Biarritz, France: One of the Most Overlooked Destinations in the South of France

The Biarritz airport is a quick 15 minutes from downtown. There are several rental car agencies available at the airport, which make for a quick and easy landing. Be sure to add the extra package to your rental that allows you to cross the border into Spain.

Check into your accommodation, unpack and head out to the promenade to get some sunshine on your face and beat the jet lag. The promenade in front of the main beach in Biarritz, La Grande Plage, is perfect for strolling and watching the surfers on the waves as the sun goes down. Stop for a drink or a snack at one of the restaurants facing the water.

For dinner tonight, consider Le O2 Verdun for its perfect mix of amazing food, cozy atmosphere and great prices. The owner is so kind, speaks English and is always happy to make recommendations, although their fixed price menu is fantastic. The menu showcases the best of French and Basque food with a range of dishes that often includes succulent seafood, tender meats and seasonal vegetables.

Pro tip: make sure your hotel or rental provides parking. There are several public pay lots throughout the city but street parking is hard to come by.

Today will be spent getting to know the charming beachside town of Biarritz as you adjust to the time change.

Grab a croissant and a coffee from a local bakery and head to Les Halles, the covered food market. Les Halles is a place where I can spend hours ogling the local cheeses, freshly baked bread, bright and beautiful produce, Basque cakes, freshly prepared food, flowers like you've never seen...the list goes on. This is not to be missed. The market is open every day from 7:30 am to 2 pm.

For lunch, you can get some supplies for a picnic at Les Halles or head around the corner to Cafe du Commerce, another one of my favorites. I love this restaurant at lunchtime because they always have a wonderful fixed price menu with a great daily special, but also because it's bustling with locals during the lunch hour. The atmosphere is buzzing and energetic. If you're not up for lunch, be sure to come back for dinner and order the duck confit — you won't regret it. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to get a Gâteau Basque, a traditional Basque dessert featuring a buttery, almond-flavored pastry crust filled with either rich pastry cream (my favorite) or sweet cherry preserves.
Pro tip: always make reservations for dinner, even the day of. It helps the restaurant with their meal preparation for the evening and you will be more warmly welcomed.

After lunch, a walking tour of Biarritz is in order. Let's start at the Aquarium de Biarritz, where you can explore fascinating marine life and enjoy views of the sea. It's often overlooked as a "kids" activity but it really is a well done aquarium. I highly recommend it. From the aquarium, head towards the Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin), a striking rock formation with a statue of the Virgin, connected to the mainland by a metal bridge attributed to Gustave Eiffel. The stunning vistas of the coastline are Instagram-worthy.

Next, stroll along the promenade to the Esplanade du Port Vieux. Continue north to the Fisherman's Port or Port des Pecheurs. This is part of the old town of Biarritz and still has working "crampottes" or little houses constructed on the back face of the cliff. Some are still used by fishermen today. Just above the Fisherman's Port is the Church of Saint Eugenie. It was built in 1898 and named after Napoleon III's wife, the Empress Eugenie. The beautiful stained glass windows are worth a look.

From here, head toward town and take Rue Mazagran until you reach Place Georges Clemenceau, the bustling heart of Biarritz. Here, you can find many cafes, restaurants and even a large department store called Galeries Lafayette. Go back along Rue Mazagran to reach Place Bellevue, a lovely square with cafes and more great views (are you seeing a theme here?). Head onto Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, enjoying the scenic coastline as you walk towards Plage Miramar.

Continue on Avenue de l'Impératrice, which will lead you past the elegant Hôtel du Palais and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, conclude your walk at the iconic Phare de Biarritz (Biarritz Lighthouse), where you can take in panoramic views of the city and the coast. There's a little cafe at the base of the lighthouse where you can grab a glass of wine or a coffee and watch the sunset over Biarritz.

Dinner tonight at Bar Jean, a lively and popular spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent food. If you prefer a quieter location, check out Chistera et Coquillages with seafood, tapas, paella and meat dishes. Something for everyone and wonderful service.

Today, you are going to head out of the city to explore the Basque countryside and the town of Espelette in particular. This is always one of my favorite days. I enjoy the beautiful and peaceful country roads and the vibrant green of the fields and trees. Known for its picturesque streets and traditional Basque houses adorned with rows of drying peppers, Espelette offers a quintessentially Basque experience.

Note: The Espelette pepper, or Piment d'Espelette, is a mildly hot chili pepper. These peppers are typically harvested in late summer and are then sun-dried and ground into a distinctive red powder, which is a staple in Basque cuisine. You'll see it all over the menus in the area. It adds a unique, mildly spicy and smoky flavor to dishes, making it a beloved ingredient both locally and internationally. It's also beloved by friends! I brought home jars as gifts and my friends beg me to go back and get them more. They put it on everything from hard-boiled eggs to fish and meats.

