6 of the Best Wedding Venues in Biarritz
Biarritz is a unique tale of two halves, and that’s what makes it an original and different spot to get married. Close to the Spanish border, on one hand it’s a fancy coastal resort that’s been popular since the 19th century, when Napoleon III built a palace for this wife Eugénue here (which is also a venue, more on that below!) and on the other hand, it’s an absolute surfers paradise, known as Europe’s surfing capital. Located on France’s southwestern coast, it is home to an abundance of elegant villas and heritage listed residences, with stunning Belle Époque and Art Deco architectural detailing.
For us, Biarritz feels like a real hidden gem when it comes to cool and unique wedding venues, and we can’t wait to share our favourites with you below.
1. Chateau Clair De Lune
A breathtaking 19th century manor house located just 5km from the centre of Biarritz, Chateau Clair De Lune is surrounded by a rose, magnolia and rhododendron filled park, making it a truly romantic spot for a wedding. With 180 degree views of the Pyrenees, the venue has an abundance of spaces to get married in across the main manor house and its hunting lodge, along with a lovely 120 sqm outdoor covered terrace, which is perfect for either the ceremony or reception. They are able to host up to 180 guests seated, with the possibility of extending this to 250 guests. The venue also has its own Michelin starred restaurant Atelier Alexandre Bousquet, which benefits from stunning mountain views and of course, incredible food.
2. Hotel Du Palais
Originally built by Napoleon III as a testament to his love for Empress Eugénie, the decadent Hotel Du Palais sits on a enviable seafront spot within Biarritz. As the only 5 star hotel to be awarded the coveted official ‘palace’ status on the entire French Atlantic coast, it is the ultimate in opulence and the perfect spot for a luxury wedding. Say your vows on the beach, followed by a wedding breakfast within their renowned Ballroom, with beautiful views out to sea. Watch the sunset right on the shoreline as the night closes in and stay the night in one of their many romantic ocean fronted suites. On the days surrounding the wedding, make the most of their Imperial Spa and large swimming pool right by the beach.
3. Brindos Lac and Chateau
Sprawling across the shorelines of one of the largest private lakes in France in the heart of the Basque shoreline, Brindos Lac and Chateau is a truly charming spot to get married. An immersive and relaxing experience, the venue is home to 39 rooms and suites, including 10 premium floating lodges on the lake, for the ultimate in privacy. You and your guests will dine on delicious Basque cuisine in one of their many reception spaces, and can also enjoy their relaxing swimming pool, large spa, hammam and wellness area.
4. Hotel Le Garage
A trendy design hotel located close to the ocean, Hotel Le Garage was a former garage that used to house the most beautiful cars of the Belle Époque. Featuring incredible architecture including arched shaped doors that are over a century old, its been transformed with Avant-Garde and Neo-Retro design to create a real sensory experience for all who visit. The venue benefits from a variety of rooms to host your wedding within, alongside 27 bedrooms and suites with garden terraces or ocean views, plus a large outdoor swimming pool.
5. Chateau D'Arcangues
Located in the heart of the French Basque Country, the beautiful and historic Chateau D’Arcangues is a visual treasure trove. Filled with a unique collection of artwork, furniture, paintings, antiques, tapestries and a library with more than 20,000 books, it’s all the decoration you need when it comes to wedding decor. Located on a small hill in the middle of a large park, it benefits from views that extend towards the valley of the Nive and the city of Bayonne on one side, and the Pyrenean mountains on the other. The venue can host weddings of up to an impressive 350 guests, with dishes from the best caterers and chefs in the region.
6. Regina Experimental
From the stylish Experimental Hotel group, Regina Experimental is a 5 star hotel located right on the edge of a cliff facing the ocean, along the coastal road from Anglet to Saint-Jean de Luz. Featuring impressive Belle Époque architecture, the interiors have been completely reimagined with new decor, whilst still paying homage to its roots. The hotel is home to 72 white, blue and mint green rooms, a stunning cocktail bar in the atrium and a seafront restaurant with classic cuisine with roots in the Basque culinary culture. On the days of rest around the wedding, enjoy a dip in their heated pool, or a relaxing treatment in their wellness and spa area.