Biarritz
Oceanic and mountainous, cultural and sportive, the beacon city of both Aquitaine and Pays Basque, Biarritz is the symbol of French diversity. Nestled at the footstool of the Pyrenees and basking in the Atlantic Ocean, Biarritz offers you a digest on the art of living in the southwest of France. A tiny city, with only 30,000 inhabitants, Biarritz is also at the heart of an urban network that includes the cities of Anglet and Bayonne, with the beautiful St. Jean de Luz right around the corner. Surfing, hiking, water therapy, museums, popular festivals, Basque culture, and of course, French classes. Biarritz has so much to offer you that you'll never want to leave.
Surfing Paradise:
If today Biarritz can boast of being the "European surf capital," it owes its reputation to a film maker. In the beginning of the 1960s, the American scriptwriter Peter Viertel, during his stay in Biarritz with his wife Deborah Kerr for the filming of "The Sun Also Rises," uses a surf board that a friend had sent to him by plane from California. Immediately, the first Biarrots attempt to surf. The infatuation will no longer disappear thanks to the quality of waves on the Atlantic coast.
Basque Country:
Biarritz belongs to Basque Country. A 1,000 year-old country whose origins remain mysterious, Basque country is comprised of seven provinces, four situated in Spain and three in France, accessible by horseback along the Pyrenees mountains. In Basque Country, there are the Euskaldun or "those who speak Basque" and the others: the Erdaldun or "those who possess another language." Today around 800,000 people still speak the Basque language, mainly on the Spanish side of the country. In most cases, Euskara is spoken as a second language after Spanish or French. Although in France Basque is not considered an official language, students nonetheless have the option of taking the baccalaureate in Basque.
Museums:
Museum of the Sea- One of the pearls of Biarritz, with more than 150 species of fish and invertebrates in the Golf of Gascogne, basin of seahorses with sub aquatic vision, cave of sharks for a surprise encounter with them.
Above all, don't miss the Seahorse meal everyday at 10:30 am to 5 pm. Where? Plateau de l'Atalaye-Tel. 05 59 22 33 34. All information available at www.museedelamer.com/
Museum of Oriental Art-Due to the richness of its collection and the quality of the unique works of art that it exhibits, the "Asiatica" museum is one of the 5 principal European museums of Oriental art. Right in the center of the city, more than a thousand pieces from India, Nepal, China and other countries exhibited. Where? Rue Guy Petit - Tel. 05 59 22 78 78 All information available at www.museeasiatica.com/
Historic Museum of Biarritz-Situated in the ancient Anglican church, the museum goes back in time, telling the story of a little fishing port that became "Seashore of Kings," then later the surf paradise. Where? Rue Broquedis - Tel. 05 59 24 86 28
The Chocolate Museum-A delicious dip into the history of chocolate. For the eyes, an expo of sculptures and for the gourmands, a tasting is scheduled. Where? 14, av. Beaurivage (côte des Basques) - Tel. 05 59 41 54 64 All information available at www.lemuseeduchocolat.com
The Imperial Chapel-Erected in 1864 upon the imperial order of Eugénie de Montijo, this charming chapel which harmoniously combines the Roman-Byzantine style with the Hispano-Moorish style was dedicated to the black Mexican Virgin Our Lady of Guadeloupe. It was officially identified as a historic monument in 1981. Peak Season (July 1st to August 31st): Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 3 pm to 7 pm. Off-Peak Season: call for information at 05 59 22 37 10
The Lighthouse of Biarritz- At the summit of its height of 73 meters and after climbing its 248 steps, you will tower over the Cap Hainsart. Peak Season (July 1st to August 31st): everyday from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 7pm. Off-Peak Season: call for information at 05 59 22 37 10
All museums, all culture in Biarritz: http://www.biarritz.fr/Website/site/fra_culture.php
Promenades & Leisurely Activities
Places to sunbathe and hike, picturesque Basque villages.there is plenty to see in Biarritz.
Espelette - This typical small Basque village is known for its hot pepper. Don't miss in September when the facades of homes disappear under the hot pepper garlands that are left hanging to dry. At the end of every month, there is a pottok -a small Basque horse-market.
Hendaye - A ravishing sunbathing spot; also the last stop en route to Spain, separated from Spain only by the Bay of Txingudi. It is from Hendaye that the hiking path begins that connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, running parallel to the crests of the Pyrenees mountains.
St. Jean de Luz - It's the biggest port in the south of the French Atlantic coast. The only harbor sheltered between Bordeaux and Spain, St. Jean de Luz enjoys a relatively calm bay, greatly appreciated by bathers. The ancient whale-fishing port has naturally become one of the most frequented whale harbors in France. The weather is nice all year and walks along the ocean are quite lovely. It's easy to get here from Biarritz, in the evening for example, to dine in one of the many small port restaurants..
Bidart - This small coastal town has the fortune of welcoming one of the most famous waves in the world: the wave of Parlementia, which the greatest surfers in the world come to challenge every year. Also worth seeing: the strange castle of Biarritz, built in the 19th century for Baron Albert de l'Espée, in order to house the biggest organ ever designed for a single person. This organ is now in the Sacred Heart Basilica in Montmartre.
How to get to Biarritz?
By Plane.
Biarritz is easily accessible, thanks to its international airport. Moreover, the low-cost RyanAir airline company has selected the airport of Biarritz as a hub for its planes. A bargain if you're looking for excellent prices for going to England (London), Irland (Dublin and Shannon) and Germany (Frankfurt). For information on airlines, schedules and more, http://www.biarritz.aeroport.fr/
To get downtown, buses take you to Biarritz, Anglet, and Bayonne for 1, 20 euros. If you prefer taxis, expect to pay 9, 15 euros during the day and 12, 20 at night (prices may vary)
Par le train
Biarritz is particularly well served, with a TGV station and a good network of regional trains, which make Biarritz accessible as much to the north (via Bordeaux) as to the interior (via Dax), from the Riviera. All information, including itineraries and prices at http://www.voyages-sncf.com
Transportation
Bus - The STAB network serves the 3 towns of Biarritz, Bayonne and Anglet. Moving around is convenient; one can easily go from downtown to the beach. The different tarifs: Ticket 1 trip (1, 20 euros), 5 trips (4,75 euros), 10 trips (9,50 euros), or for 24 hours (4 euros). A ticket for 7 days costs 10, 50 euros and children under the age of 3 can travel for free. All information available at: //www.bus-stab.com
Taxis - A large selection of private cab companies is available.
Atlantic Taxi : Tel 05 59 03 18 18
Agur Biarritz : Tel 05 59 41 00 00 ; GSM 06 14 31 57 82
Aregay Taxis : 06 09 73 30 98 Taxi-Maïté : 06 85 66 62 17
Visit our summer camp for kids in Biarritz
