Biarritz is a former whaling settlement on the Basque coast, perfect for more active holidays with numerous water-based activities on offer due to its location which combines French, Spanish and Basque cultures. It is the surf capital of Europe, with plenty of schools on offer and other activities such as white water rafting, horse riding and walking. Campsites are numerous.
Eurostar
trains between Ebbsfleet International and Biarritz have average journey times of 8 hours, 20 minutes, which is still one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between London. The most popular time to visit is summer, for sports, surfing, and the street entertainment that attracts tourists.
There are two thalassatherapy and spa centres in the area, and golfing is very popular- with the Golf de Biarritz le Phare spreading over 34 hectares, located right in the town centre, and Ilbarritz International Training Centre with free shuttle service, designed by architect Pierre Thévenin. Biarritz is ideal for families, with lots of beach clubs, playgrounds and the Day Care Centre in the Villa Estella for children.
Points of Interest
The Hotel du Palais
This is Biarritz’ grandest address that was previously the summer mansion of Napoleon III and Empress Eugenia. Queen Victoria, Frank Sinatra and Ernest Hemingway have all visited the Hotel du Palais, which overlooks Biarritz' main beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. It has outstanding sports facilities and a luxurious charm that make it extremely popular with vacationers and sports enthusiasts alike.
Le Phare de Biarritz
The lighthouse, erected in 1834, dominates Cape Hainsart, which got its name from the oaks which used to surround it and have now been replaced by tamarisks. It stands 73 metres above sea level. There are 248 steps to its summit. This cape separates the sandy Landes coast from the rocky Basque coast.
La Chapelle Impériale (Imperial chapel)
The chapel was built in 1864 at the request of Empress Eugénie de Montijo, and combines both Roman-Byzantine and Hispano-Mauresque styles. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Black Madonna of Mexico and was listed as a historical monument in 1981.
Planète Chocolat
This unique museum (“Musée du Chocolat”) shows the development of chocolate with an exceptional collection; an exclusive exhibition of chocolate sculptures. Tours and chocolate-tasting sessions are available.
Musée Historique de Biarritz
The Historic Museum of Biarritz is located in an old Anglican church and tells the story of Biarritz, showing the development from its origins as a small fishing port to a cosmopolitan seaside resort, the 'Beach of Kings'. The museum is full of examples of the high points of Biarritz's history, including collections, paintings and videos.
Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez has a skiing area of 450km, one of the great features of Alpe d'Huez is it's large vertical drop an average of 2,210m. The resort has one of the largest ski runs in the world.... Alpe d'Huez , France
Avoriaz (Portes du Soleil)
Avoriaz is probably the best known resort of the Portes du Soleil area which has 12 resorts and two country's. Avoriaz is located at an altitude of 1800m, it stays open until April when the Ski season Ends.... Avoriaz, France
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains has the worlds largest ski area with 600km. The resort has apres ski life and a spa resort. You can stay in the upper mountain hotels to get the most out of your holiday resort.... Brides-les-Bains, France
Courchevel
Courcheval does enjoy a reputation for being the world's best ski resort. Described as classic, prestigious and extravagant , Set in breathtaking scenery in a superbly inter-linked region, Courchevel offers visitors a choice of 198 lifts, uphill capacity of over 243,000 people an hour .... Courchevel, France
Drouzin le Mont (Vallee d'Aulps)
Drouzin le Mont is a small beautiful family resort, children can learn to ski here in complete safety on slopes facing the accommodation. The resort has 15 slopes with 2 chair lifts, 4 drag lifts and 2 snow wires.... Drouzin le Mont, France
Flaine
Flaine has 265km of skiing area, it is a well known tourist attraction for winter holidays. Some of the best skiing in France can be found at this resort. The resort is well laid out with 77 lifts.... Flaine, France
Grand Massif
Grand Massif is 5 resorts linked by 256km of skiing with 133 down hill slopes served by 78 lifts.... Grand Massif, France
La Clusaz
The ski village of La Clusaz celebrated 100 years of winter sports in 2007 and this resort, often described as dynamic,is one of the closest to the UK so is convenient for car drivers.... La Clusaz, France
La Plange
La Plange has a 6 seater detachable chair lift, 11 individual resorts make up the area La Plange. It has slopes at different levels of difficulty, there are 210km of ski runs which favours beginner and intermediate skiers.... La Plange, FranceLa Plange, France
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