City in southern France where French go on holiday is an underrated gem

Just a quick jaunt across the Channel, France is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British tourists.

Whether it’s by train, ferry, or plane, the proximity of our neighbours across the water makes France an ideal place for a quick getaway.

Not just for Brits either, as France has the most yearly international visitors in Europe – with Paris only second to London in terms of the most visited cities.

The appeal of France to holidaymakers is plain to see, whether it’s the romance of Paris or the beauty of the French Riviera, it is a breathtaking country.

Whilst Paris has its fair share of domestic visitors, French tourists tend to frequent less internationally-known locations for their staycations.

READ MORE: easyJet issues holiday warning over flight delays

Located in the in French Basque Country, just 22 miles from the border with Spain, is the luxurious seaside city of Biarritz.

Famous for its beachfront casinos and thriving surf scene, this elegant destination is a hit with domestic tourists.

The highlight of the popular city is the breathtaking Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin), a stunning rock formation overlooking the Bay of Biscay, complete with a walkable bridge and a statue of the Virgin Mary.

The views from Rocher de la Vierge are spectacular and are described by Defline P, a Tripadvisor user from Orleans, as “really beautiful”, calling it a “mythical place”.

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Known as the symbol of Biarritz, another Tripadvisor user, Pierre L from Tours, said: “The panorama, of the lighthouse…the coast of the Basques… the Pyrenees is splendid.”

Before adding: “The spectacle of the waves crashing on the rocks is marvellous.” 

Rocher de la Vierge really is a once in a lifetime place, and it is no wonder that French tourists are so fond of this underrated gem.

As previously mentioned, Biarritz is a popular destination for surfing and there’s no better place to do it than the Grand Plage, the city’s picture perfect beach.

Adorned with iconic stripy beach tents, the pristine sandy beach is also ideal for visitors who are just after a place to relax and take in the tremendous views.

At the end of the beach is the luxurious Hôtel du Palais, a palatial building commissioned by none other than Napoleon, which now acts as a lavish hotel for visitors to Biarritz.

Elsewhere in this charming seaside town is the exceptionally informative and child-friendly Aquarium de Biarritz, as well as the tremendous Musée Asiatica – one of Europe’s finest Asiatic art museums.

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