Where Medieval Meets Movie Star: Biarritz and Bayonne

Two towns - two completely different experiences. From gothic architecture to electric beach scenes, Biarritz and Bayonne offer the best of Southern France.

Biarritz and Bayonne

Biarritz and Bayonne, two towns with completely different atmospheres, are akin to two siblings that grew to appreciate different interests from one another. The former prefers the glamorous lifestyle of high-octane surfing and the glitzy allure seaside resorts, while the latter enjoys the subdued appreciation of beautiful architecture, rich histories, and authentic cuisine.

Biarritz and Bayonne enjoy a friendly rivalry as each town strives to highlight the differences and attractions which are theirs exclusively. The two towns are perched on the sunny Atlantic coast of Southern France and are separated by a 15-minute drive. This makes for an incredibly short journey for a momentous change in atmosphere and scenery, culminating in a remarkably complete holiday experience.

Biarritz

Biarritz gleams with an air of refined taste and gentility, but this does not stretch to exclusivity. The town is underscored by its ritzy and aristocratic background, which is encapsulated in the form of stunning vistas of Art Nouveau architecture and heritage-listed villas adorned with Art Deco flourishes. Amid this backdrop, however, is a refreshingly chic and modern appeal that makes the town a list-topper for those that enjoy beaches and surfing.

The town is famous for its picturesque seaside strolls, with routes adorned with inspiring landmarks and exquisite buildings. One of the most striking is the Htel du Palais, which began its existence as a seafront summer villa for Empress Eugnie, lovingly gifted to her by Napoleon III in 1895. This hotel is perched upon the Grand Plage (grand beach), and exudes an air of authority, as a bastion for an earlier age which is uncompromised by its modern surroundings. A fantastic view of the palace can be had from the 1834 lighthouse which is at the most northern point of the town. From here, you can also take in the sights of the pretty fishing Port des Pcheurs to the south, which is rife with quaintly chic restaurants and shops.

There are myriad options for beachgoers, ranging from the serene beauty of Plage Marbelle to the hive of activity that is the Grande Plage. The latter beach has the accolade of being the spot where surfing began in Europe. It started in 1957 when Hollywood screenwriter Peter Viertel was on location for the filming of ‘The Sun Also Rises’. He was undoubtedly bemused by the fact that nobody was harnessing the exhilarating thrill of tackling the impressive waves, and immediately set about to correct this by having his surfboard transported all the way from California!

Bayonne

After a 15-minute drive from Biarritz, you’ll be transported to the fairytale waterside town of Bayonne. It is the capital French Basque Country amid the Nive and Adour rivers and is lauded as one of the most beautiful sites in south-west France. Bayonne is a product of its history and it embraces its rich past as a bulwark against all foreign incursions. Its strategic importance has left old ramparts, such as the Porte d’Espagne, which dot the outskirts of town and shield the colourful half-timbered houses and winding cobblestone streets that characterise Bayonne.

The town’s uniqueness is owed to the Nive and Adour, which have effectively split the city into three distinct districts which form a whole. On the right bank of the Adour is Saint-Esprit, which is famed for vibrant chocolate scene. Then we have the cultural hub, the Petit Bayonne, which is home to two outstanding museums that give insights into Basque history. One of these, the Muse Bonnat, houses a grand collection of works by Lon Bonnat. Lastly, we have the commercial heart of the city, the Grand Bayonne, which is dominated by the imposing yet flamboyant Sainte Marie Cathedral. This impressive structure was built over the span of 400 years from the thirteenth century all the way into the seventeenth.

Biarritz and Bayonne are towns of small size; they are so close, yet so different, but each is brimming with unrelenting charm and beauty.