Car Hire Biarritz - Mini guide to Biarritz

Located in the Basque region on the south of France’s Atlantic coast is Biarritz. Although it has a long history as a fishing port, its reputation was firmly cemented when Empress Eugenie built a grand palace here and begun inviting European Royals. Today it is slightly less upmarket and thrives on tourism.

Popular with locals in the summer, Biarritz is a lively town notable for its grand old buildings and relatively good surfing. The food is especially good and the weather reliable in summer.

The quai de la Grande Plage, Biarritz's principal promenade, runs along the northwest facing shore and it’s lined with eateries, surfing and souvenir shops and the occasional chic boutique. It lead to the Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz’ most important building, originally constructed as a palace for the Empress, but now serving as a posh hotel. Good beaches line the promenade and stretch quite far north.

At the southern edge of Grande Plage is the place Ste-Eugénie, Biarritz's most gracious old square. Lined with terraced restaurants, it's a good rendezvous point. Situated at the foot of the cliffs below the square is the quaint Port des Pêcheurs (fishers' port). The path continues along a rocky promontory; plateau de l'Atalaye, and leads to a few small, secluded, beaches. Also located here is the Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin), which has an significant spiritual importance to the locals.

Interesting attractions in the city include: the Museum of the sea, the Imperial Chapel (with its unusual mix of architectural styles), Asiatica Museum, curious onion-domed Russian Orthodox Cathedral and historic St Martin’s Church (dating from the 11th C).