Two days on the Basque Coast are all it takes to go from the ocean to charming towns, from bustling market halls to villages by the bay, and from a stroll by the waves to a wellness break. But you still need to choose the right starting point. With its establishments in Biarritz, Anglet, Bayonne and Ciboure, Belha Collection allows you to plan a short, seamless and well-located break. Here are our suggestions for making the most of 48 hours on the Basque Coast, with a Belha venue at each stop – the perfect place to extend your stay.
Biarritz by the sea, as seen from the Ibis Styles Biarritz Plage
Biarritz is the perfect place to start a 48-hour break on the Basque Coast: an elegant town overlooking the ocean, where you can enjoy the beach, a stroll, a sightseeing trip and dinner all without straying too far.
- Where to stay? À the Ibis Styles Biarritz Plage, a convenient way to enjoy Milady Beach, the Cité de l’Océan and the Biarritz coastline.
- Where to eat? At the hotel restaurant for a simple meal, or at Les Halles in Biarritz for a friendly, typically Basque atmosphere.
- Where can I go for a walk? From the Port des Pêcheurs to the Rocher de la Vierge, via the Atalaye plateau: a short, scenic walk offering beautiful views of the ocean.
- Where can I go for a swim? At Milady Beach or the Grande Plage, depending on the atmosphere you’re after.
- The must-see attraction? The Imperial Chapel, built at the request of Empress Eugénie. Dedicated to the Mexican Black Madonna, Our Lady of Guadalupe, it blends Hispano-Moorish and Romano-Byzantine influences. A short, elegant and more intimate visit, perfect for discovering another side to imperial Biarritz.
Anglet’s great outdoors, as seen from the Hôtel Les Terrasses
Anglet brings a real sense of breathing space to your holiday. Here, the Basque Coast is all about beaches, surfing, coastal walks and wide open spaces. It’s the perfect stop-off to slow down between two more urban visits.
- Where to stay? À Les Terrasses Hotel, right next to the Angloy coastline and Cavaliers Beach.
- Where to eat? At Les Bahines restaurant, right on the premises, where you can enjoy delicious local dishes just a stone’s throw from the beaches. On Sundays, make the most of the Anglet’s most famous brunch in the Gulf Stream.
- Where can I go for a walk? Along the Boulevard des Plages, towards La Barre, Les Dunes or the Anglet seafront promenade.
- Where can I go for a swim? At Cavaliers Beach, about 50 metres from the hotel, or on neighbouring beaches, depending on conditions.
- The must-try item? A beginner’s surfing course in Anglet, with a school located on the coast, or a stroll to La Chambre d’Amour to enjoy a different side of the coast.
Anglet: a wellness experience, from the Atlanthal Hotel
To turn a short break into a real escape, Atlanthal lets you add a thalassotherapy element to your itinerary. It’s the ideal stop for anyone wanting to combine the sea, relaxation and comfort, or even for a romantic weekend away on the Basque coast.
- Where to stay? À the Atlanthal Hotel, to enjoy a 4-star hotel linked to the world of thalassotherapy.
- Where to eat? At ITXASOA, close to the hotel and with stunning views of Cavaliers Beach.
- Where can I go for a walk? In the Chiberta Forest, situated about fifteen minutes from the hotel.
- Where can I go for a swim? By the sea, near the beaches of Anglet, or at the Lagon, with a heated seawater swimming pool and wellness facilities.
- The must-see attraction? Villa Beatrix Enea, an iconic cultural venue in Anglet, housed in a charming old mansion. Exhibitions, contemporary art, architecture and a wooded park: a lesser-known gem, perfect for adding a touch of culture to a day spent between the beach and the coast.
Bayonne’s heritage, as seen from *Le Bayonne*
Bayonne adds a cultural and culinary dimension to your stay. Over 48 hours, it’s the perfect stop-off to discover the Basque identity from an urban perspective: the quays, the market halls, historic alleyways, chocolate, ham and colourful façades.
