Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +33 for France
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +33 (0)5 5943 8020. Open from Monday-Saturday 8am-11pm and 9.45am-11pm Sunday.
Taxi :
A journey to the town centre costs €10-€15 and takes 10 minutes.
Bus :
Bus number 6 runs from 7.30am-7.30pm and leaves every hour, stopping at the Town Hall. Tickets: €1.20.
(2 Rue Gardères. Tel. 05 5924 1960) As well as serving delicious pizzas and salads, Basque specialities are often on the menu and can be eaten in the sun out on the terrace.
(3 Rue Etienne Ardoin. Tel. 05 5924 9090) If Toulouse-Lautrec, Montmartre and le Moulin Rouge appeal, then the burlesque, art-deco feel of this establishment is sure to please. Be tempted by the sea-bream tartar, followed by duck breast subtly cooked in a spicy sauce.
(Rue des Barthes, Anglet. Tel. 05 5952 9178) You'll feel like intrepid explorer Indiana Jones at this café with exotic cocktails and delectable dishes from around the world. At the weekend, dance to the latest sounds after 11pm.
(18 Rue de le Bergerie. Tel. 05 5922 0937) Chic and refined, this recently opened restaurant with striking décor has already earned a fantastic reputation. Sample the dégustation menu and let the chef surprise and delight you with his specialities.
(Plage du Port Vieux. Tel. 05 524 4184) Bask in the sunshine on the terrace of this, one of the hottest spots in Biarritz, owned by former rugby player Pascal Ondarts.
(Rue des Augustin, Bayonne . Tel. 05 5925 7805) This small place, tucked away in the beautiful town of Bayonne, next to Biarritz, has nothing left to prove. A glorious array of blues, jazz, pop rock and theatre performances (www.lunanegra.info, French only).
(Plage du Port Vieux. Tel. 05 5924 8898) Boasting an enviable location by the sea, this popular venue lets loose at night, with a trendy crowd dancing to up-to-the-minute sounds.
On the ground
Shop
For quality Basque linen, tablecloths, serviettes and towels in vibrant colours, pop into the Jean-Vier boutique (58 Avenue Edouard VII. Tel. 05 5922 2936. www.jean-vier.com).
Insider Tip
Film enthusiasts should head to the cinema L'Atalante in Bayonne where films in their original language are screened throughout the week (7 Rue Denis Etcheverry. Tel. 05 5955 7663. www.cinema-atalante.org, French only).
Key Area
Quartier Saint Charles is not far from the Palace Hotel and Imperial Chapel. Rue de la Bergerie is great for food shopping, while surrounding streets offer classy boutiques and good restaurants.
This month
Take a look into the world of African art at the Crypt Sainte-Eugénie, where more than 135 objects from different parts of the continent are on display.
Day Tripping
Bayonne
–
The region's capital is only 10 minutes away by bus or car. Don't miss a visit to the intriguing Basque and Bonnat museums, or the cathedral and ramparts. You'll find some good restaurants along the River Nive and plenty of great shops in the pedestrianised town centre.
No way!
Biarritz was a fashionable hub for European aristocracy throughout the Belle Epoque period, from the late-19th century to early-20th centuries, Queen Victoria and Edward VII among them.
