Biarritz
in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Moments from the ocean, Le Garage takes its place as a clifftop bolthole. From the fun-loving Experimental Group, it plays to its automotive history as a former garage. The wide-sweeping arched entrance – which adds to the good times exterior – leads to a space with playful pops of colour. Upstairs, contemporary rooms with sea-facing scenes are so comfortable that sinking into Berengère Leroy sofas and freestanding tubs becomes a must, especially after a day surfing La Cote des Basques. Hold back on Pipérade (a tomato-ey, capsicum stew) at Mercado Les Halles for dinner at the Néo Bistrot, where chef Benjamin blends Basque flavours with a South American and Asian spin. It’s all about good food and enjoying life here.

The Experimental Group's clifftop Belle Époque building sits right where Biarritz's fashion and surf crowds converge, and the hotel is as good-looking as the waves below. Marine stripes and oversized chunky furniture fill the generous lobby; rooms lean playful with bold prints and a colour palette that matches the town's breezy energy. A ten-minute walk to La Côte des Basques, good for surfers and non-surfers alike.