Beautiful Biarritz has been a popular seaside resort town since the 19th century. Just a short drive from the Spanish border in the famously food-focused Basque Country, it’s a wonderful destination for a long weekend or a longer summer holiday. Belle Epoque and Art Deco buildings are clustered close to Atlantic Ocean beaches where sunbathers lie basking, little ones build sandcastles, and surfers glide atop the waves. Buzzy seafood eateries and bars line the promenade, whilst designer boutiques stud streets and squares. Well-heeled travellers have long flocked to Biarritz, and the city continues to attract a cool crowd with a penchant for fabulous food and a lively evening out. The best boutique hotels in Biarritz reflect the city’s stylish side, with chic choices for romantic couples, groups of friends and beachgoing families alike.
Stroll along the golden sands of Grande Plage, joining locals and holidaymakers in swimming, sailing, surfing and sunbathing. The dramatic Rocher de la Vièrge is well worth the walk, whilst little beats the views of the Phare de Biarritz at sunset. Keen surfers can also head south to the cliff-framed Plage de la Côte des Basques for fantastic Atlantic Ocean swells.
Ambling into town, you’ll spot landmarks including the iconic Casino and the 1850s-built Hôtel du Palais, a former royal residence turned striking heritage hotel. Step into Biarritz’s intriguing past at the Musée Historique de Biarritz, and tour the imposing Eglise Sainte-Eugénie before picking a perch on Place Sainte-Eugénie for a coffee or a refreshing aperitif. Curious travellers can discover more about the Atlantic at the Musée de la Mer, and through the interactive exhibits at the family-friendly Cité de l’Océan.
Guided walking tours of Biarritz offer a wonderful insight into the city’s well-preserved Belle Epoque and Art Deco buildings. Keen shoppers will find no shortage of independent and designer boutiques, whilst foodies can fill their bags with gourmet treats and fresh Basque Country produce at the covered Biarritz Market.
Biarritz’s unique fusion of French and Spanish culinary influences is reason enough to visit. Savour flavoursome fresh seafood and delicious regional dishes at simple, family-owned eateries, swish restaurants or hole-in-the-wall bars. This is a city with a real evening buzz, particularly during the summer months.
An appealingly compact city, Biarritz is ideal for on-foot explorers. Many of the best boutique hotels in Biarritz are set close to Grande Plage, within easy reach of the Casino and spectacular Hôtel du Palais. Book a room in this district for a lively buzz; you’ll find fashionable boutiques, trendy eateries and late-night bars just moments away, plus plenty of opportunities for walks along the promenade.
Nearby Les Halles and Port des Pêcheurs is another good option; particularly for foodies eager to sample pintxos in bustling bars.
Saint-Charles and the lighthouse area, to the north, feels more residential. With wide, quiet streets, this is a great neighbourhood for those seeking early nights in smaller, more affordable guesthouses. The city centre is just 20 minutes’ walk away, and buses run regularly.
Particularly keen surfers should venture in the other direction, to the cliffs of the Côte des Basques and Plage du Port-Vieux. This area is dotted with little hotels and guesthouses, all within easy reach of the city’s top surf beaches. Expect lovely family-owned restaurants and a sense of authentic Basque life.
Biarritz boasts some brilliant boutique hotels. Many are housed in evocative Art Deco or Belle Epoque buildings, carefully restored and immensely atmospheric. Converted private residences have often remained in the hands of the original owners, who pride themselves in celebrating their history. Expect stylish, thoughtfully curated interiors, often with a nod to a nautical colour scheme, in new or renovated properties, and superb Atlantic Ocean views from balconies, roof terraces or restaurants.
This is a buzzy city with a constantly evolving culinary scene. Most of our favourite boutique hotels in Biarritz have fantastic seafood restaurants, showcasing the best of the Basque region’s seasonal ingredients. Craft cocktails are also popular, and trendy hotel bars promise terrific tipples for lazy afternoons in the sunshine, or late evenings with friends. Well-heeled travellers have long been flocking to this corner of France’s Atlantic coastline for good reason!
France
France
France
France
France