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Anglet (the “t” is pronounced) is the
major residential area, lying between and merging with Bayonne and Biarritz to
form the urban region known as the
“B.A.B”
Formerly a collection of hamlets (reflected in the dispersed districts of the
area today). ANGLET enjoys a privileged position on the Basque coast, with its
235 hectares of forest, flower gardens and parks, mild micro climate and a high
quality urban life for its 37,000 inhabitants.
Tourism and recreation are here at their best with major attractions, a large
choice of hotels, camping grounds and more. The forest of Chiberta has miles of
pathways for the jogger as well tennis courts and popular 18-hole golf.
A major draw card during the summer are the five kilometers of uninterrupted
beaches from the Adour river mouth in the north to the “Chambre d’Amour” near
Biarritz.
This chambre d’amour is a district of Anglet owing its name to a grotto found in
the sea cliffs within sight of the Biarritz lighthouse. According to the legend,
a Basque couple spent their evenings there as their parents were not at all
happy story!!)about the relationship (not such an old story!!). One night, the
couple was caught by the incoming tide and was swept to their deaths! That’s
when you don’t listen to ma and Dad!!!:-)
A simple story but one which became famous especially during the 19th century
when nearby Biarritz was blossoming into an Imperial seaside resort. Early
visitors included Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine who reportedly lost her shoe
there making local headlines at the time! Today, the “Chambre d’Amour” is
particularly associated with surfing and the waterfront bars and cafes are a
major rendez-vouz in summer.
Surfers can enjoy excellent waves along the beaches of the Chambre d’Amour.
Anglet has become a real “Surfers Paradise” offering a fine spectacle for beach
front promenades.
Boating fans are catered for by the pleasure boat port on the Adour River, from
where yachting and sea fishing are available. Situated close by is the indoor
ice-skating rink, the Patinoire, the centre of figure skating and also the home
of the local ice hockey team.
For golfers, the Chibert Golf Club offers a fascinating mixture of seaside links
course plus numerous tree-lines inland holes. Nearby, just behind the beach
front, the new thalasso-therapy (seawater cures) hotel complex “Atlanthal” has
recently been extended. Atlanthal is the biggest marine”hydrotonic” (heated sea
water) complex in France.
Anglet is also an important shopping area with three of the regions major
shopping complexes in easy reach from the RN 10 highway and the “B.A.B.”
express-way (Carrefour, Centre Leclerc and Decathlon Sports centre). |
