VILLA CATARIE
Basque villa that's a winner in the charm stakes
SITTING PRETTY IN THE VILLAGE OF GUETHARY, between the last crest of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, Villa Catarie is a nest for diehard romantics. With its
painted shutters and balconies (ideal for catching the rays and Atlantic sea breezes) this 18th century Basque house glows with soft-focus colour and comforts.
Stylishly done out in kitten-soft creams, peach and pastels, it enjoys a delightful small terrace garden – perfect for sipping a glass of local Txakoli wine at dusk – and a pool. Its village location away from the bustle of nearby Biarritz adds to its sense of relaxed seclusion.
Villa Catarie's owner Peggy Alday – film-maker turned hotel owner – is the stylish hand behind the decor. Lovers are cocooned in a symphony of dreamy pastel greys, pearly pinks and soft whites. Well soundproofed rooms feature
painted antiques, mood lighting, quality fabrics and great bathrooms. The effect is supremely restful.
Hit the spot
Almost midway between Biarritz and St-Jean-de-Luz.
Bedtime
Go for one of the two suites, or the lovely rooms Pluie d'Etoiles and Beaux Rêves.
Be savvy
Trains will take you easily into Biarritz or St-Jean-de-Luz, so a car is not essential.
Be smitten
A place to Basque in this gorgeous corner of France.
Atlantic rollers
Villa Catarie is less than 500m from long sandy beaches, coves and cliff walks. Atlantic breakers roll in, so it's the place to grab a board – surf’s up. There are two 18-hole golf courses nearby, and fashionable Biarritz hosts any number of cultural events.
Villa Catarie was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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Dining in
Only breakfast is served but it’s a treat, with pastries, seasonal fruit, croissants and freshly-baked bread. Eat in the chic cream-walled dining room or out on the rustic terrace.
Dining out
You’re in the middle of the village of Guéthary, so there are plenty of restaurants on your doorstep. Villa Janenea is an excellent choice – signature dishes here include grilled côte du boeuf with dauphinoise potatoes. This part of France enjoys a great mix of French and Spanish cuisine and you’ll wanst to try some Basque specialities. Biarritz is not far away, and it’s worth splashing out on a meal at the elegant Café de Paris, run by the hottest chef in town.
Where?
Villa Catarie
What’s cooking?
Delicious Basque breakfast with freshly baked treats.
Dress the part
The mood is rustic chic.
See & Do
Coves and cliff walks are just a few minutes away, as is the surfing beach. Nearby Saint-Jean-de-Luz is great for exploring, with its narrow streets and lovely old buildings, while cultured Biarritz is a magnet: you’re sure to want to walk the promenades and pop into the Musée de la Mer, with its amazing fish. You’ll also see Europe’s coolest surfers in action.
Play Basque pelota in the village square, or hit the fairway: there are 18 golf courses within 20km of here. Those with a sweet tooth, should head straight for Planète Chocolat, the Biarritz chocolate museum, or check out the fixtures list at Biarritz rugby club, which hosts some of Europe’s top matches. Zip down to Spain, just 20km away for a day in Saint Sébastien or Bilbao (the Guggenheim museum is a must), play a different golf course every day or hit a walking trail in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Shop
Biarritz is an outpost for one of France’s most famous stores (think Harrods) in Galeries Lafayette. There are also heaps of extravagant little boutiques selling jewellery, accessories and designer clothes. It’s definitely the place to buy surfing gear, while small antique shops are worth popping into, if just for the ritzy floor to ceiling decor.
After dark
Watch the sun set over the sea before dinner. If your Euros are burning a hole in your pocket, whisk your partner off to the glitzy Casino Barrière in Biarritz, where you can try your luck at roulette and blackjack till 4am. Clubs are everywhere, and Blue Cargo at Plage D’Ilbarritz is a fun place. Saint-Jean-de-Luz has some cosy little bars for a truly reclined evening.
Dates
July
Surfers from around the world converge on the beach at Côte des Basques for the Biarritz Surf festival – the biggest of its kind in Europe.
August – September
Classical music performed in glorious church settings marks the Basque Coast Music festival at Bayonne.
Late August
No smutty jokes please – the Organ festival in Biarritz is all about serious music.
GETTING THERE
Location
Avenue de Général de Gaulle, 64210 Guéthary
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Saint-Jean-de-Luz station – 5km, or Biarritz TGV station – 8km
Taxis
EUR 15 from St-Jean-de-Luz
Airport
Biarritz – 8km
Rooms and suites
14 rooms, two suites
Special features
Rooms with shades of urban chic come with every comfort, including satellite TV and soundproofing.
Also…
There’s a sunny terrace and a pool so you can make full use of the weather.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 125 - 245
Open/closed
Closed November – mid December; and January – mid February
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Charged at EUR 12, breakfast is served until 10am.
Room service
Yes, for breakfast
Children
No restrictions
Pets
Dogs are welcome
Air conditioning
No
Languages
French, English, Spanish
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Grégory – general manager