We’ll look at some of the popular seaside resorts and towns between Bordeaux and Biarritz.

Brits often associate the seaside and France with the Cote d’Azur or French Riviera where the coast is lapped by the Mediterranean in the south, and forget that there is the northern coast running along the English Channel and the Atlantic coast and the Bay of Biscay – both boasting some of the most magnificent beaches in Europe.

You’ll not only enjoy over 10 miles of staggering beaches in Lacanau and fantastic surf conditions, but also an enormous lake with many sandy beach which is very popular with families and a huge pine forest ideal for cycling, walking and horse riding; in fact Lacanau is recognised as having its own microclimate.

Over five miles of sandy beach line the resort town of Arcachon which is favoured by those looking for lazy days on the beach or a whole host of sporting activities in the summer, including wind surfing, water skiing and motor boat hire. Arcachon Beach is often recognised in photographs by its rows of blue and white stripped tents. Abatilles Beach is popular with young children as there are summertime play areas.

As Biscarrosse has developed over the mainland and a “T” shaped peninsula, the resort has three centres which are linked by a number of tracks and circuits developed for walkers and cyclists. There is a leisure park open from February to November with over 100 activities for children from 4 years old and adults, and the Promenade en barques in Biscarrosse Village where you may hire a boat and explore the local lakes and marshes.

The fashionable holiday resort of Biarritz is located close to the Spanish border and is known as the “Pearl of the Basque Coast”. Ryanair flies into Biarritz-Bayonne Airport with Pau being a suitable alternative although car hire is necessary. About four miles of sandy beaches greet you in cosmopolitan Biarritz, a resort where classic style and modern living combine. There is a huge choice of accommodation in Biarritz including the stunning Hotel du Palais on the water front.

From personal experience, I can’t recommend car hire enough. Whilst the centre of a busy resort like Biarritz has everything you need within walking distance, there are just so many other areas, beaches and towns to visit in the vicinity. Also the Pyrenees mountains are on your doorstep and perfect for horse riding and escaping the heat in the summer, or skiing in the winter!