Biarritz
BIARRITZ AND THE BASQUE COUNTRY
The Basque Country is brimming with possibilities. Just a few kilometres away is the countryside. Basque fabrics, pelota and red roofs invite you to discover the traditions. Every village is worth a visit. A few kilometres further on, you can climb the Rhune or scale the Pyrenees. Then head back down towards the coast. Try Guéthary, for example, which offers a variety of architecture between its Basque houses and Art Deco buildings by the water. A very unusual bridge/footbridge is well worth a look.
There are three empresses of the Bay of Biscay.
- Saint Jean de Luz
- San Sebastian
- and Biarritz.
Three wonders to enjoy. More than just places, they are ways of life.
Saint Jean de Luz oscillates between history and modernity. After discovering the astonishing interior balconies in the church where Louis XIV was married, we rush to have a drink and a bite to eat at the BIZIPOZ Bar. This iconic venue, rebuilt on the site of a former garage, features food trucks, a bar and a small music stage. It has become a must-see in the region.
A few kilometres further on, the smell of Iberian ham (patanegra) is stronger than anything else. We cross the border without noticing and reach the city of San Sebastian.
We begin to wander through the old town. It’s a celebration of tapas bars of all kinds. Whether modern or traditional, these places are magical. We love the hubbub that emanates from them.
Then we are drawn to the sound of Spanish guitars mingling with the clamour of the beach. We approach and are struck by what we see. A splendid bay stands out. Large, almost enclosed, sparkling. Magnificent arches line the entire beach with white wrought iron railings that shine in the sun. A glance to the right reveals a huge 12-metre-high Christ. A glance to the other side reveals the Monte Igueldo amusement park.
Return to Biarritz to understand this lifestyle that instantly transports you. It was Napoleon III’s wife who gave Biarritz its imperial character. She fell in love with the place and had her palace built there, which is now a luxury hotel. In terms of history, we find the influence of the White Russians, the passage of Coco Chanel and the Roaring Twenties. The atmosphere of this city is a blend of tradition, bourgeoisie and sports.
Your first steps in town will tell you that you are in one of the surfing meccas. The large beach is a constant spectacle, with dozens of surfers in action.
Turn your head and you will see the Art Deco casino built in 1929. Many places in the villa bear witness to this inimitable style. Biarritz has successfully integrated many eras: Napoleon III, Art Deco, the Roaring Twenties, traditional Basque style…
This town is full of villas. Sumptuous, facing the ocean or the mountains, in town or on the coast, these villas are the stuff of dreams and enhance your walks.
Biarritz often celebrates the Roaring Twenties. And it’s easy to see why. The cocktail is intoxicating: a pinch of Art Deco, a wave of surf, a dash of Espelette pepper, a Spanish accent, a Russian cake and infectious good humour. Enough to drive anyone who discovers it crazy.
