Biarritz & the French Basque Coast

It became fashionable in the nineteenth century when Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, made it her summer retreat, and the Belle Époque villas, the Grande Plage and the Rocher de la Vierge still carry that imperial polish. It later became the place where European surfing began, and today the same waves bring surf schools, beach bars and a relaxed, sporty crowd to the Côte des Basques and the beaches of neighbouring Anglet. Around Biarritz lies a compact coast of real character: Bayonne with its cathedral, ham and chocolate; Saint-Jean-de-Luz with its sheltered bay and royal wedding history; the clifftop path toward Hendaye; the pepper-draped village of Espelette; and the cog railway up La Rhune. Add food built on piperade, cured ham and gâteau basque, a language and flag that differ from the rest of France, and a day trip across the Spanish border to San Sebastian, and you have one of Europe’s most varied short breaks. Twickly collects the sights, tours and hotels worth planning around, with honest notes on seasons, tides and what to book ahead.