Like I shared in an earlier post, I am quite a bit behind on my blog writing, so I am hopping back in time to August 2016 when we traveled to France for a friends wedding (blog post here) & then took a road trip down the coast of France into Spain. After stopping in St-Émilion for one night of wine tasting, we drove south to spend 3 nights in Biarritz.
BIARRITZ
Biarritz is a little sea side city on the Bay of Biscay in the French Basque Country in southwestern France. It has this wonderful mix of ritzy glamour and laid back surfers paradise. (add in amazing french food + a gorgeous coastline? i'm in love)
Here is a little history for you - in the mid-19th century it became a favorite holiday spot of Napoleon III & his spanish wife Eugénie which made it quite popular for the years to come. Attracting people like Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, and Ernest Hemingway. By now the old-fashioned elegance has started to wear off, and the surfers are starting to take over.
WHERE TO STAY
In regards to location - luckily Biarritz is quite small, so you really cant go wrong. We personally wanted to be as close to the beach as possible (while still keeping our budget under control), so we went with an airbnb a few blocks from "Plage du Port-Vieux"
WHAT TO DO
Biarritz is a perfect location for all types of vacation-ers. Whether you prefer a relaxing holiday or one with a bit more adventure, you can do a bit of everything. (with a glass of french rosé waiting for you at the end of every day).
WHAT TO EAT
In my personal opinion, you are at the center of all of my favorite cuisines:
- You are in FRANCE (aka french bread, french wine, french cuisine)
- By the OCEAN (aka fresh seafood)
- In Basque country only 45 minutes away from SAN SEBASTIAN (aka tapas / pintxo heaven).
Foods you should try while in Biarritz:
Fresh Seafood - my personal favorite: Chipirones (fried baby squid)
Tuna Tartare - I usually go for Steak Tartare in Paris, but when you're this close to the ocean??
French Baguettes - This is relevant no matter where in France you are.
Tapas / Pinxtos - A spanish specialty of little plates, but mixed with french cuisine? perfection.
Basque Macarons - who would have thought there are two different types of Macarons in France? Deliciously sweet little cookie (but not sandwiched around jam, etc). Go to Mason Adam to try the original.
Local oysters
Brebis - a local sheep cheese
Axoa - veal & pepper stew (a typical Basque dish)
BARS / RESTAURANTS
SPOTS TO STAY HEALTHY IN BIARRITZ
If you have any tips, favorite restaurants, favorite surf spots in Biarritz - please share them into the comments section!