Espelette is a small town, so plan to spend one to two hours here shopping, sampling foods and wandering. When you've had your fill, head to Caves of Sare (Grottes de Sare), which are prehistoric caves offering a glimpse into the region's geology, prehistory and Basque mythology through a guided tour with light and sound effects. The site also features a megalithic park and a museum dedicated to bats. This is one of those places that you didn't know existed. There are guided tours in several languages and limited entrances, so be sure to check the website for a tour in your preferred language and book ahead.

If you still have the energy, head to Le Train de la Rhune, 10 kilometers from the caves, where you can embark on a journey aboard the train, a rack railway that winds its way up the Basque Mountain slopes. Take in breathtaking panoramas of the countryside, Pyrenees and even the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day. At the summit, explore hiking trails, enjoy a meal with a view or delve into Basque cultural exhibits at a small museum. This scenic ride is a perfect way to end your day in the countryside. Back in Biarritz, head to dinner at Le Comptoir du Foie Gras. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy tapas and people watching.

Today, you are headed to Bayonne, another favorite of mine. Consider it the little sister to Biarritz. I love the old town feel, the cobbled streets and the shopping. In Bayonne, you will find a myriad of restaurants and another Les Halles. The Bayonne Cathedral is not to be missed, with stunning stained glass and soaring spires.

Bayonne is famously linked to the creation of the bayonet. The name "bayonet" is derived from Bayonne, where, according to tradition, it was first developed by local craftsmen in the 17th century. You can visit museums and workshops where artisans continue to showcase traditional metalworking and craftsmanship, preserving the rich heritage of the region.

Grab lunch at one of the cafes overlooking the river or the square and don't forget to sample the famous Bayonne ham, a salt-cured delicacy that boasts a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, nutty flavor.

Rest for a minute because this afternoon, you're headed a quick 30 minutes away to Hendaye, where you're going to take a tour of Château Abbadia. Château Abbadia is a fascinating castle blending neo-Gothic architecture with exotic touches. The tour takes you inside to discover a world of explorer Antoine d'Abbadie's (an eccentric 19th-century explorer, geographer and linguist) travels, with rooms reflecting his scientific pursuits and global interests. It is such an interesting place full of history, architecture and stunning ocean views. This is a really unique experience and well worth the time to visit.

Stop in St. Jean de Luz for dinner tonight and try Toki Goxoa or one of the other restaurants facing the bay with beautiful views at sundown.

Today, you've earned a day of rest. You are in one of the most beautiful seaside resorts, after all. Head to La Grande Plage, Plage du Port Vieux or my favorites, Plage de la Madrague and Plage de L'Océan, a quick 10 minutes from Biarritz. These last two are in Anglet, just north of Biarritz, and they boast expansive beaches with the softest sand. You are guaranteed a spot away from others to relax and sunbathe. Stop at a bakery along the way and grab a few sandwiches and snacks and perhaps pack a bottle of rosé for a picnic at the beach.

There's a lot to do in the area of Biarritz itself. If you want to extend your time here, you can add in day trips to Spain, which is what we do. We often head to San Sebastian, Spain, for a day of shopping, eating pintxos (tapas) and drinking the local wine called Txakoli. It's a white wine that is poured from up high to add a bit of effervescence to it. It's crisp and delicious and pairs well with any and all pintxos.

San Sebastian is an easy 45 minute drive from Biarritz. While here, be sure to visit Monte Igueldo, which is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. It boasts not only stunning panoramic seaside views, but also the historic Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo. This amusement park offers a nostalgic trip back to childhood with its classic rides and breathtaking scenery. It really is a unique feeling to be so far above the city riding on rollercoasters.

To reach the top, you take a funicular railway. The Igeldo funicular is a charming piece of history itself. Built in 1912, it's the oldest funicular railway in the Basque Country. It features wooden carriages that climb the mountainside, offering scenic views as you ascend. The funicular departs every 15 minutes and the journey takes just a few minutes.

Another day trip 35 minutes from Biarritz is Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia, a picturesque town in the Basque Country, is divided into several neighborhoods but my two favorites are the historic Old Town (Casco Histórico) — with its charming cobbled streets, medieval walls and colorful Basque houses — and La Marina, with its vibrant atmosphere, seafood restaurants and traditional pintxo bars along the bustling main street, San Pedro Kalea.

If you want to do it all, take another day to head to Bilbao to explore the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a stunning masterpiece in itself. Spend the morning browsing the collections, then, in the afternoon, head to the famous "Game of Thrones" Dragonstone hike San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, 45 minutes from the Guggenheim. It's a long day but worth it! I've done this and loved it, and I was so happy to be able to do both in one day. It made the drive to Bilbao area worth it.