Sports Tours in Biarritz

Situated in the very southwest of France, the holiday destination of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie, or Mrs Napoleon, fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach and a centre with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains.

However, the days of being reserved for high society are long gone and today Biarritz is an affordable, vibrant and cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches.

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 for holiday visitors; the main surfing spot is at Grand Plage, and longboarders should head to Côte des Basques. Other nearby attractions include the Pyrenees Mountain range which splits southern France and northern Spain in two. The stunning range is a playground for thrill seekers and calm walkers alike. Well worth a visit on any trip to Biarritz.

Biarritz is full of culture and tradition. It is located on the coastline of the passionate Basque region of France. Unlike their Spanish counterparts, the French Basque people do not harbour radical separatist views, but they do cling to their identity, their local unique languages and traditional way of life, offering a fascinating insight to all who visit. Men can still be seen in the traditional costume of a beret and cummerbund, towns and villages all have concrete courts for the playing of the national ball-game, pelota, and bull fighting is a popular spectator sport.

By night, Biarritz is a hive of bustle. Restaurants serving a cuisine that is a hybrid of French and Spanish cooking will offer Tapas, seafood and classic French fare. Later in the evening, the bars spill out onto the street with revellers ending up in one of the numerous nightclubs. We recommend La Caveau or Le Copa Cabana. La Casino Municipal is another great night time attraction.

Rugby in both Southern France and the Basque country is an utter religion. It is one of the few venues in Europe where Rugby dominates the sporting scene. Every village, town and city is represented by a Rugby Club. Home games are passionately supported with the visiting team likened to that of an invading force. The intensity of such a sporting experience must be seen to be believed. It is something that any Rugby player will remember for a long time.