enthusiasts from around the world. Despite the meteoric rise in popularity with the worldwide surfing fraternity, there is still plenty of room for you to spread out, take in some rays and chill out either before or after your round of golf … or perhaps sit outside one of the cafes overlooking the main plage and take in the ambiance of the occasion. This is after all where people watching has become a very popular pastime.