The stunning European city that's becoming a go-to coastal destination

When it comes to the South of and coastal getaways, your mind might drift to the stunning , with its coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. Popular cities along this beautiful stretch of land include Nice, Marseilles, and Cannes. However, the South of France has another coastline, and it's one you won't want to miss out on.

Located on the French Basque coast, and on the border with Spain, is the city of Biarritz, which was named the country's nicest city to live in for 2025. This city is fast becoming one of the go-to destinations for holidaymakers, with many opting to jet off to Biarritz rather than their favoured spots on the Riviera.

Biarritz is perhaps best known as the location of the Hotel du Palais, a luxury hotel that was built in 1854 as a palace for the Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III.

Since then, the hotel has proved a popular haunt for European royalty, with British monarchs, including Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.

The latter caused a bit of a scandal when he sent for the British Prime Minister H. H. Asquith to kiss hands at the Hotel du Palais rather than returning to Britain for the ceremony.

Spanish royalty have also enjoyed the luxuries of the hotel, including Alfonso XIII, who visited frequently throughout his reign.

While Hotel du Palais may prove too expensive for those of us who aren't royal, there is still plenty to do when visiting Biarritz.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy your time on the Basque coast, from the rocky lookout of Rocher de la Vierge to the beautiful beaches of La Côte des Basques, Plage Port-Vieux de Biarritz, and Plage de la Milady.

For those looking for some history, there is the neo-Gothic church Eglise Sainte-Eugénie, the Russian Orthodox Eglise Alexandre Newsky, which certainly stands out among the city's skyline.

Another option is the Chapelle impériale de Biarritz, a chapel built for Napoleon III and Eugenie so they would have somewhere to worship while visiting their home in Biarritz.

Author of Les Misérables, Victor Hugo, was quite fond of Biarritz, once writing that he had never visited a place "more pleasant and perfect" than this city.

However, he did fear the city becoming too popular, and in his Alpes et Pyrénées, he wrote: "My only fear is Biarritz becoming fashionable. Whether this happens, the wild village, rural and still honest Biarritz, will be money-hungry.

"Biarritz will put poplars in the hills, railings in the dunes, kiosks in the rocks, seats in the caves, trousers worn on tourists."t

A prediction that may be becoming true as tourists continue to flock to this stunning city.