Biarritz is a charming French city known for its sandy beaches and Basque country culture. It was a small fishing village for many centuries and became a popular destination for tourists in the late 19th century when Emperor Napoleon III and his wife, the Spanish Empress Eugénie, made it their favorite summertime destination. Biarritz is a great place to visit for its mild climate, pristine sandy beaches, rolling ocean ideal for surfing, and stylish restaurants. Here are some of the best things to do in Biarritz:
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Visit Grand Plage: The Grande Plage is the main beach in Biarritz, located right next to the downtown centre ville. This beach is really the center of all activity in Biarritz.
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See Rocher de la Vierge: This is a rock formation in the sea with a statue of the Virgin Mary on top. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
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Go to Côte des Basques: This is a beautiful beach with great waves for surfing. It is a popular spot for surfers and beachgoers.
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Go Shopping: Biarritz boasts all kinds of shops from foodie paradises to designer shops like Hermès. Particular things to buy from Biarritz include espadrilles, chilli pepper products, local hams, Basque fabrics, and woven baskets and bags.
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Enjoy the local food & restaurants: Biarritz has a fantastic foodie scene, with many restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.
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See Villa Belza: This is a beautiful villa located on the beachfront. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
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Visit Aquarium de Biarritz: The Biarritz Aquarium is a great place to visit, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Inside the Aquarium, the pools show the marine flora and fauna typical of the Bay of Biscay.
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Take a day trip to Saint Jean de Luz: This is a beautiful town located just a short drive from Biarritz. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Most of the main things to do in Biarritz are all along the main beach path that you could easily stroll within a few hours. The transport system of Biarritz is fairly easy to navigate, though most attractions are situated close to one another and can easily be explored on foot.