Biarritz hotels

Hotels in Biarritz

Perched gracefully on France's coast, Biarritz has a reputation for being a more upmarket seaside resort. It's in the Basque region, on the Bay of Biscay. Reaching the city is easy via Aeroport Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne, especially if you take direct flights from Birmingham or London

Biarritz hotels have the same charm and elegance as the rest of the city. Check into a 5-star beachfront hotel to be completely pampered, or go self-catering and be adventurous with the local cuisine.

Fun in the sun

The weather in Biarritz is typically mild all year round. Ocean breezes sweep in from the Atlantic, keeping summer holidays cool. And while Biarritz isn't often named as a winter sun destination, it will generally be warmer than the UK.

Go surfing – the Biarritz Surf Festival is an annual event held every July. The city's been a draw for surfers since the late 1950s. Labels such as Roxy and Billabong have stores here.

For a relaxed day, lounge on the sand at La Cote des Basques beach. You can see the beautiful coastline stretch for miles in either direction. An afternoon strolling around the Museum of Chocolate is another attractive option, and Biarritz also boasts the aquarium-filled Museum of the Sea.

Food and drink in Biarritz

Basque cuisine has an emphasis on grilled meat and fish dishes. Vegetarians won't go hungry though, as Tolosa beans and Idiazabal sheep's cheese are also likely to be on the menu.

Pintxos – or pincho – is the Basque version of tapas, something you can try at several bars around Biarritz. These small snacks are traditionally served on toothpick-sized skewers, making them easy to enjoy with a drink.

The increasing popularity of Biarritz as a tourist destination is also evident from the bigger chains in the area. There's a McDonalds just outside the city and KFC a little further away.

Shopping and sightseeing

You're likely to spot the odd celebrity amongst the well-dressed tourists at Biarritz. Given the clientele, it's no surprise to find high-end fashion and luxury boutiques alongside the chocolate shops and surfing-equipment stores. Most of the designer labels are on Place George Clemenceau.

A walk around the central Grande Plage takes you past Biarritz's famous casino. The Casino Barrière de Biarritz is a three-storey entertainment venue with its own bar and restaurant.