Food

Shop

Drink

Cafe

Stay

Varied landscapes, an ocean of verdure, a surfing paradise, mountains as far as the eye can see... And much more!

PAYS BASQUE & BEARN - EN

There’s more to Biarritz than the coastline! The “Queen of Beaches and Beach of Kings” is best-known for its seaboard and waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. But it also features two lakes, Marion and Mouriscot. You may explore them along any of these three paths. The longest one forms a five-mile loop. Within it, two variants of three miles each offer other options. They allow you to either focus on the Lake Marion side or the Milady Beach side. Both take you along Lake Mouriscot. For more information, please consult <https://www.cotebasque.net/les-chemins-des-lacs-pour-un-week-end-inoubliable-a-biarritz/>. ©Peter Potrowl/Wikimedia Commons

Le Chemin des Lacs

The Navarrine family has been baking for five generations. Since 1903, they have been preparing traditional recipes at their two bakeries in Oloron-Sainte-Marie (19 miles from Pau) and Ogeu-les-Bains (16 miles from Pau). Among their specialties are two typical Basque-style brioches: pastis bourrit (a soft, dense brioche flavored with vanilla, rum, anise, or orange blossom) and garfou (a Béarnaise-style king cake). For more information, please consult <https://www.facebook.com/boulangerienavarrine?locale=fr_FR> or call +(0)5 59 36 08 40 (Oloron-Sainte-Marie) or +(0)5 59 34 92 39 (Ogeu-les-Bains). ©Brands and People/Unsplash

Boulangerie Navarrine

Don Quichosse is the curious name of a workshop where authentic Basque espadrilles are hand-crafted. The head artisan of this family business is the fourth in line to weave, warp, sew and vulcanize shoes on century-old machines. The store-workshop is located in the Mauléon-Licharre industrial zone at the heart of Basque Country, 36 miles from Pau. On-site, you may purchase a number of espadrille models, watch the crafting process, and tour a small museum. For more information, please consult <https://donquichosse.com/> or call +33(0)5 59 28 28 18. ©Istock by Gettyimages

Don Quichosse

This is THE place to be if you love surfing! Since 2016, locals, tourists, and sightseers have been getting together at Maison du Surf. This isn’t just a public space or a surfing museum. It is a special gathering place presided by a true enthusiast, Julien Roulland. As the head of this surf center, he recounts the history and culture of surfing. This local specialist also hosts a number of events and encounters, creative and educational workshops, lectures, concerts, film projections, and art exhibitions. For more information, please consult <https://www.facebook.com/lamaisondusurf/?locale=fr_FR> or call +33 (0)6 13 55 08 29. ©Istock by Gettyimages

La Maison du surf Biarritz

While the brick façade stands out among the whitewashed houses all around, the most striking part of this building is the interior. Tucked away in an alley, the imperial chapel features a spectacular decoration harmoniously mingling Romanesque-Byzantine and Hispano-Moorish styles. Its walls are adorned with marble-imitation stucco, while the choir, pendentives and coffered dome are adorned with grisaille paintings. The aisles are lit by six stained-glass windows, and the floor is paved with black and white marble. This gem has been a listed historical building in 1981. Guided tours only. For more information, please consult [biarritz.tourisme@destination-biarritz.fr](mailto:biarritz.tourisme@destination-biarritz.fr). ©Istock by Gettyimages

La Chapelle impériale

Less than six miles from Pau, Exotic Park is filled with animals for the whole family to enjoy! Farm animals, pink flamingos, parrots, cranes, llamas, wallabies, reptiles, primates, insects and many other creatures share these five acres facing Lac des Carolins in Lescar. The tour includes an exterior circuit that concludes with a plant-filled, air-conditioned vivarium spanning 5,382m2. On-site restaurant featuring local products. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission at 4:45 p.m. A 10-minute drive from Hotel Mercure Pau Palais des Sports. For more information, please consult <https://exotic-park.com/> or call +33(0)6 18 24 95 34. ©Istock by Gettyimages