Travel Tips

Hossegor

Restaurants

  • La Nord Hossegor: Bistronomic Restaurant and Natural Wine Bar near the Beach.

  • Marché d’Hossegor: Visit the market to taste local produce and Basque specialties like pintxos, charcuterie, and artisanal goods.

Beaches

  • Plage Centrale: Famous for its surfing culture, this beach is ideal for surfers of all levels or anyone looking to enjoy the vibrant surf scene.

  • Plage des Casernes: A quieter, more relaxed beach spot north of Hossegor, offering peace and stunning ocean views.

  • Lac d’Hossegor: This saltwater lake offers calm waters for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, with nearby sandy shores for relaxing.

Visits and Activities

  • Explore Seignosse: Discover forest trails, pristine beaches, and the Seignosse Golf Club, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Capbreton Pier (Estacade): Stroll along this scenic pier that stretches into the ocean, offering great views of the coastline.

  • Landes Forest: Explore the vast pine forest with hiking or cycling trails, offering a tranquil nature experience.

Biarritz

Biarritz can be a good base for a couple days of exploration.

It is the busier, more modern/trendy town along the french coast, with plenty of nightlife, boutiques, and restaurants.

Hotels

Restaurants

  • Nick’s Favourite ❤️ : La Plancha, a Biarritz classic for tapas & beers

  • Aiete

  • Sillon

  • Maison Adam for Basque macarons

Hikes

  • Sentier du Littoral (Biarritz to Bidart or Saint-Jean-de-Luz): Coastal hike with stunning ocean views, cliffs, and charming villages; 12-25 km, moderate difficulty.

  • Lulu’s Favourite ❤️ La Rhune: Mountain hike with panoramic views of the Basque Country and the Atlantic; 13 km round trip, moderate to difficult.

  • Chemin de la Corniche Basque (Hendaye to Socoa): Scenic cliffside hike along the coast, with unique rock formations and ocean views; 13 km, moderate.

  • Artzamendi Forest Loop: Peaceful mountain hike through forests with views of the Pyrenees and Nive Valley; 10 km, moderate difficulty.

Saint Jean de Luz

Beautiful Saint Jean de Luz is another popular town, 15 min south of Biarritz.

Hotels

Restaurants

  • Instincts 

  • Ostalapia ( a few minutes outside of town, worth the detour for an authentic meal and views of the Pyrénées). No trip to the region is complete without a meal here!

  • Maison Paries for Basque macarons.

Bayonne

Bayonne is the capital of French Basque country. The historical center is worth a detour, and especially its cathedral. No need to stay in Bayonne overnight.

  • Explore the Old Town: Wander through Bayonne's historic streets, with half-timbered houses, charming squares, and the beautiful Gothic Bayonne Cathedral.

  • Walk Along the Nive River: Stroll along the riverbanks, enjoy views of colorful houses, and stop at quaint cafes or markets like the Halles de Bayonne.

  • Visit the Basque Museum: Discover the rich culture and history of the Basque Country through traditional artifacts and exhibits.

  • Chocolate Tour: Bayonne is famous for its chocolate; visit local chocolatiers for tastings and learn about the city’s chocolate-making tradition.

  • Explore the Vauban Fortifications: Walk along the city walls and explore the historic Château-Vieux and surrounding defensive structures.

Other Towns Along the Coast

Between Bayonne and the Spanish border, there are other smaller Basque towns worth the detour, including Bidart, Guéthary (our favorite!!), and Ciboure.

  • In Bidart, have lunch or dinner at Bela Gorri / La Voile Rouge for beach and sunset views.

  • In Guéthary, have sunset apéro at l’Hétéroclito, or Providence.

  • In Ciboure, walk along the cliff south of town for dramatic ocean views. Treat yourself to a meal at Chez Mattin post-hike.