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Travel guide – biarritz

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Overview

Situated in the very southwest of France, Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach (which is now the world class Hotel du Palais) and a centre with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains. The resort became popular with aristocracy from all over Europe - Queen Victoria came here regularly over a period of 30 years, Edward VI stayed in the Hotel du Palais days before his death and in the 1930s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were regular visitors. Until the revolution in 1917 the Russian nobility wintered here and built the magnificent Orthodox Church next to the Palace. However, the days of being reserved for high society are long gone and today Biarritz is an affordable vibrant and cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches. There are a couple of interesting museums including the Musée de la Mer, which houses 24 aquariums of fish native to the bay; try to visit during the seal feeding time (10.30am and 5pm). The town has good sporting facilities including some excellent golf courses and the best surfing in France. Each summer surfers from all over the world come to ride the waves at the annual Surf Festival. Those after more gentle exercise opt to stroll along Biarritz's principal promenade, Quai de la Grande Plage.

Shopping

Several stores sell souvenirs such as Basque tablecloths, hand made sandals, antiques and jewellery. Almost every shop in the region sells espadrilles (traditional slippers), and all the major boutiques with big designer names can be found on Place Clemenceau in the centre of Biarritz. Excellent Biarritz chocolates and confections can be found in chocolatiers like Pariès, Daranatz, and Henriet, while Mille et Un Fromages specialises in French cheeses.

Restaurants

Biarritz has a good mix of brasseries, casual taverns and formal dining, offering a variety of good local cuisine and classic French fare. Chez Albert is a locals favourite serving excellent seafood in a lively Basque atmosphere; la Concha is also a good bet for seafood. For tapas and good, authentic Basque food and appeal head to Bar Jean or Le Bistroye where local dishes are a speciality.

Nightlife

Biarritz has an active nightlife that includes nightclubs and a casino. Le Casino Municipal has an informal section with slot machines and an elegant section reserved for table games. Le Caveau is the city's best nightclub or try the hip Le Copa Cobana for Latin salsa along with every other kind of dance music, or Le Cayo Coco for Cubano music and tequilas. The best way to start the evening is in a deckchair at Côte 57 where the cocktails help the sun to go down.

Activities

Biarritz is steeped in the surfing culture and is considered to be the surfing Mecca of Europe. Surfing has become a symbol for Biarritz and the Basque Coast and there are numerous surf schools that offer lessons; the main surfing spot is at Grand Plage or longboarders should head to Côte des Basques. Golf has also reached legendary standards with greens spread around the town offering first-rate facilities and an exceptional setting. A long tradition of marine benefits to health and beauty (thalassotherapy) has created a spa environment in Biarritz and the Thalassa institute at the Hôtel Miramar and the Thermal Seawater Baths of Biarritz offer a wide variety of care, in high quality settings. Horseriding, tennis and squash are some of the other activities on offer, or if simple relaxation is on the agenda then any one of the fine beaches will do.

Climate

The Atlantic influences the climate of the coastal areas like Biarritz, creating mild and temperate weather year round. Winters record the highest temperatures in France and summers are warm with cool sea breezes. Rain usually occurs in short downpours and is distributed throughout the year.

Health

French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. There have been increased reports of hantavirus (caused by rodents) in the Ardennes, Aisne and Jura regions. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.