Les Volets

In this beautiful part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, you are in the traditional Basque village of Bidart with restaurants close by and the heart of the village within walking distance as you follow the road up the hill. It’s also just a short walk down the hill to the beach and just 10km further is the hustle and bustle of vibrant Biarritz.

Full of character, as well as plenty of shops and quaint restaurants bursting with traditional delights, Bidart boasts six spectacular beaches, equipped to serve surf enthusiasts and beach bums alike. There are so many wonderful beaches along this fantastic coastline, some backed by dramatic cliffs, and others wide-open stretches of golden sand.

Notable spots include the family-friendly Central Beach and further north in Biarritz La Plage de la Cote des Basques which has become a favourite for surfers. Indeed, this area has become a surfing mecca, with enthusiasts from all over the world attracted to this part of the Basque coastline and plenty of surfing schools for abilities and all ages.

For more hustle and bustle Biarritz is an elegant seaside resort dating back to the 19^th century when aristocracy built their summer residences along this part of the coast, including the well-known Hotel du Palais, built by the wife of Napoleon III on the famous La Grande Plage. You will find some wonderful restaurants in the Port des Pecheurs, the former fishing port, where you can buy delicious fresh seafood. Food lovers shouldn’t miss the fantastic market at the Halles de Biarritz offering many wonderful Basque specialities. Another one of the town’s highlights is the incredible Rocher of the Vierge peninsular, which can be visited via the Eiffel bridge that connects it to the mainland or the fascinating lighthouse in the northern part of the town where there are some breathtaking views.

Other fabulous coastal areas to visit include the picturesque town of Ciboure (10km) to the south where Matisse once lived and the lovely resort of Saint-Jean-de-Luz (9km) with a great sandy beach and plenty of family-friendly activities as well as an abundance of golf courses and lovely walks along the surrounding coastline and hills. 

For a change of scenery, venture inland to explore some traditional Basque villages, such as two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages; pretty Ainhoa (22km) and Sare (20km), where you can take the old wooden train up to the summit of La Rhune, one of the most dominant peaks of the Pyrénées, where there are some restaurants with spectacular views as well as some keen hiking opportunities. Hiking in this area is second to none, if you’re lucky you’ll even stumble across local shepherds as they tend to their flocks.

Indeed, this whole region offers an extended range of outdoor activities, such as walking, horse-back riding, fishing, golf, cycling, canoeing and many others including water-sports along the coast.

Ah, the French Basque Country… a region that has such a mix of Basque tradition and French charm that it immediately wins the heart of every tourist that visits. What’s not to love? The incredible beaches, friendly locals and fusion of Spanish and French cultures is one-of-a-kind.

While you’re enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Biarritz, you may well want to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we’ve put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!

Download our Biarritz travel guide >>