Californie France

It’s hard to imagine you could be any closer to Biarritz’s famous La Grande Plage than when you are sitting out on your ocean-view balcony at Californie. In the heart of this vibrant seaside town, this apartment offers guests superb accommodation which will impress any of its guests in terms of designer-style as well as location.
In the centre of Biarritz, Californie is on the first floor of a beautiful, historic building on a sea-facing boulevard less than 100m from La Grande Plage. You enter from a central street filled with restaurants, modern apartments and boutiques and wander up the old-fashioned staircase to your grand entrance. As you step into your home you will be totally amazed. This architect’s apartment has been renovated with an amazing sense of style with colourful, en-vogue interiors filled with eclectic furnishings, vintage features and an overall surfy vibe.
Light floods in from the four sets of French windows that open up from the huge open-plan living and kitchen space to the ocean-facing balcony outside. The state-of-the-art kitchen stands bold in blue which harmoniously leads to a bistro-style seating area, perfect for breakfast as you peek out towards the sea. Three large leather couches offer comfort, backed by modern art and facing the ocean whilst a stainless-steel library adds an über-modern touch to the room.
Each of the four bedrooms has sumptuous beds, cool décor and their own shower room or, in the case of the master bedroom, a decadent bath in the room as well as doors opening up to part of the balcony looking out towards the sea. 
You really are in a great location, just a few steps from the bars, restaurants and exciting nightlife that the town is so famous for. Within a couple of minutes you can be strolling along La Grande Plage, admiring examples of the Art Deco architecture or simply relaxing on this wonderful beach.
Try some of the restaurants around the characterful Port des Pecheurs, the former fishing port or pick up some Basque delights in the amazing market at the Halles de Biarritz, just a ten-minute walk away. Discover the shops around the Port Vieux and then admire the incredible views from the Rocher of the Vierge peninsular.
Surf lovers take note that this coastline has become a mecca with surfers from all over the world, not only on the impressive beaches of central Biarritz but also further south including the beaches near the traditional Basque village of Bidart and trendy Guéthary.
This is city living at its best in the very heart of Biarritz yet with all the wonders of the marvellous Pyrénées-Atlantiques so near. Californie is an apartment on the first floor of an elegant, historic building in the centre of Biarritz with the main entrance on a central street with boutiques, modern apartments, hotels and restaurants.
The location is ideal for those looking to be within walking distance to the beach, shops, restaurants and the vibrant nightlight that Biarritz has to offer. Indeed, there is even a nightclub just below the front of the apartment, after all this is the heart of trendy Biarritz.
The elegant resort of Biarritz, part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, dates back to the mid-19th Century when aristocracy built their summer residences along this part of the coast, including the well-known Hotel du Palais, built by the wife of Napoleon III, just a short walk away (you can catch a glimpse of it from your balcony).
To reach the beach, simply walk out of the main entrance (on the non-sea facing side), around the corner, follow the road towards the sea (or the other way down a number of steps), cross over the sea-front boulevard below your balcony and wander through the gardens straight down to La Grande Plage. Walk along the beach promenade (or take the little road-train), passing some amazing examples of Art Deco buildings such as the casino (also home to a theatre and swimming pool), the Aquarium (a must for sea-lovers or families) and the famous Hotel du Palais so near. At the top-end of Biarritz you will reach the fascinating lighthouse where there are some incredible views.
There are restaurants within walking distance, including some lovely ones in the Port des Pecheurs, the former fishing port, where you will find fresh seafood. Food lovers don’t miss the amazing market at the Halles de Biarritz, a 10-minute walk away, including many wonderful Basque specialities.
It’s also a lovely atmosphere around the Port Vieux, about 15 minutes away, where there is a tiny sheltered beach loved by locals and the town’s main shopping street, Rue Port Vieux. Nearby, another one of the town’s highlights is the incredible Rocher of the Vierge peninsular, which can be visited via the Eiffel bridge that connects it to the mainland.
Biarritz and the surrounding area offers a 6km long coastline including some other wonderful beaches alongside La Grande Plage including Plage de Milady to the south and Plage de la Cote des Basques, both of which have become a favourite for surfers. Indeed, Biarritz has become a surfing mecca with surfers from all over the world being attracted to the Bay of Biscay and there are plenty of surfing schools for abilities and all ages. Excellence Luxury Villas guests can arrange surf coaching or just equipment hire during their stay.
For a change of scene, head south to the authentic Basque village of Bidart (7km) up on the cliffs with tremendous views or further south to Guéthary (10km) with its relaxed vibe, excellent beaches and surfing hang-outs.
Hire a car and head inland to explore some of the idyllic Basque villages such as pretty Ainhoa (28km) and Sare (27km), where you can take the old wooden train up to the summit of La Rhune, one of the most dominant peaks of the Pyrénées, where there are some restaurants with incredible views as well as hiking opportunities. Both are two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages.
Indeed, this whole region offers an extended range of outdoor activities, such as walking, horse-back riding, fishing, cycling, canoeing and many others including water-sports along the coast.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request from below or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning  – Private chef/cook/catering – Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge – Local day-trips or tours – Airport pick-up/drop-off – Babysitting / childcare services – Bike hire
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Home-delivered fresh breakfasts- Home-delivered barbecue platters- Home-delivered seafood platters- Personal chef and catering services- Wine, Champagne and beer tastings- Tailor-made surf lessons or equipment hire- Golf coaching- Yoga, breathing, meditation and relaxation courses- Basque Pelota courses- Massage and reflexology treatments- Personal trainer- Healthy nutrition and detox coaching- Cooking classes- Private chauffeur- Bike, scooter and skateboard rental- Guided tours- Helicopter rides
Excellence Luxury Villas guests will also have access to special rates to use the 5* Sofitel’s Pool and Spa in Biarritz, featuring a thalassotherapy centre as well as an indoor pool.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!