Looking forward to the summer holidays, there are many places to visit around the world – but this lesser-known city gem will surprise you
Everyone loves a holiday, but dealing with crowds of tourists is something that hardly anyone enjoys. While many opt for popular destinations such as Dubai, Mexico City, Barcelona, or Rome, there are plenty lesser-known spots offering breath-taking views and are crowd-free. One of them is a small city called Biarritz.
Located on the southwestern side of France, the gorgeous seaside town is known for its golden beaches, stunning views, historical heritage and exquisite local gastronomy. Situated 22 miles (35 kilometres) from the border of Spain, and 488 miles (738 kilometres) away from the French capital, Biarritz is a hidden gem.
Biarritz has a total local population of approximately 25,000 people. It also has 4km of coastline divided into six beaches that go from north to south:
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Miramar Beach
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The Grande Plage
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Port-Vieux
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The Côte des Basques
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Marbella Beach
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Milady Beach
Although the summers are often busy with locals and tourists trying to get the most out of the high temperatures in the Basque Country, it’s a great destination for relaxation. Getting around is simple, but the best way to explore the city is on foot or Txik-Txak, which is the public transport network of the Basque Country. Biarritz became a popular spot thanks to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, who transformed the small finishing village into a fashionable hot spot for getaways. The elegant villas and residences will enchant you, and you’d be surprised to know that the Hotel du Palais was originally built for Empress Eugénie.
Over the centuries, Biarritz has welcomed a lot of royal names and celebrities, and slowly it became a popular destination for tourists all over the world who wanted to learn more about their rich history and admire its stunning scenery.
While its beautiful beaches, such as the Grande Plage and Plage du Port-Vieux, are the main draw for many visitors, there are numerous other attractions worth exploring:
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Phare de Biarritz (Biarritz Lighthouse)
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Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin)
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Musée Asiatica (Asian Art Museum)
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Église Sainte-Eugénie (Saint Eugenie Church)
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Galeries Lafayette (Famous French department store)
The Cote des Basques is the perfect place for surfer lovers. An interesting fact is that it’s forbidden to surf without a leash. Meanwhile, the town centre is filled with nightclubs, bars and casinos that open until late. There’s nothing quite like travelling and exploring different places and cultures all around the world. Biarritz is one such place – an incredible city where history, beauty, and tranquillity come together.
