Share the article
France is not only one of the most visited countries in the world, but it has also somehow remained the dreamiest.
No matter how many tourists flock to world-famous Parisian landmarks or French Riviera hotspots; The bottom line is that France is never a bad idea.
But even as popular as it has remained for decades, there are still places that fly under the radar, just as beautiful as the household names we’ve all fallen in love with.
Don’t choke on your croissant when I tell you that there is a vast coastline in France that is largely undiscovered by the masses, with one stretch almost hugging Spain.
No, it’s not one of the Riviera paradises; it’s a standalone city on the Bay of Biscay, which probably didn’t qualify for your 2026 bingo card.
Recently recommended by Travel + Leisure as a “must see”, Biarritz is perhaps France’s most underrated beach destination, far removed from the hordes of tourists on the Côte d’Azur and well beyond the orbit of the Eiffel Tower.
Welcome to the “California of France” 🏄♂️
When you imagine your seaside holiday in France, you probably all think of yachts, good food on the patio, paradisiacal coves and ugly swimwear (no offense, French people!)
Still surfing?
That’s left to my side of the woods in San Diego – certainly not Marseille or St. Tropez, right?
Right.
But then again, that’s the Riviera. This is the Basque coast, which is usually associated more with Spain than France.
The seaside charm of Biarritz is a rare exception in terms of SoCal vibes, where you’ll find nearly two dozen surf schools ready to help you tackle the city’s big Atlantic waves.
Plage de la Côte des Basques is widely regarded as the home of Biarritz’s love affair with surfing.
However, if tearing up gnarly waves isn’t your jam, bruh, and you’d rather experience a slice of France that most guidebooks miss, summer is prime time for calmer, swimmable water and fewer surfboards in the way.
But it’s not just the surfing community that exudes the Cali vibe; it’s the relaxed atmosphere, the vibrant blue waters and the well-being-oriented locals in the city that you will encounter when you look around Halls of Biarritzan absolute must.
In other words, if Whole Foods were in France, you’d find one here.
Can croissants be organic? French tacos certainly can’t…
Why Biarritz is the chicest beach holiday in France 🏰
Pure elegance isn’t hard to find in France, as long as you’re willing to venture off the path of the Parisian tour groups.
Whether it’s an unheard-of village or, in this case, a locally beloved seaside resort, you won’t have to break the bank in St. Tropez or awkwardly navigate the sketchy streets of Marseille.
Biarritz is a safe haven for that everything, but more importantly, it’s authentic compared to the above locations, and always attracts more tourists than locals just having some fun in the sun.
This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan beach town riding a wave of hype, but a legendary seaside destination with real pedigree, with grand old architecture from its palatial past, and a breezy oceanfront setting that somehow feels both luxurious and simple.
From the stately promenades and iconic waterfront to the chic boutiques, elegant hotels and old-world resort charm, Biarritz has a way of making even a casual stroll along the coast feel a little glamorous.
Compared to St. Tropez, Biarritz seems cheap, but for most it will still cost a pretty penny if you opt for a stylish hotel, such as the city’s most famous hotel. Hotel du Palaisin the $500s per night for the rest of the spring.
Come here: Double dip this trip! 🇫🇷 🇪🇸
Before planning a trip, you’ll want to make sure you dot all the i’s and cross your t’s by checking the entry requirements.
One more thing: The U.S. State Department currently classifies France as Level 2, the second-lowest designation.
Here’s what fellow travelers are saying in real time about their visit to France:
Biarritz may be a textbook “hidden gem” for most, but it is do have their own airport connected by some of Europe’s largest hubs for Americans:
- Brussels
- Paris
- London
- Amsterdam
- Zurich
To name just a handful.
Better yet, Biarritz isn’t exactly a border town, but is less than 40 miles from Spain to have to do it, right?
Don’t get me wrong: this fairytale retreat is certainly worth having as a primary residence, but you can reach one of Europe’s most diverse countries on your doorstep, even if it’s just a day trip to such unknown treasures just across the border, like Irunor Hondarribiaon the edge of the Basque countryside.
