Hotel du Palais, Biarritz
Fit for an Empress

Hôtel du Palais - Biarritz

The Hôtel du Palais dominates the town of Biarritz. Sitting in the centre of La Grande Plage it's stunning edifice overlooks the town's comings and goings both day and night.

Literally fit for an Emperess - it was constructed by Napoleon III for his wife Eugenie, the interior drips with gold leaf and crystal chandeliers. The bedrooms, with their towering ceilings, are beautifully decorated and where changes have been made they have been done very sympathetically with the history and prestige of the building always honoured.

A wonderful place to stay where one really feels a little above the madding crowds.

Hotel du Palais - Biarritz - A "standard" sea view room

Hotel du Palais - Biarritz - The glittering entrance hall

The Courses

Biarritz Le Phare G.C.

Biarritz - Le Phare
Architect: W. Dunn.
18 holes: 5376m: par 69.
Practically in the centre of town and right beside the Régina hotel. A beautifully manicured course where cunning and guile, rather than length, required. Lovely old Club full of character (and characters!).

Makila
Architect: R. Roquemore.
18 holes: 6176m: par 72.
Against the background of the Pyrenees. A rolling wooded course with water featuring on many holes. There are a couple of steep climbs around the turn, so it may well be worth considering a buggy.

Arcangues
Architect: R. Fream.
18 holes: 6142m: par 72.
A great variety to the holes with fairways that swoop through wooded hills and skirt around the lakes. Play early so that you can make the most of the lovely, rustic clubhouse where excellent lunches are served on the sunny terasse in the glorious panorama of the Pyrenees.

Seignosse golf course
Seignosse Architect: R. Von Hagge. 18 holes: 6127m: par 72.
Undoubtedly one of the best courses in France. A great test of anyone's golf: tight fairways wriggle through the pines, island greens await and deep bunkers defend.
Should definitely be played at least once by all golfers.

Moliets
Architect: R. Trent-Jones.
18 + 9 holes: 6172m: par 73.
Similar to Seignosse but more generous in width off the Tee. Remarkable stretch of five holes out by - practically on - the seashore. Some long walks from Green to Tee so worth thinking about a buggy.

Hossegor
Architect: T. Morrison.
18 holes: 6001m: par 71.
The original Basque classic set in natural golf terrain. Private Members Club where Ollie is often seen practising. Not as long perhaps as some modern courses, but easily walkable and a great "Club" atmosphere.

Chiberta
Architect: T. Simpson.
18 holes: 5650m: par 71.
Another very private Club. On the coast just to the North of town. Half the course is genuine links, the other half plays through the pine forests.

The Area

Biarritz - The old port at night

Biarritz and the Basque country is a fascinating area of France. The conjunction of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic makes for some superb scenery. The locals are wonderful people and have two great passions in life: sport (be it golf, rugby, pelota, surfing, tennis, equestrianism or whatever) and food. Either of which they will discuss, or indulge in, until les vaches rentrent.

Only twenty minutes from the border with Spain, makes for an easy trip into San Sebastian. A delightful town with narrow cobbled streets around teh huge cathedral that are crammed with Tapas bars (or rather Pinxos as they are known around here).

Hotel du Palais, Biarritz Fit for an Empress

Hôtel du Palais - Biarritz

The Courses

The Area

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Hotel du Palais, Biarritz
Fit for an Empress