Discover "Little California" in Anglet

Life in Anglet is totally connected to that of the ocean. With no fewer than 11 distinctive beaches, each with its own identity, there are so many ways to enjoy the sun, fine sand and splendid waves that make the coast so beautiful and surfers so happy.

Among the so-called urban beaches is the Plage des Sables d'or. Lined with around forty bars and restaurants and supervised throughout the summer, this is the family beach par excellence. It is particularly lively during the summer season, with numerous concerts, DJ sets, street shows, fireworks displays and night markets.

Plage des Sables d'or is also a great place to play Beach Volleyball, a very popular sport in Anglet. The site has 8 permanent courts with free access, and free tournaments open to all are organised in July and August. At the beginning of August, you can also watch professional championships, a guaranteed spectacle! Fancy sipping a quality cocktail in a delightful post-beach bar with swimming pool? Then head to The Beach House, where you'll be welcomed into an infinitely friendly 'beach hut' atmosphere and treated not only to fabulous cocktails in flashy colours, but also to tasty, elaborate cuisine. A hearty and varied brunch is also served every Sunday. Open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2pm and from 7pm to 10.30pm, and on Sundays from 12pm to 2.30pm.

Another not-to-be-missed beach in Anglet is the plage de la petite chambre d'amour. Forming a pretty curve and bordered by an embankment that is particularly pleasant to walk along on a warm summer's night, watching the choreography of the waves, it offers a superb panorama of the Anglet lighthouse dominating the horizon from the steep cliffs. A popular beach with surfers, there are several surf schools in the area, including Rainbow Surf School, which offers two 1.5-hour lessons for €70, as well as stand-up paddle trips for €40 for two people.

The Plage de la Petite Chambre d'Amour also boasts a very friendly beach bar, the Lagunak Cabane (which means friend in Basque), where you can enjoy a drink and aperitif platters made from local produce while watching the sun set over the ocean. To add to the atmosphere, there are regular concerts and salsa classes. Open every day from 9am to midnight.

Nearby is the grotto that gave its name to the beach and the whole district, the Grotte de la Chambre d'amour, the setting for a most romantic legend. The story goes that it was the refuge of Laorens, an orphan of modest origins, and Saubade, the daughter of a rich farmer, who secretly met there despite their father's prohibition. One day, a violent storm swept across the Bay of Biscay and caused the sea to rise faster than usual, taking the two lovers with it. Thanks to the embankment, the ocean can no longer reach the Chambre d'amour, but this tragic story still attracts large numbers of curious onlookers who rush into the cave in the hope of finding a trace of the star-crossed lovers. Access to the cave is free.

Halfway between the town and the mouth of the Adour, Plage de la Madrague is one of the most beautiful beaches in Anglet. It comprises two areas: the right-hand side is supervised during the summer season, while the left-hand side is unsupervised and nicknamed Petite-Madrague. Its beautiful stretch of sand and magnificent waves make it a popular spot for groups of friends and families alike. There are two surf schools and the beach restaurant, l'Arrantza, ideal for a sunset drink under the delightful straw huts on the terrace. The food is beautifully presented and of a high standard. Open every day from 8.30am to 11.30pm.

Less accessible and wilder,** Plage de l'Océan** will delight nature lovers and all those who shun crowded places. Supervised in summer, it is home to our favourite beach hut, Ozeanoa, which serves fresh, colourful, top-quality world cuisine in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Open from 8am to 10pm.

Anglet's other beaches include Plage des cavaliers, Plage de la Barre, which has a calmer atmosphere than its neighbours,Plage du Club, where access to the water is reserved for experienced surfers only, Plage des dunes and Plage de Marinella, which will delight surfers of all levels.

"Ma e pignada per m'aida" means in Basque: The sea and the pine forest to help me. Anglet's motto reflects the image of the town, a crossroads between wooded nature and the ocean. Located just a stone's throw from the beaches, the Pignada and Lazaret forests measure 250 hectares and cover almost 10% of the town's surface area. They offer a magnificent shaded area, ideal for walks and a wide range of activities: cycling, horse-riding, jogging, etc. If you'd like to explore these magnificent pine forests on horseback, join the CLUB HIPPIQUE DE LA CÔTE BASQUE for rides suitable for children aged 4 and over. Catering available on site. Information on 05 59 63 83 45

Anglet is also steeped in the arts. During the summer months, the town boasts a rich cultural programme of street performances and numerous open-air concerts. The town also boasts an outstanding contemporary art centre, the Villa Beatrix Enea , which hosts exhibitions by national and international artists. In October, the Littorale, a biennial contemporary art festival, takes over the town, with works scattered all over the public space, from the streets to the beaches and the forest. In July, the International Surf Film Festival is held, with open-air film screenings. One thing's for sure, Anglet is a bustling town where you won't want to be bored!