Biarritz and the Basque Coast Guide From Napoleon III to Charlie Chaplin, Biarritz has always been a prized holiday destination for the rich and famous. Surfers, golfers, festival-goers and conference delegates also favour this coastal resort with its astonishing architectural patchwork. Influenced by the ever-present ocean, the town marries a nonchalantly-worn Art Déco style with Basque traditions and sophisticated pleasures, all taking place in an effortlessly romantic, intimate environment. Five ideas for discovering another side to the city -  Have lunch at Biarritz's charming fishing port, scattered with little restaurants set in old fishing cabins. -  Make a cultural trip to the Asiatica museum, right in the centre of Biarritz, one of the most striking collections of Asiatic art in Europe. -  Visit the amazing Abbadia castle designed by Viollet-le-Duc, a daring mixture of Neo-gothic and Ethiopian architecture, situated near Hendaye (25 km from Biarritz). -  Take advantage of an evening in Biarritz, to enjoy a magical stroll along the sea front, illuminated by Pierre Bideau (also known for the lighting on the Eiffel tower). -  Take advantage of the invigorating sea spray from the Bay of Biscay and go for a walk along the huge, 3km long beach at Hendaye, the last stretch of French land before the Spanish border. Time difference In France, summer time is set at GMT + two hours, and runs from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October. To call Biarritz Dial the international code followed by 33 for France, then 5 for Biarritz and the 8 digits of the person you are calling. Climate Average temperatures by season: - Spring: 11° C - Summer: 22° C - Autumn: 14° C - Winter: -1° C Holidays These holidays are celebrated throughout France: - 1 January: New Year - Easter Monday (date varies) - 1 May: Labour Day - 8 May: 1945 Victory Day - Ascension (date varies) - Monday after Pentecost (date varies) - 14 July: National Day - 15 August: Assumption - 1 November: All Saints Day - 11 November: Armistice Day - 25 December: Christmas Getting around Biarritz's cosy atmosphere and size make it ideal for sightseeing on foot. The best way of visiting the countryside inland and the Basque coast is to hire a car. Biarritz Tourism Office Basque Coast Tourist Office: Agence touristique du Pays Basque 4, allée des Platanes 64100 Bayonne, France Tel: (international n° +33) 5 59 46 52 52 Biarritz on the Web http://www.biarritz.tm.fr See our Cultural calendar Back