Biarritz Attractions

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Shopping: Several stores sell souvenirs such as Basque tablecloths, hand made sandals, antiques and jewellery. Almost every shop in the region sells espadrilles (traditional slippers), and all the major boutiques with big designer names can be found on Place Clemenceau in the centre of Biarritz. Excellent Biarritz chocolates and confections can be found in chocolatiers like Pariès, Daranatz, and Henriet, while Mille et Un Fromages specialises in French cheeses.

Restaurants: Biarritz has a good mix of brasseries, casual taverns and formal dining, offering a variety of good local cuisine and classic French fare. Chez Albert is a locals favourite serving excellent seafood in a lively Basque atmosphere; la Concha is also a good bet for seafood. For tapas and good, authentic Basque food and appeal head to Bar Jean or Le Bistroye where local dishes are a speciality.

Nightlife: Biarritz has an active nightlife that includes nightclubs and a casino. Le Casino Municipal has an informal section with slot machines and an elegant section reserved for table games. Le Caveau is the city's best nightclub or try the hip Le Copa Cobana for Latin salsa along with every other kind of dance music, or Le Cayo Coco for Cubano music and tequilas. The best way to start the evening is in a deckchair at Côte 57 where the cocktails help the sun to go down.

Activities: Biarritz is steeped in the surfing culture and is considered to be the surfing Mecca of Europe. Surfing has become a symbol for Biarritz and the Basque Coast and there are numerous surf schools that offer lessons; the main surfing spot is at Grand Plage or longboarders should head to Côte des Basques. Golf has also reached legendary standards with greens spread around the town offering first-rate facilities and an exceptional setting. A long tradition of marine benefits to health and beauty (thalassotherapy) has created a spa environment in Biarritz and the Thalassa institute at the Hôtel Miramar and the Thermal Seawater Baths of Biarritz offer a wide variety of care, in high quality settings. Horseriding, tennis and squash are some of the other activities on offer, or if simple relaxation is on the agenda then any one of the fine beaches will do.