Biarritz, Le Pays Basque, FRANCE

Surf’s Up, Brah

The Côte Basque is famous for it’s waves and wide beaches.

The medium grain sand feels so good under your feet and in the summer the warm sun shines down to kiss your buns. It’s prime real estate on the southern Atlantic coast, with a laid back vibe, perfect for lácher prise (“letting go”).

See those mountains in the distance? That’s Spain!

I’ve only ever been to these beaches in the off season (fall/winter) but I can imagine what they’re like in the peak of summer.

Wanderlust?    Here’s $40 on Airbnb

Growing up in Northern California, even going during those times doesn’t dull my fun. I’m used to diving into 14-16° C (57-60° F) water in anything from a wetsuit to a bikini.

This is a well established surf area, most of the houses have well worn longboards leaning against the house and combinations (wetsuits) hanging to dry alongside.

Technically this whole area, from Biarritz down to Hendaye, the border with Spain, are the surf capital of France.

They say surfing started down here in 1956, thanks to Peter Viertel from Santa Monica. He was a screenwriter working on The Sun Also Rises, and saw some rad waves from his hotel room. He picked up the phone and had his surfboard sent from California.

But now,

it’s an essential stop for the pros.

Every July, the Roxy World Longboarding Championship. That said, plenty of events from Oxbow, RipCurl, Quicksilver and Billabong too.

Biarritz has long been a resort town as well.

Napoléon III and Eugénie, his Spanish-born wife, would frequent the area during the mid-19th century. He even built a manor for them in the shape of an E. Pre-WWII, it was as popular as Monte Carlo.

For us commoners, it is a lovely town built up on the cliffs above the sea with restaurants, high-end boutiques and hotels. There are streets of historic-listed residences with belle époque and art deco details. It’s definitely a Midnight in Paris moment, if you know what I mean.

There is a fun little excursion if you’re feeling brave,

Rocher de la Vierge

It’s a look-out point at the end of Pointe Atalaye. To get there you must cross a tiny footbridge. And look out for swells, you’ll get soaked. It’s called Rocher de la Vierge, for its white statue depicting the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus. It has a panoramic view, and to the left you can easily see Spanish mountains. I wish I had my own photos, but we went at night. Even spookier to be out on that little, dinky bridge!

Overall the vibe is cool, athletic, and luxurious.

This is one of my favorites spots in France.

Bisous, Anne

More on LE PAYS BASQUE, Ainhoa City Guide.