This beautiful seaside resort town near the Spanish border is approximately 779km (484 miles) SW of Paris and one of the most famous coasts in the world. Biarritz was once a fishing village that was made famous by the royalty who favored it including Empress Eugénie, Napoleon III, Queen Victoria, and Edward VII. Biarritz continued to grow into a fashionable destination in the 1930s by the Prince of Wales Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. When discussing their trip to Biarritz they gave instructions to "Chill the champagne, pack the pearls, and tune up the Bugatti." Although those legendary days are long gone, the resort is still fashionable and has now become the surfing capital of France. Biarritz is a jewel of historic significance and interest, planned with theatrical style. Contemporary French architects have worked with vision to harmonize the historic relevance with the very latest modern influences.

Activities and Places of Interest
Golf - Biarritz has ten golf courses within a 30 km radius. With the second-oldest golf course on the European continent (The Lighthouse Golf Course, created in 1888), the oldest amateur golf competition (the Biarritz Cup started in 1905), and the Ilbarritz international training center, Biarritz has long been an all-around golf champion.
Casino - Ideally situated on the oceanfront, there are over 220 slot machines and 11 game tables at the Biarritz Casino Barrière, across from the Grande Plage. If you are not in the gambling mood take a walk along the coast and enjoy the beautiful lights along the water.
Well-Being - The five thalassotherapy centers and three spas make Biarritz and the Basque Coast a privileged spot for well-being and relaxation by the sea.
Surfing - The historical capital of surfing in Europe and the annual host of the Roxy Jam Women's World Longboard Championships, Biarritz is the place to surf. Ten schools teach you how or help you perfect your technique.
Shopping - In Biarritz, major boutiques with big designer names from Paris can be found on Place Clemenceau in the centre of Biarritz, as well as along the elegant rue Mazagran and avenue Edouard VII. Whether you are looking for Basque textiles, the latest surf gear, exceptional local chocolates, quality jewelry, or traditional Basque espadrilles and berets, you will find it in Biarritz
The Musee de la Mer (Maritime Museum) - Facing the fishing port in the old part of town was first opened in 1935 and is fully renovated. There is a fascinating collection of the fish and invertebrates that live in the Bay of Biscaye, displayed in 24 aquariums with over 150 species including sharks, saw fish and the guitar ray. The classic attraction is the seal's pool, able to be seen from under water and in the open air.
La Gare du Midi - This former imperial railway station where Napoleon III used to arrive when he came to Biarritz, is now a busy festival and arts center.

Weather
With a typical continental warm temperate zone climate, Biarritz has four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature in Biarritz is around 12 degrees Celsius. The summer months, June to August, are warm. Please check http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/175 for the latest forecast.

Additional Resources

• http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187080-Biarritz_Basque_Country_Pyrenees_Atlantiques_Aquitaine-Vacations.html
• http://www.frommers.com/destinations/biarritz/
• http://wikitravel.org/en/Biarritz#b