The number of people in this popular coastal resort in French Basque Country swells dramatically over summer. Once favoured by European aristocracy and later by money-laden Britons, Biarritz now draws an international crowd to its fine beaches, casinos and surfing spots, which have lent it the name la Californie de l'Europe.The town's cultural sights are not likely to keep you out of the sun too long. They include a blue-domed Russian Orthodox church, hotels with lobbies the size of skating rinks and the Musée de la Mer. The latter - recently refurbished - has an aquarium with numerous tanks of sea life and a museum documenting the area's involvement in commercial fishing and whaling. Outside pools contain seals and sharks.

Biarritz's fashionable beaches are lined with brightly striped bathing tents and packed with people during summer. After a busy day's frying you can play golf or cesta punta, the world's fastest game, played with a ball and scoop-like racquet; be entertained by nightly folklore performances; or trawl through displays of Basque music and handicrafts.

DMC Companies

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• Creative French Events
• Glaude Travel incentives
• Novatours DMC
• Stage one international
• Sunazur International
• Terre Events

Summary|Biarritz|Cannes|Chamonix
Paris|Culture|History