Douce Campagne at Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The Neighborhood

The villa is situated just 10km south of Biarritz in a secluded rural location, surrounded by open farmland and forests. A picturesque Basque village is only 3km away where you will find a couple of restaurants. Look out for the golf course which passes in front of the village chateau. When the sea beckons, the beaches of Bidart and glitzy Biarritz are about ten minutes’ drive away. If you are feeling energetic, walk part of the 25km of coastal walk between Bidart (8km) to Hendaye, an easy marked trail with splendid ocean views. Head towards Illbarritz and Milady beach (10km), loved by the locals for its sea views, gentle walking along the promenade, surfing, children’s playground, restaurants and the City of the Ocean Museum. It’s not far to the heart of beautiful Biarritz, an elegant seaside town dating back to the mid-19^th century when aristocracy built their summer residences along this part of the coast, including the well-known Hotel du Palais, built by the wife of Napoleon III. Here you will find some wonderful restaurants in the Port des Pecheurs, the former fishing port, where fresh seafood can be found. Food lovers don’t miss the amazing market at the Halles de Biarritz including many wonderful Basque specialities. Some of the local specialities include the local touron (marzipan), locally cured ham as well as mussels, mushrooms and more. These markets embody a way of life precious to Biarritz - locals meet there for breakfast before work and the neighbourhood comes to life at night. Also have a look round the shopping mall and characterful shops of the Biarritz Docks. It’s also a lovely atmosphere around the Port Vieux where there is a tiny sheltered beach loved by locals and the town’s main shopping street, Rue Port Vieux. Amazing Art Deco buildings around the town and especially along the beach include the casino (also home to a theatre and swimming pool) and the Aquarium which is a must for sea-lovers or families. The city of Bayonne is just 13km away, close to Biarritz. Walk around its narrow streets admiring the beautiful and historic architecture or stroll along the river front. The Musee Basque showcases the region’s arts, crafts and traditions. There are also some idyllic Basque villages inland to explore such as two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages; pretty Ainhoa (21km) and Sare (20km), where you can take the old wooden train up to the summit of La Rhune, one of the most dominant peaks of the Pyrénées, where there are some restaurants with incredible views as well as hiking opportunities. Indeed, this whole region offers an extended range of outdoor activities, such as walking, horse-back riding, fishing, cycling, canoeing and many others including water-sports along the coast.