Biarritz

After 5 wonderful days in San Sebastián, I took a couple trains back across the border to another beautiful surf town in Basque country for a couple days... Biarritz, France. Once a popular holiday destination for Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, and Russian Aristocrats, Biarritz is now known for its beaches and surfing.

I arrived in town late afternoon, just in time to shower, relax for a bit, then head out for the evening. I lucked out once again with Airbnb, staying at a lovely little home called Maison Pia. My host, Marion was incredibly welcoming and drove me around the town the first night, showed me the must-sees and took me to a great little tapas bar overlooking the coast. She even pointed out a scenic running route and a place to swim in the nude if I so pleased, ha! So French! We capped the night chatting over local wine/cheeses/fruit in her garden... The perfect start to my trip.

Good food and view at Kostaldea

The next morning, I skipped the skinny dipping, but took Marion's advice on the running route and set out for a sunrise run along the coast, with my camera in hand! I looked a little silly, but it was worth it for the pics and I was able to get some of my sightseeing done too (i.e. La Grande Plage, Villa Belza, Rocher de la Vierge/Rock of the Virgin).

La Grande Plage - town's largest beach

Villa Belza

After my run, I walked over to Les Halles, the local market, bought a fresh chocolate croissant (when in France, right?), had an espresso, and meandered through the isles, taking in the sights and scents of fresh baguettes, cheeses, fish/meats, flowers, and produce. I could spend hours in a good European market! 

Next, I set out to explore the city more. I checked out the other sites to see: Plage Miramar, Eugenie Palace (now Hôtel du Palais), Phare de Biarritz (lighthouse), Ass Cultuelle Orthodoxe Russe (Russian Orthodox church - below on the right). Biarritz is small, so I was able to tackle the sites in half a day and laze on the beach in the afternoon.

View of Plage Miramar from Pointe Saint-Martin

Hôtel du Palais

Phare de Biarritz

After washing away the sand, I spent the final evening of my solo trip at Port Vieux, the casual harbor area of town. Here I enjoyed a local dish of grilled squid at Casa Juan Pedro and chatted with fellow travelers from South Africa.

My final day, I spent my dwindling hours of sunshine on the beach before returning to a rainy Dublin. As I'm writing this now and looking out my window at snow flurries (in March in Ireland!), I'm reliving my experience and realize even more how incredible it was. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm proud of myself for pulling the trigger on a solo trip. Who knows if or when I'll be able to do it again, but it's one I'll never forget :) Cheers, SS & Biarritz!