While traveling around the world, you sometimes forget how pretty your own ‘little’ continent is. Maybe we are getting too spoiled or staying in Europe seems to be too boring and easy. Cause honestly, I do tend to travel as far as possible with the idea of finding more exoticness and adventure on the other side of the world (my first trip on my own was Australia.. can it be much further?!). I think it’s time to admit… this is not entirely true. Europe has so much to offer with its beautiful cities, amazing landscapes, insanely tasty cuisines, and beautiful coastlines covered in surf spots. So I think it’s time we’re gonna talk about our own backyard! We are gonna do a road trip through France, Spain, and Portugal and going to tell you all about it. Let’s hit it off with Biarritz!
Surf and dine in Biarritz
Since we love surf spots and try to incorporate them in all our travels, there’s literally one spot we shouldn’t miss out on; Biarritz! Biarritz might be one of the most famous surf towns of France and not without reason. The charming little streets, the lively ‘centre ville’, and of course the waves. It all adds up to the charm of this town. It’s bigger and busier than all the other towns around, which also makes the place a lot more bustling. It’s a place to flaunt. Whether you’re showing off on your surf skills or your excellent style, there’s room for both. Most surf at the plage Côtes des Basques, where waves are constant, even on a flat day. Because of the beach breaks, it’s perfect for beginners, but the more advanced will be able to get their fix as well. The place is of course well known… so you won’t be able to find empty line-ups here. But hey, waves are waves, and who am I to say no to them?
Act like the French
One of the good things about France is the French know how to do lunch. Bottles of rose, plenty of time, oysters to start, and much more to follow. From Paris to Lyon to St. Tropez, and Biarritz is no different. Around Les Halles (a very nice food market in the mornings!) there are plenty of terraces packed with people and good food. Bar Jean is one of those places. Waiters running around, young and old people mixed together, and just one buzzing vibe. Whether it’s mussels, baby squid, or traditional steak tartare, everything is mouthwatering and worth a try. Make sure you are very hungry or find a crowd, so you can try it all.
Who says you can't eat all day long?
It’s not like they only know how to do lunch. Dinner comes them pretty easily as well. So we moved to the other side of the road at Le Comptoir du foie gras…. The name alone makes me drool. Little tables on the sidewalk and the road itself (which is blocked because we and the French need to drink wine and eat), people looking fabulous, and the wine and sangria flowing like water. I can get used to this.
The Biarritz charm
Even though Biarritz might be one of the most touristy towns along the coast of Les Landes, it’s definitely worth the visit. It has such a nice vibe and somehow did know how to hold on to this old charming feeling you expect in French coastal towns (which a lot of them actually lost a long time ago…). So go check it out. Surf a bit, drink wine all day, and taste all the delicacies you can find. I promise you, you won’t regret it!
Bisous,
Marthe
Photos by: M. Barends, J. Roeland©
Definately true: I also love to travel to far away and exotic places and sometimes Europe really seems a bit boring. But in the past year we’ve also done a few European trips and all of them were really nice. And yes also “easy” to travel, but isn’t that just convenient? So this year I’m only planning European trips. (okay and 1 to Morocco as well, but that’s just South-South of Europe 😉 ) Biarritz seems like a nice place to visit too and a road trip through southern Europe is a great plan!!
I love Europe! But sometimes I forget about its’ beauty… Too many places to discover in the world! 😉 Biarritz is really nice.. maybe one for one of your euro trips the upcoming year? Where are you planning to go?
Great choice of restaurants! After your post I went to ‘Le comptoir du foie gras’, wow that food is so good!!
Thanks great post!
Ah I’m so glad we inspired you!! They definitely know how to dine in Biarritz… Enjoy your time there!
STAYED IN BIARRITZ ONE DAY BEFORE BIKING THROUGH THE PYRENEES. BEAUTIFUL TOWN
Hi Michael! It’s is a stunning town indeed! Did you go for a surf as well? 😉
It’s true that the waves there are friendly for beginners at surfing just like myself. And the food is just DELICIOUS!
Hi Jazzlyn! It’s definitely a good spot to learn how to surf, and we couldn’t agree more on the food. We can’t wait to return!