Located in the French Basque territory, with Basque flags and symbols still prevalent throughout Biarritz, this charming Seaside Resort in Southwestern France is only a few miles from the border with Spain, on the Atlantic coast.

We arrived there at dusk and were immediately swept off our feet by its beauty, both of us falling in love with this idyllic place filled with mystique.  As the last rays of the sun bathed the ample beach and classic lines of the buildings, enveloping everything with an almost magical air, one could easily lose himself in reverie.  The faraway lighthouse on the hill, beaming its beacon out to sea, enveloped in a light mist, making it seem even more surreal; the majestic Casino on the boardwalk, the streets filled with lots and lots of people strolling the French promenade amidst the palms.  Aah, this is Biarritz! 

No wonder Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, built a palace on the beach here, the still standing Hôtel du Palais.  The British royal family regularly vacationed here as well, as did European royalty such as Queen Victoria, Edward VII, and Alfonso XIII of Spain.  You don't have to be royalty to visit Biarritz.  We just rented a car and traveled here from Bordeaux, the wine country, located only a few hours away. 

I love Southern France and I love the French!  They are warm and hospitable people with a rich culture and a predisposition for metaphysical discussions.  No conversation is spared the possibility of deviating into a deep discussion.  The French are passionate and intelligent and if you're going to engage into the repartee, you better be up to date on the issues at hand...  If not, just put on your best nasal accent, drink your wine, smoke your unfiltered cigarettes and just gesticulate in agreement with an occasional: "Oui, moi aussi!"

If you have the chance to visit southern France, please make Biarritz part of your travels.  If you do, you will never forget it.  We are going back!

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