This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Biarritz.
Biarritz, Aquitaine, France is a coastal city located just across the Spain-France border on the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the region known as Basque Country, which includes cities in both Spain and France. It is about an hour bus ride from the famous Spanish Basque city San Sebastian. Its French neighbor, Bayonne, is a quick twenty-minute bus ride away and well worth a visit.
This beautiful beach town in southwestern France was originally a resort town where travelers would come for incredible cuisine and surf. Surfing in Europe actually originated in Biarritz! A Californian brought his surfboard with him in the fifties when he visited Biarritz and now the city is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Europe! If you don’t have your own board and want to try your luck at catching some waves, don’t worry -- there are many surf lessons and surfboard rentals in the area. Your Biarritz, Aquitaine, France hostel can probably hook you up with a local to teach you all about the waves. The Biarritz Surf Festival is held annually in July. It is considered to be one of the premier surf events in Europe!
If you love the sea, you may also want to visit The Museum of the Sea, which opened in the thirties and has a wonderful aquarium with local aquatic life. If you prefer being a spectator and watching others surf, you’ll want to head over to the town’s largest beach, La Grande Plage, to catch some rays and watch the surfers.
If surfing isn’t your thing and you’re more interested in the history and culture of Biarritz, then book your hostel in Biarritz, Aquitaine, France, for a visit in October. The weather will still be mild and the beach-going crowds will be long gone. Make sure to wander around the beautiful Port des Pecheurs -- the small fishing port was built for inshore fisherman in the late nineteenth century. It is still actively used today by local fisherman who live in quaint cottages covered in marine decor.
Biarritz is a foodie capital with Basque pinchos, The Museum of Chocolate and the beautiful food market the Halles de Biarritz where you can taste local cheese, olives, and wines and indulge in some freshly shucked oysters.
The top attraction in the city is the Hôtel du Palais, which is a palace that was originally built for Empress Eugénie in the nineteenth century and is now a luxury beach hotel. Even if you’re staying in a hostel in Biarritz, Aquitaine, France, you can visit this beautiful hotel for a taste of the lifestyles of the rich and famous. As you continue along the beautiful boulevards you’ll find many gorgeous buildings that are places of worship, from the Orthodox Russian temple to the Jewish Synagogue; each are worth a visit. In the evenings, you can enjoy the town’s casinos, dance clubs, and array of eateries. The two main casinos, the Barrière and the Bellevue, are right by the beach! Go celebrate your winnings with a midnight dance in the sand.
Currently, there are not many hostels in Biarritz, Aquitaine, France. It would be best to book a room in advance so you don’t get stuck staying at an overpriced hotel.
Written by local enthusiast for Biarritz hostels
Lola
