The major boutiques, with all the big designer names from Paris, are on place Clemenceau in the heart of Biarritz. From this square, fan out to rue Gambetta, rue Mazagran, avenue Victor-Hugo, avenue Edouard-VII, avenue du Maréchal-Foch, and avenue de Verdun. Look for the exceptional Biarritz chocolates and confections, and textiles from the Basque country.
The finest chocolatiers are Pariès, 1 pl. Bellevue (www.paries.fr; tel. 05-59-22-07-52), where you can choose from seven kinds of tourons (nougats), ranging from raspberry to coffee; and Henriet, pl. Clemenceau (www.chocolaterie-henriet.com; tel. 05-59-24-24-15), where the house specialty is rochers de Biarritz (morsels of candied orange peel and roasted almonds covered in dark chocolate). At the other end of the gastronomic spectrum, try Mille et Un Fromages, 8 rue Victor Hugo (tel. 05-59-24-06-87), specializing in, as the name suggests, French cheeses, as well as a host of hearty wines to accompany them.
Virtually every souvenir shop and department store in the region sells espadrilles, the canvas-topped, rope-bottomed slippers which originate from the Pyrénées. A simple off-the-shelf model begins at around 15€, and made-to-order versions (special sizes and colors) rarely top 70€.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
