Bayonne, Anglet and Biarritz 

Famous for its chocolate, ham and red and white 'festivals', the capital of the Basque Country offers vistors a rich architectural heritage between its ramparts. Explore Grand Bayonne: enter the courtyard of the Château-Vieux where Du Guesclin was held prisoner when the city was under English rule, then go down the Rue des Gouverneurs as far as the Sainte-Marie Cathedral and its Gothic cloisters. Take a chocolate-flavored  break at the venerable Maison Cazenave (19, Arceaux du Port-Neuf)! Stroll along the picturesque Nive waterfront with its narrow, colourful, half-timbered houses before taking in the lively atmosphere of Petit Bayonne and its pelota playing halls, known as 'trinquets', and don't forget to visit the Baigneuse d’Ingres decorated in the turn-of-the-century style of the Bonnat Museum.

Located between ocean and forest, this small family-friendly resort is a must for watersports and open air activities. The coastal path takes you to eleven sandy beaches stretching for 4.5 km as far as the Chambre d’Amour beach and its famous cave where, as legend has it, two secret lovers perished beneath the waves. Popular spots with surfers, the Dunes and Cavaliers beaches offer the best waves. Looking for a touch of nature? On foot or by bike, go in search of the trails through the wonderful pine forests of Le Lazaret and Le Pignada, or have a go at high-wire tree-climbing with Accro-branches!

A legendary seaside resort founded in the 19th century by Empress Eugénie, Biarritz still shows signs of its illustrious past. The old-fashioned charm of its Belle Epoque villas and Art Deco casino recall the time when this used to be the venue for the heads of state in Europe. Depending on how you feel, relax on the Grande Plage, take a thalasso spa or discover the longboard on the Côte des Basques beach, the birthplace of Biarritz surfing. Dive into the Museum of the Sea or get a touch of exoticism in the Asiatica Museum, home to Oriental decorative art, before tasting some 'chipirons à la plancha' (small squid) on the esplanade of the Old Port.

Tip: all year round, Biarritz hosts national and international surfing competitions. In July there is the Roxy Jam, a longboard competition for the world's best female surfers, with rock concerts, female DJs and art exhibitions.