L’Arc France

If you love the sight and sound of the waves, L’Arc is the perfect place for you – it’s a holiday home to dream about during those dark winter days.
This apartment, part of a distinguished looking residence in the heart of historic Biarritz, is entered at street level and sleeps six. Recently renovated, it is the ideal place for lovers of the beach and the city – just imagine sitting on the terrace with your coffee gazing at the wide sandy beach below you and letting your eyes wander towards the surfers riding the foamy breakers of the Bay of Biscay. Pour a glass of wine to watch the sun set over the ocean as you listen to the sound of the waves.
The living area is designed to maximise the spectacular views with its large sliding glass doors leading out to the terrace. A wonderfully spacious, sea-blue curved sofa is perfectly positioned for all six to comfortably enjoy the panorama from the living area. There is dining space at the breakfast bar next to the well-equipped, open-plan kitchen. The furniture and art work in the three simple yet comfortable bedrooms have been carefully chosen to reflect the contemporary design and historic charm of the whole apartment.
It’s going to be difficult to leave your terrace but there is plenty to explore nearby. There are good restaurants in the Port des Pecheurs, a short walk away, where fresh seafood can be found and food aficionados should not miss the eating places and amazing market at the Halles de Biarritz (1.2km). Walk a few minutes beyond Miramar beach towards La Grande Plage to view the grand Art Deco style of the Hotel du Palais nearby, so typical of the city.
Guests also benefit from complimentary use of the outdoor swimming pool, also overlooking the beautiful beach, as well as the gym and indoor pool at the 5* hotel right next door.
Biarritz is of course a mecca for surfers and Excellence Luxury Villas guests can arrange surf coaching for all abilities or just equipment hire. Other services that can be offered include guided tours, bike rental and scooter hire or you may wish to hire a car or even personal chauffeur so you can get out and explore some of the further wonders of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, whether idyllic Basque villages near the majestic mountains, wilder beaches along the coast or pretty seaside villages.
You may prefer to just stay in your perfectly ocean-view apartment in Biarritz where you can explore, shop, dine, surf, play golf or just relax by one of the many wonderful beaches this part of the Basque coastline has to offer.L’Arc is situated in the heart of the city on a residential road parallel to the beach, right next to one of the entrances to a 5* hotel (guests benefit from complimentary access to the hotel’s swimming pools and gym).
Biarritz is an elegant resort in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of south-west France, dating back to the mid-19th century when the aristocracy built their summer residences along this part of the coast, following the example of their Emperor.
The apartment is a few minutes’ walk away from the well-known Hotel du Palais built by Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, who had spent her childhood holidays on the Basque coast and fallen in love with its landscape – the hotel remains a symbol of the luxurious lure of Biarritz.
Eugenie also built the exquisite Chapelle Imperiale nearby – the small chapel contains mosaics reminiscent of the Alhambra in Spain and a bust of the empress can be found in the pretty garden.
Plage Miramar is a continuation of the town’s most popular and famous beach, La Grande Plage. It’s less busy than the main beach and therefore more popular with the locals. There are plenty of other beaches around the town such as La Plage de la Cote des Basques (2.1km), which has become a favourite for surfers. Indeed, Biarritz has become a surfing mecca with enthusiasts from all over the world attracted to the 6km of Biarritz coastline and beyond. 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.
When you need a break from the giant waves, there is a tiny sheltered beach at Port Vieux (1.4km), situated near the town’s main shopping street, Rue Port Vieux.
Walk away from the sea to visit Le Colisee (450m), a neighbourhood theatre within walking distance for evening entertainment or to enjoy the Art Deco architecture which is a theme throughout the city. The Casino Municipal (700m) and the Aquarium (1.5km), a must for sea-lovers or families, are good examples of the style. The Casino also houses a theatre and swimming pool.
From your apartment terrace you will have a good view of the Phare de Biarritz (1km), a tall lighthouse built in 1834. Walk there to experience the stunning ocean and town views or look northwards towards the beaches of the Anglet coastline, another paradise for surfers. Some of these northern beaches are surrounded by grassland and forests and are well worth a visit.
When you are ready to eat, there are plenty of good restaurants in the Port des Pecheurs (1.1km), the former fishing port, where fresh seafood can be found. Food aficionados, don’t miss the restaurants and the amazing market at the Halles de Biarritz, (1.2km). Try out some of the Basque specialities including the touron (marzipan), locally cured ham and mussels.
There are also some idyllic Basque villages inland to explore such as two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, pretty Ainhoa (26km) and Sare (24km) where you can take the old wooden train up to the summit of La Rhune, one of the highest peaks of the Pyrénées – there are restaurants with incredible views as well as opportunities for hiking.
Indeed, this whole region offers an extended range of outdoor activities, such as walking, horse- riding, fishing, cycling, canoeing and many others including water-sports along the coastAt 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 complimentary use of the neighbouring 5* hotel’s swimming pools and gym, plus discounted rates on spa treatments, featuring a thalassotherapy centre.
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!