How To Spend A Week In Biarritz, France

Nice, Cannes and the rest of the Cote d’Azur get most of the spotlight when it comes to summering in France, but this beachy surf town on the Basque Coast is another way to soak in the sun (and beaches and amazing French food!)

Biarritz boasts a unique mix of culture and energy. There’s the fantastic French food and wine, but also the culinary influences of Spain and regional Basque tastes. There’s the elegant atmosphere of a French coastal retreat, mixed with the laid-back atmosphere of a surf town.

Day 1

Check-in at Regina Experimental

The Regina Experimental is a grand, historic hotel. One look at the white-washed, ornate exterior will tell you that. The hotel first welcomed guests in 1907, serving as a playground for the fashionable and wealthy through the Roaring Twenties.

a look inside one of the rooms at Regina Experimental — The white-washed rooms have modern furniture with colourful and bold patterns.

The occupation of the Nazis and the crash of Wall Street, among other things, ushered in less happy years for the hotel. But more recently it’s restored to its former glory – with a new playful, funky twist.

the restaurant at Regina Experimental — The Regina Experimental had a makeover with a quirky twist.

The central lobby space is decked with colourful, bold patterns and a wide array of modern furniture for lounging about. Topped with a huge glass roof, the hotel is filled with light and, on Friday and Saturday evenings, the sounds of the piano.

the lobby of Regina Experimental — There’s a timeless feel from the moment you enter the grand lobby.

The staff is incredibly warm, helpful and friendly. Book an ocean-view room and enjoy looking out over the iconic Biarritz lighthouse from your balcony.

Biarritz lighthouse from the balcony, Regina Experimental — See the iconic Biarritz lighthouse from your balcony.

Dinner at Frenchie

After you get settled in (and perhaps take one of the many coastal walks just outside the hotel’s front door) don’t miss dinner at Frenchie. The patio is a great place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink and watch the sunset.

a close-up of a dish at Frenchie, Biarritz — Bask in local Basque flavours at Frenchie.

Like the hotel, the experience at Frenchie is deeply rooted in the region, while infusing its own playful personality. Local Basque flavours, such as Espelette chilli pepper, Gascon black pork and Basque sheep cheese, tie the meal together from start to finish. I’m still daydreaming about the monkfish, doused with shellfish and herring roe beurre blanc and dotted with sweet passion fruit gel.

food and drinks on the table at Frenchie, Biarritz — Frenchie serves up dishes that highlight regional fare.

Tip: One of the best times to visit Biarritz is in September when the summer crowds have lessened, but the weather is just as lovely. Plus, this is typically a great month for the swells, if you are a surfer.

Day 2

Explore the heart of Biarritz

Head into the heart of Biarritz to explore. One of Biarritz’s free shuttles stops just outside the hotel.

an aerial view of Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz, France — Sleep in elegance right next to the ocean at Hôtel du Palais.

Alternatively, the walk is an easy 15 minutes along the coast, where you’ll be able to pass the famous, imposing Hôtel du Palais, which Napoleon III built during 1855 for his wife.

the pool at Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz, France — Take a dip in the pool before or after an ocean sojourn.

In town, check out Fadead Vintage for some cool shopping and indulge in a long lunch at Le Pim’pi Bistrot, for a classic, French bistro experience.

Maison Adam sweet treats against the backdrop of the ocean in Biarritz — Unique treats from Maison Adam will satisfy every kind of sweet tooth.

For sweet treats, stop at Maison Adam. Walk out to Rocher de la Vierge, a rocky outcrop which makes you feel like you are in the middle of the sea – the perfect place to be for sunset.

the rocky outcrop at Rocher de la Vierge — Swim or walk Rocher de la Vierge for picturesque views of the bay. (Image: Getty/Wirestock)

Day 3

Enjoy Biarritz’s famous beaches

Biarritz is best known for its beaches and surf culture, so you’ll have plenty of choices of where to soak up the sun.

the seafront in Biarritz, France — Hang 10 at the beaches in Biarritz. (Image: Bruno Chanet/Regional Tourism Committee of New Aquitaine)

Plage du Port Vieux (Old Port Beach) is a small beach tucked in a cove – perfect for being in the middle of all the action, while still having quick access to a cocktail.

the Plage du Port Vieux (Old Port Beach) — Or enjoy a refreshing swim in Port Vieux beach. (Image: Getty/Wirestock)

Marinella Beach (or really any of the beaches further north in Anglet) provides a never-ending sandy horizon and plenty of room to spread out. You can even take a surf lesson if you get tired of dozing on the sand.

Sample Biarritz’s culinary scene

There are so many fabulous restaurants in town that it is difficult to narrow it down. For most, having a reservation is always a good idea. Aiete is a small and unassuming space, so when the food hits the table, it really hits above its weight, packed with big and bold flavours.

dining at Aiete, Biarritz — Dine on seasonal fare at an affordable price.

AHPE is a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick (meaning: incredible food at an affordable price) that focuses on seasonal fare, with a flair for fermentation.

a close-up of food at Aiete, Biarritz — The menu at Aiete embodies the culinary riches of Biarritz.

Day 4

Check in to Le Garage

Just across the street from Regina Experimental, the hotel’s sister property Le Garage fully taps into the retro, funky heartbeat of Biarritz. The building has past lives as an aero club and an automobile garage for vintage cars.

the hotel exterior of Le Garage with an outdoor pool — The retro-style hotel Le Garage is fringed by a serene pool.

I highly recommend ordering a wide selection of small plates (especially the roasted carrots with carrot hummus) and lounging by the pool. There’s a whole menu for gin and tonics – I went with the elderflower tonic and local gin.

the Biarritz lighthouse as seen from Le Garage hotel — Take in tranquil views of the surrounding landscape.

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Tapas bar

If you want to take the party elsewhere, head to Le Bar Jean, where you can sample tapas, pintxos and paella until very late at night.

Day 5

Visit an underwater wine cellar

If you want to see the surrounding Basque coast, there’s no better way than driving to Egiategia, a unique underwater wine cellar in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

the underwater wine cellar at Egiategia, Biarritz — Egiategia is renowned for underwater winemaking.

Just a thirty-minute drive from Biarritz, this winery harnesses the power of the ocean – its pressure, darkness, consistent temperature and rocking motion – to distil its wines.

dining at Ostalamer, Biarritz — Pull up a chair to feast on incredible seafood at Ostalamer.

On the way back, book dinner at Ostalamer or Heteroclito, both known for their incredible seafood and fantastic ocean views.

al fresco dining with ocean views at Heteroclito, Biarritz — Have a sundowner at Heteroclito while you take in the ocean views.

Day 6

Snack at a local market

Today is your last chance to sample all of the local dishes you haven’t had a chance to taste yet. Take your time wandering around Les Halles de Biarritz, a covered market with every manner of fish, meat, cheese, bread and snacks for sale.

Dinner at Cheri Bibi

Be sure to make a reservation in advance to sample this poster child for Biarritz cool. It’s always packed with a very trendy-looking crowd, who flock for their simple, fresh, rotating menu and laid-back environment.

The prices are shockingly good for this level of quality. And you can pick your own bottle from the wine shop side of the restaurant.

an array of wine bottles at Cheri Bibi — Pick your own bottle from their signature wines.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

How to spend a week in Biarritz, France