Self-catering holiday deals in Biarritz

Surfers in the heart of Biarritz (cred: Richard Harbus)

Tuesday, 06, Jan 2009 08:59

By Chris O'Toole

As canny city break addicts are quickly discovering, the cheapest way to explore Europe's finest cities is to check into a self-catering apartment. Whether wanting to escaping for a romantic weekend, or looking forward to a cultural tour, cooking up your own meals means you can easily cut down the cost of your trip.

And in these economically frail times cutting costs can be all the more important.

Why self-catering holidays?

Swapping an expensive hotel for a self-catering apartment doesn't mean foregoing comfort or central locations. Holidaymakers find a vast choice of clean, modern apartments in Paris to Rome, situated in the heart of the

action.

And why not pack a glossy cookery book when journeying abroad? Forage in the markets for delicious local produce and whip up gourmet treats in the comfort and privacy of your own little home from home!

Here we look at Biarritz as a city break destination, with money-saving tips and the best self-catering apartment deals to ensure travellers get the most out of your hard-earned cash.

Biarritz on a budget

Dreaming of a city break destination with a beach? In a peachy part of France? On a budget? Forget snooty St Tropez and make your way to the infinitely cooler Biarritz for a heady mix of nightlife, beachcombing and, of course, surf culture - French style.

Situated on the Atlantic coast on the Bay of Biscay, this vibrant seaside town combines Belle Époque grandeur with bohemian chic.

While the beaches, elegant bars and smart hotels continue to seduce the rich and famous, this youthful town is now the European centre of up-market surf action where barefoot and tousle- haired boys and girls rub shoulders with models and watersports-mad millionaires.

But this playground for the rich and famous is also accessible to those on the most modest of budgets. Here's travelbite.co.uk takes a look at how to get your place in the sun for less.

Getting there

Biarritz is easily accessible from Paris by France's high-speed train, the TGV, which departs from Gare de Montparnasse. And to get you in the party mood, there's also a new 'discotheque' night train running the route.

You can get to Biarritz by rail in less than nine hours from the UK if you take the Eurostar train from London St Pancras via Lille or Paris.

Or fly in with a low cost airline. Both easyJet and Ryanair fly to Biarritz with daily departures in high season. The Aéroport de Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne is located just four kilometers from the city centre.

Beach life

Biarritz boasts some of the best beaches in Europe and has won multiple awards for cleanliness and top ocean front facilities. Beachcombing is free!

Explore the vast swathes of sandy beaches from Grande Plage to the Plage Miramar - the hubs for top people watching and sunbathing action. Or alternatively picnic in the sheltered coves of little Plage du Port Vieux and watch the sun go down with a cold beer at the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin's Rock), which is floodlit at night.

The depths of the Bay of Biscay outside Biarritz form a 'wave funnel', enabling surfing here all year round. For a ringside view of surf action, head to the Cote de Basques beach, situated in town. It was this beach with its colossal breakers which spawned European surfing culture, and it now plays host to the annual Biarritz Surf Festival in July.

Grand Plage also has powerful waves breaking right in front of the town centre. This is where the Biarritz Surf Trophy is held in October every year.

The beaches of Ilbaritz - Marbella, Bora Bora and Edouard VII - are located south of the town centre, and Anglet, to the north of Biarritz, is where holidaymakers will find the beaches of Les Sables d'Or, L'Ocean, La Madrague, Marinella and Les Corsaires.

Good peaks break at all points between the jetties that separate these beaches.

Finally, for those looking to learn to surf and can't persuade a salty local to show you the ropes, the École du Surf (102 rue Pierre de Chevigné) offers affordable one-hour lessons in addition to its celebrated week-long courses.

City tour of Biarritz

The town's architecture is a visual feast. As guests stroll around there is a chance to discover a blend of gabled Basque houses and art deco villas.

To get their bearings holidaymakers are advised to take a walk from the Côte des Basques and follow the winding trail to Port-Vieux. Then cross the footbridge to the Virgin Rock, named after its statue of the Virgin Mary, and climb up to the Atalaye Plateau for panoramic views across the town and beaches and the old seamen's huts on the Fishermen's Harbour.

Museums

On rainy days, or if travellers are simply after a break from the sun, there are plenty of cultural havens to explore.

At the sweet smelling Musée du Chocolat on avenue Beau Rivage guests not only learn about the history of Basque cocoa production but get to sample a generous selection of the fruits of the bean.

For those with little ones in tow, come and meet the sealife at the Musée de la Mer (esplanade du Rocher de la Vierge). Time a visit for either 10.30 or 17:00 and children can watch the keepers feed the hungry resident turtles and seals.

Finally, discover the city's illustrious past at the Musée Historique de Biarritz (rue Broquedis). Housed in the former Anglican church, this little museum features a memorial to the fallen officers at the French Napoleonic wars.

Markets

Rub shoulders with the locals and fill a basket with Basque delights at the bustling covered market, Les Halles. The market is open every morning and local ham, chorizo, breads and luscious fruits and vegetables are among the rich pickings.

Also buy a bottle or two of chilled wine or cider. Shop well in the market for fresh produce and the supermarkets for staples and culinary wizards can create delicious breakfasts, picnic lunches and dinners at a fraction of the cost of dining out.

Eating Out

Don't feel like cooking and want a treat? Tapas bars and cafes are the cheapest options but that doesn't mean missing out. Sample Basque specialties such as piperade (ham and peppers), chipirons (baby squid), spicy meatballs and potatoes washed down with cider.

For a big treat, the fish restaurant Le Corsaire, situated at the Port des Pêcheurs, is a local institution and guaranteed to impress.

Nightlife

Kick off the evening at the Café de la Grande Plage situated on the beach-level floor of the Casino, and thrill-seekers will get one of the best sunset views included in the price of the cocktails.

The Old Port offers a wealth of buzzing watering holes and affordable tapas bars. The surfing fraternity convenes in the bars on rue Mazagran.

Local treats

Saunter around like a local in a pair of espadrilles - one of the traditional crafts that will actually come in handy for just a few Euros. Guests may or may not be excited to learn the Basque town is also famed for its high quality table linen - but everyone loves the chocolate.

The region produces some especially delicious chocolate and there are plenty of chocolate shops crammed into the town. Patxaran (a liqueur made from aniseed, wild prunes and vanilla) is also a local must-try.

Accommodation

Pierre & Vacances has a selection of affordable self-catering apartments close to the top beaches, including Haguna Residence (17 avenue de la Reine Victoria), which offers a choice of self-catering studios and one-bedroom apartments.

All apartments offer a great base for visitors looking to soak up the city's charms on a budget, and each has its own fully-equipped kitchen, and comfortable living accommodation within easy reach of the beaches, cultural attractions and nightlife.

Apartments costs from just ?290 (£265) per week and short breaks (minimum two nights) are also available. For latest deals, visit PV-Holidays.