- Where to stay? À Le Bayonne Hotel, on the banks of the Nive, the perfect place to explore the town on foot.
- Where to eat? At Les Halles in Bayonne to soak up the local atmosphere, or at the hotel restaurant for a more comfortable option at the end of the day.
- Where can I go for a walk? Along the banks of the Nive, then through the historic centre, past the narrow streets, bridges and colourful houses.
- Where can I go for a swim? At the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool during the season, for a relaxing break after your visit.
- The must-see attraction? St Mary’s Cathedral in Bayonne, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, or the Chocolate Museum for a more indulgent visit.
Bayonne’s festive and gourmet side, from the Ibis Budget Bayonne
Bayonne also reveals its most welcoming side: around Les Halles, in the bustling streets of the city centre, along the quays, or during the major events that bring the city to life. Staying at the Ibis Budget Bayonne makes for a straightforward stopover in a prime location, allowing you to soak up this atmosphere without complicating your itinerary.
- Where to stay? À the Ibis Budget Bayonne, a convenient place to stay for a short break, with 84 air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, free car park and easy access from the A63 and A64 motorways.
- Where to eat? In Petit Bayonne, around Rue Pannecau and the neighbourhood’s lively little streets, where you can soak up a more festive atmosphere, with bars, Basque-style dining, dishes to share and that ‘peña’ spirit.
- Where can I go for a walk? On the ramparts of Bayonne, around the Château-Vieux and the Botanical Gardens, for a walk that’s a bit different from the quayside – more focused on the city’s heritage – with a lovely view of the fortified town.
- Where can I go for a swim? On the beaches of Anglet, easily accessible from Bayonne by car. La Barre beach is a good choice for a simple day out by the sea, with an open, family-friendly setting close to the mouth of the Adour.
- The unmissable experience? The Bayonne Ham Fair, if your visit coincides with the right time of year: held every spring since 1462, it celebrates Bayonne ham in a lively, gourmet and festive atmosphere. Just remember to check the dates for this year’s event before your visit. Outside this period, head to the Pierre Ibaïalde workshop, a cured meat specialist in Bayonne since 1990, to discover the local expertise and sample the house specialities.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the bay side, as seen from the Ibis Ciboure Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is one of the most charming stops along the Basque Coast. Its sheltered bay, harbour, shopping streets and historic centre make it an ideal destination for a few hours or an overnight stay.
- Where to stay? À the Ibis Ciboure Saint-Jean-de-Luz, which is a handy way to enjoy both Ciboure and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Where to eat? In the centre of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, around Place Louis XIV or the harbour, to soak up the town’s evening atmosphere.
- Where can I go for a walk? From the port of Ciboure to the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, then along Rue Gambetta and around Place Louis XIV.
- Where can I go for a swim? On the Grande Plage in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, sheltered by the bay and a lovely spot for a peaceful swim.
- The must-see attraction? The Church of Saint John the Baptist, where Louis XIV married the Infanta of Spain, or the Maison Louis XIV for a journey through the town’s history.
Ciboure and Socoa, from the Ibis Budget Ciboure
Quieter than Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure offers a more relaxed way to round off your holiday. With its harbour, bay, mountain views and the Socoa neighbourhood, it’s the perfect place for a half-day visit without an overly packed itinerary.
- Where to stay? À the Ibis Budget Ciboure, a simple, conveniently located place to enjoy Ciboure, Socoa and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Where to eat? Arraina La Table Marine, near Socoa harbour, for a meal featuring fish and seafood.
- Where can I go for a walk? From the port of Ciboure to Socoa, following the coastline of the bay and taking in the views of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Where can I go for a swim? On Socoa beach, at the foot of the fort, in a more sheltered spot.
- The must-see attraction? Socoa Fort, which overlooks the entrance to the bay and makes for a lovely short outing to include in a 48-hour itinerary.
