TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA

For years, Madrid-based interior designer Marta de la Rica has spent long, happy summers in charming Biarritz, France. As she launches her new design book, A Vocabulary of Color - which takes much inspiration from Biarritz - Marta shares an insider guide to the elegant seaside city. Read on to discover Marta's favorite spots to stay, shop, eat, and soak up sun and culture.

BY MARTA DE LA RICA | CABANA TRAVEL | 11 JULY 2025

My Favorite Hotels

Hotel Silhouette: I love staying in the heart of town, being able to wander in and out, strolling through the market, browsing the shops, or walking to the beach. Hotel Silhouette is located right in front of the lively market, bustling both day and night.

Hotel de la Plage: Another great option is Hotel de la Plage, in a privileged spot with sea views. Both hotels have a warm, relaxed atmosphere, which is exactly what I look for. 

My Favorite Restaurants

Chéri Bibi: There are more and more great places to choose from in Biarritz. I love Chéri Bibi in the center—perfect for a fun dinner with friends.

L’Auberge d’Achtal: When I’m with my daughters, my favorite is L’Auberge d’Achtal in Arcangues. It’s a legendary restaurant where we’ve always gone as a family, running and playing in front of the fronton while waiting for our food. The must-try dishes: the duck, the French fries, and the omelets.

Gaztelur: And Gaztelur—with David and Borja leading the kitchen, it’s always a success.

My Favourite Café

I love Lobita Café at the market—not only because the coffee is excellent, but also because it’s part of my morning ritual on some days. I adore the feeling of waking up early when the streets are still quiet and almost empty.

My Favorite Bars

Le Bistrot du Haou: On the same street, right across from each other, you’ll find Le Bistrot du Haou and L’Artnoa. The first is run by a lovely woman who, in addition to wine, offers traditional French dishes or a simple cheese board to accompany your glass.

L’Artnoa: The second has a great wine selection and is the perfect spot for an afternoon apéro. The best time to enjoy both places is outside of July and August, the busy summer months. A sunny winter day spent here is truly priceless.

My Favorite Museums and Galleries

Villa Arnaga: About half an hour from Biarritz, in Cambo-les-Bains, it’s worth visiting Villa Arnaga and its gardens. It was the home of writer and playwright Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Musée de la Mer: I would definitely include this in this list, although it is the Aquarium of Biarritz. It’s the place we used to visit as children on rainy days. The building itself is special, with its beautiful Art Deco façade.

Champ Lacombe: And finally, in a completely different category, I love the contemporary art gallery Champ Lacombe.

My Favorite Shop

I have to mention Gaztelur. It’s close to my heart, because I genuinely believe in it. Beyond antiques and decorative objects, you can also find simpler things, those little treasures that always bring joy. And beautiful flowers prepared by Mar.

My Favorite Antique Stores

This region is full of brocantes and flea markets. It’s worth checking the local listings to see where the next one will pop up—they’re usually held in nearby villages. I recommend going early in the morning. Some of them are Quintaou, Ahetze and Arcangues.

In Biarritz, I always make a stop at the antique shop of my dear friend Isabelle Marc on Rue Gambetta. She has impeccable taste; I always leave with something special.

My Favourite Garden or Green Space

I love planning different hikes and discovering new trails. Heading inland, you quickly reach the Pyrenees—within half an hour, you’ll find yourself surrounded by green mountains and wild horses. From Ascain, there’s a well-known route up to La Rhune peak, and if you keep going on the other side, you’ll cross into Spain.

It’s really worth getting a book of hiking trails—there’s so much to explore. Closer to town, I love Rocher de la Vierge, a rock crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary, commemorating the safe return of fishermen. You reach it by crossing a footbridge, and from there, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets. 

My Favorite Hidden Treasure

Laura’s yoga classes at 7am on the Côte des Basques—the greatest luxury I know.