Biarritz and the French Coast

La Côte Basque, or the French Basque coast, is a magical place where you can soak in the sea vibes, marvel at the Pyrenees kicking off, and explore historic villages that were once the haunts of corsairs and kings. And guess what? They’ve still got that old-school charm, mixed with cool gastronomy, shopping, and surf vibes.

Crossing over to the Spanish side, you’ll notice a shift in landscape, with less mountain drama on the coast. There’s a different kind of architecture, traditions, and folks. But hey, at the end of the day, our Basque blood and culture tie it all together. Let’s dive into this unique blend!

Biarritz:

Get ready to dive into the glamour of Biarritz, a spot loved by kings like Edward VII and Alfonso XIII—aptly known as “the Queen of Resorts and the Resort of Kings.” We’ll stroll through a mix of fancy houses and surf vibes, hitting up iconic places like the lighthouse, art deco casino, fishing port, Saint Eugenie church, and the jaw-dropping “Rocher de la Vierge.” It’s like stepping into a blend of luxury and chill!

Saint Jean de Luz:

Next up, Saint Jean de Luz—a cute fishing village that got its fame from the royal love story between Louis XIV of France and the Spanish princess Maria Teresa of Austria. We’ll explore the most interesting spots like the Saint Jean Baptiste church, Louis XIV square, the port, and the Maison Adam, a historic shop with over 350 years of tales. Don’t miss the bustling market or Gambetta street, loaded with local goodies like cheese, piment d’Espelette, ham, gateau basque, and some rad Basque-style table linen.

And hey, if you’re up for it, grab a plate of fresh oysters paired with a glass of Bordeaux wine while soaking in the vibrant market vibes.

Socoa:

Socoa, chillin’ on the flip side of Saint Jean de Luz, has some beautiful sandy beaches, a fishing port, and killer architecture. At the end of the bay sits the Fort of Socoa, built in the early 17th century to keep Spanish invaders at bay. Take in the sea views and chow down on local faves like mussels, seafood, squid, or fish at the local restaurants.

“La Corniche” ride back home:

We’ll keep the good times rolling on the Corniche Basque, a winding road that serves up mind-blowing views of the rocky and dramatic coastline. Get ready for a road ride!