Hotels in Biarritz

Verified by Miguel Magdalena
from the blog Tintineando

Located on the Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay, the city of Biarritz is nestled in the Northern Basque Country of the western French department of Pyrénées. Over the years, this resort town has grown a tremendous reputation as a luxurious tourist destination. Casinos and a relaxed surfing culture play a big role in the city. Just over 32 kilometres from the Spanish border, Biarritz displays a strong Spanish Basque influence, which contributes to the city's transformation into the multi-cultural mixing pot it's become today. The lovely place offers everything you'd expect from a great holiday, including glamorous resorts, rich history, interesting culture, stunning beaches and tasty foods.

The city leans towards the luxury end of destinations, but it still has a lot to offer when it comes to holiday accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and B&Bs. With rooms to fit budgets of all sizes, you'll have no problem trying to find cheap hotels in the city of Biarritz.

Neighbourhoods of Biarritz

Although it's fairly small, there are several distinct and defining neighbourhoods in the town. The most interesting areas for its visitors include the following:

• Port Vieux: This is the historic centre of town. Full of charming streets with a tranquil atmosphere, it is separated from the modern village by towering cliffs.
• Le Grande Plage: This location is one of the town's two main beaches. It’s a busy beach with a lot of facilities and watersports available. The area is filled with all the things a beach tourist needs.
• Cote de Basques: This is the other beach of two, and it has a more laid-back atmosphere than Le Grande Plage. These waters are very popular with couples and surfers. The beach area is surrounded by one of the most upscale neighbourhoods of Biarritz.
• Les Halles: This part of town is packed with nightlife and sits in the heart of modern Biarritz. The social hub is Rue Gambetta, where the pavement is lined with bars, cafes and restaurants.

What to see and do in Biarritz

There’s so much more to this city than just its gorgeous beaches. Recommended main attractions include:

• Asiatica Museum: This venue hosts an interesting collection of art and artefacts from India, Nepal, Tibet and China.
• The Museum of the Sea: Another museum that's a must-see, featuring 24 different aquariums containing sharks and seals, among other creatures.
• The Museum of Chocolate: This place offers delicious tours and tales of the city's chocolate-making.
• Médiathèque de Biarritz: an interesting exhibit showcasing French film and media
• Phare de Biarritz: The lighthouse offers splendid panoramic views and perfect photo opportunities.
• Walking trails: One of the best trails goes all the way from Côte des Basques to Bidart. Along the way, there are beautiful secluded beaches and views across Spain.
• Shopping centres: There are plenty of designer boutiques in town, but the most notable is Rue d’Alsace. Here, you’ll find bijou ateliers selling fine-quality artisanal goods.
• Les Halles Market: This is one of the more popular must-visit food markets in Biarritz.
• Casinos: There are two casinos in town, and both of them are right on the waterfront.

What to eat in Biarritz

The food culture is very deeply rooted in the city’s strong connection with Basque. French Basque cuisine is a thing all of its own. Unsurprisingly, the cuisine leans heavily towards fish and seafood, including a range of local dishes with oysters, squid, monkfish and crab. Some of the must-try specialities include:

• Fried calamari; soaked in white sherry wine.
• Pigeon; often served with mushrooms as a garnish.
• Beef stew; traditionally known by locals as daube.
• Poulet basquaise; chicken, cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic and local peppers.
• Shrimp; popularly served with dried fruits and a spicy sauce.
• Marmitaco; classic stew with tuna as the protein.
• Tapas; evidence of town's proximity to Spain.

Typical events and festivals in Biarritz

There is always something interesting and unique going on in Biarritz. You'll be able to join and experience a special event no matter what time of the year you come to visit. Some of the most popular festivities are:

• Festival of Saint Martin; celebrations take place every 11th of November.
• Biarritz en Ete; a pop music festival held in July.
• Bastille Day; festivities take over the city every 14th of July, culminating in a beachfront display of fireworks.

There are many varied events and celebrations throughout the year, from folklore festivals and equestrian competitions to sporting tournaments and food and wine fairs.

How to move around in Biarritz

Thanks to the town's high-speed train network, TGV, Paris is easily accessible from the village of Biarritz. Riding the local bus network is the easiest way to navigate around the more popular areas. Fast and efficient, the bus service offers several stops along several routes. There are also taxis available, and most of the city is easy to access on foot.

The climate in Biarritz

The area is classified with a temperate oceanic climate. Something very interesting to note is that Biarritz is one France's wettest cities. Previous summers experienced record highs of 40° C, but the average weather between June and August is usually closer to around 25° C. The coldest winter months are from December to February. On average, it rains in Biarritz about 140 days of the year.