Looking to escape to the coast on vacation in France but after something a little different? There are lots of incredible and famous seaside resort towns in France – the beloved surfing destination of Biarritz, the legendary Mont Saint-Michel surrounded by sweeping Normandy beaches, and the glamour and luxury offered along the Côte d'Azur in the likes of Cannes – but there are also plenty of spots that you’ll see pictured a little less often in tourist guides, which still have so much to offer visitors.
Among these, Anglet stands out as a particularly excellent spot for those who love to be immersed in nature and have plenty to see and do outdoors. If you like to stay active, Anglet is a dream destination boasting, not only some incredible beaches for surfing, but lush forests in which to hike, cycle paths cutting through the surrounding scenery, a golf course, and much more besides. So, if you want to enjoy a break on the coast and get out into nature to indulge in some fun adventures, then a villa in Anglet is the way to go!
Surfing
Nearby Biarritz will be a more familiar surf destination to many but that doesn’t meant that Anglet can’t compete. In fact, many would argue that they prefer a vacation rental in Anglet for a surf-filled holiday or a full-on surf break. The sport and its associated lifestyle are very much part of the DNA of Anglet, palpably so, with crosswalks shaped like surfboards and a constant trickle of visiting surfers alongside locals. There is also the Anglet Surf Avenue, modelled on the Walk of Fame in LA, where the footprints of famous surfers can be traced, allowing aspiring surfers to literally walk in their footsteps.
Since the 1960s, serious surfers from all over the United States and, eventually, the world, have come to catch the legendary waves at the beach of La Barre, in particular. At this beach, just out of town, there are waves that can reach between three and four meters and, generally, ideal surf conditions at all tides.
In total, however, there are eleven different surf sports to explore in Anglet including the Spot des Sables d’Or, where professional competitions such as Pro Anglet and Anglet Surf de Nuit are held. For the non-professionals, though, this is also a key strand to make note of as it has a range of different waves and is actually suitable for those across varied skill levels. Spot des Cavaliers has also long hosted professional competitions, with some larger waves for advanced surfers.
Anglet, in fact, is a major spot for surf competitions in Europe and hosts a range of them including editions of the French Surfing Championships for the open and junior categories and pro competitions such as those mentioned above that count towards European rankings. Other surf events, such as the International Surf Film Festival, are also held in town, really adding to the general surf culture and lifestyle of Anglet.
Of course, for those who aren’t pros but who don’t want to just come to Anglet as spectators, there are also ample opportunities to try surfing out for the first time or to work on existing skills. For those seven and older, there are many state-certified schools and instructors working in Anglet, offering group classes and one-on-one instruction – it just depends on what you are after!
Importantly, the craft of board-shaping has a real heart in Anglet, so anyone who has been considering treating themselves to a very special surfboard should consider heading to a holiday rental in Anglet. Come and meet the highly skilled and experienced artisans and get a very special souvenir, indeed.
Events
In addition to all of the surfing-related events in town, Anglet has a highly vibrant calendar of other sporting events and a whole host of cultural experiences throughout the year. So, anyone who finds a villa in Anglet will have all sorts of exciting events to watch and take part in pretty much no matter when they visit! Some other key examples to pencil into your itinerary include: the Anglet Beach Rugby Festival over the first weekend of August; the Beach Volley Open across dates usually in July and August; and Footing Gastronomique, a 10km fun run where participants stop and try local produce along the way, each June.
Some of the cultural events in the calendar include the incredible art takeover of the city with installation pieces for the Anglet-Côte Basque International Biennial of Contemporary Art every two years, the combination of impressive fireworks and music each August for the Pyromelodic Show, and the free open-air concerts of Les Nocturnes de la Chambre d’Amour at the end of June/beginning of July.
For those who want to dive into the unique dual Basque and Gascon heritages of the town, festivities such as Olentzero, Basque Carnival, the Fêtes d’Anglet, the Maïada, the Feux de la Saint-Jean, and the Spectacles de Forces de Basques all allow you to learn about local tradition and history in fun and colourful ways.
Then, throughout the rest of the year, there are a whole host of all sorts of other kinds of events such as markets, a Christmas market, in particular, concerts, outdoor cinema screenings, and a showcase of the works of designers across a wide number of fields.
Other Outdoor Pursuits
As noted previously, in addition to the wonderful surfing opportunities that can be enjoyed by those who book a vacation rental in Anglet, there are lots of other outdoor wonders and activities that can be enjoyed. The stunning Pignada and Lazaret forests alone stretch across an astounding 220-hectares alongside the coast. In these forests, along shady paths, with a lush green canopy overhead, peace and tranquillity all around, and fresher-than-fresh air to breathe in, you can enjoy an array of activities. Those looking to head out along the paths and trails can simply do so on foot but there is also the option to do so by bike or, even, on horseback – all three methods are ideal if you want to get away from it all, stay active, and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The Parc écologique Izadia is another great option for hiking and exploring, boasting a 14-hectare trail through these protected wetlands, where visitors can take in the incredible flora and fauna of the area.
Other sports and leisure activities on offer include ice-skating at the rink in La Barre, tennis, padel, squash, thrills at the skatepark also in La Barre, mini-golf and actual golf, beach volleyball, beach rugby, open-air yoga along the coast, and more. And, of course, if you love the water but surfing isn’t quite your thing, there are loads of other options from swimming, to snorkelling, to SUP, to water kayaking, and more. If you’re tired after all of that? Then, head to the spas and the Atlanthal Thalassotherapy Center to enjoy massages and treatments and to soak, relax, and unwind in peaceful surroundings.
With so much to see and do, in such a gorgeous setting, and ample ways to relax and unwind by the sea, a villa in Anglet for your next vacation sounds like a perfect choice!