Sometimes things happen for a reason. When we left for the trip, Paula had asked what we would be doing on her birthday, August 30. As per trip plan we should be doing the Stage 16 of the 2012 Tour de France from Pau to Bagneres du Luchon where we would spend the night of her birthday. However when we woke up the weather was not cooperating and looking at the webcams in Picdumidi all you saw was fog or may be it was rain.
So we decided to go back to Biarritz and spend the day and night of her birthday there. And what a great decision she made and twisted my arm to accept.
Although it was raining quite a lot in Pau and all the way to Biarritz when we got off the highway it was as if there was a special field over the town because the sun was shining and pretty much stayed that way most of the day.
As I was worried we may be too early for the check-in we decided to stop in a restaurant already in the town of Biarritz. But before we stopped we did a quick tour of the city and took some pictures.
For lunch we chose a small bistro, where the lady that served the tables also cooked and they had some simple home made food. Paula had a quiche of Chicken Tandori and Mint and I had a salad with smoked duck and foie-gras. We both had a freshly squeezed orange juice. For desert we both had crepes. It was a delicious lunch much better than either of us expected and it was a great start for an excellent 24 hours we would be in this charming town.
After lunch we made our way to the hotel. We stayed in the Cafe de Paris Hotel which has a great sea view and we would recommend although prices are somewhat high as you would expect for a four star in front of the sea.
We unloaded the bike by the hotel and then I took the bike to the parking just under the hotel. It could not be more convenient.
After leaving bags in room and changed from the motorbike clothes we went for a walk by the seaside and what an outstanding walk it was. Biarritz has probably one of the most picturesque seaside walks I have ever seen. But do not take my word for it ... as a picture is worth a thousand words here are many words.
As we walked and took pictures, I listened attentively at the different languages being spoken as I love to guess country of origin. That is when I heard Portuguese and met Armando Almeida (I am not kidding) and his wife Zita that have been travelling on a Honda PCX (scooter) throughout Europe. He was specially happy on how little gas it uses. I checked and it is 125 MPG which is amazing and very good for them taking into consideration the cost of gas in Europe. They were very happy to meet another Portuguese couple and we exchanged emails.
For dinner we asked at reception for suggestions and she told us Chez Albert would be a good (best) choice for seafood and she was right. There is something about the French and seafood preparation and presentation that is unique and together with some french bread and foie-gras to start and a chilled white wine this was for me one of the best meals I have ever had. If you ever are in Biarritz, do not hesitate and have a meal at Chez Albert.
After dinner we went for a walk in the town to digest and heard music being played in various forms and ways. We just love the summer evenings in these European towns. So much energy and people having fun.
It was past midnight when we got back to hotel and what a great day it turned out to be. Now we know why all the fuzz about Biarritz. It is all the French claim it to be and more. We cannot wait to get to Nice and Cote d'Azur if that is supposed to be even better.
Happy Birthday, Paula !
Click HERE for all the pictures of Day 4
Posted by Armando
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