Our (whirlwind) stay in Biarritz…

In the midst of our time in Paris, we had a brief overnight interlude in the sunny coastal city of Biarritz. Located in the otherworldly Pays Basque or Basque Country, on the Atlantic Coast, Biarritz is a rather posh, French, resort town where many a (wealthy) Parisienne family own a holiday home. A favourite beach getaway of Napoléon III and his wife Eugénie, the town has many an extraordinary, belle époque and art deco detailed residence, a stark contrast (not in a good way) to the newer, and rather ordinary, 20th century architecture.

There is no better way to start your stay in Biarritz than with breakfast at the Café Miremont (highly recommend a croissant, when in France etc etc). Founded in 1872, Café Miremont is one of the oldest patisseries in Biarritz, and through the years has been frequented by many a King, Queen & Grand Duke.

So forget visiting the Hôtel du Palais – the town’s premier landmark and former royal residence – and instead have a coffee & pastry at this wonderful, heritage listed patisserie. It has all the old world charm, elegance and did we mention croissants, that you could possibly imagine, all rolled into one perfect salon, fit for a Queen.


Café Miremont, 1B Place Georges Clemenceau, 64200 Biarritz

Pictured above (a second croissant for the road) & below, the incredible ceiling, floor & mirrored decor at the Miremont.

A walk along the spectacular coastline of Biarritz is a must, be sure to see the Rocher de la Vierge, a rocky outcrop crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, the Phare de Biarritz, the white lighthouse on the town’s northernmost bluff, and every little bay and beach in between.

Stop for a spritz at the Eden Rock Cafe, which overlooks the Plage du Port Vieux. Your seaside air will likely be punctuated by the shrill squeals of children jumping off the rocks into the water below, but the view of the turquoise waters & colourful beach goers is sublime.


Eden Rock Café, 2-4 Espl. du Port Vieux, 64200 Biarritz





Skip the very busy main beach or La Grande Plage and instead head to La Plage de Marinella & Le Sunset for lunch. The food is as exceptional as the view, with healthier options like seasonal poke bowls, seared tuna steaks & salads topped with chargrilled king prawns.


Le Sunset, 10 Avenue des Mailhouns, 64600 Anglet


While incredibly short, our stay in Biarritz was interesting – the people of Basque country are definitely not your typical Francophiles, they are fiercely individual, with a fervent nationalistic pride in their beautiful region. We would have loved to have had more time to really explore, especially knowing the proximity of Spain & the inevitable influence on culture & cuisine that this brings. Until next time Biarritz! Or à bientôt!

FIN.