Archival
10/10 Excellent
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19 February 2016
Comfortable, well situated and well-equipped
We stayed at Le Duplex de Chiberta for six weeks in Jan/Feb this year and were very happy there; the weather was incredible. This part of France seems to have its own micro-climate and daytime highs of 19-21 C were common. (There were a few rainy days, too, but it was not at all cold.)
The property is modern, comfortable and very well equipped and situated on a quiet road in Anglet Montbrun, with ample off-street parking. The owner, Eric, speaks good English and was very helpful with suggestions as to where to go, good restaurants etc. He booked a New Year's Eve meal for us at a local restaurant prior to our arrival. The only slight problem we had with the property was that the Wifi was slow and not very reliable, but Eric is looking into it.
Local shops five minutes up the road include two good bakeries, a small but very well stocked supermarket (Spar) a pharmacy, and hairdressers. Try the local Herriko bread from the nearest bakery, it's excellent.
The local bar/restaurant, Le Soly'Less is good too, we ate there several times as well as spending a pleasant few hours in the bar. The lady proprietor is charming and has good suggestions for places to visit. Gaspard the Boxer dog is a character.
The beaches at Anglet and Biarritz are lovely, with good boardwalks for walking and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Lots of surfers were in the water, and even a few swimmers.
There's a Thalassotherapy centre, L'Atlanthal, about six minutes drive from the property which has treatments, classes and a huge 'lagon' with jets and currents for swimming and relaxation. Eric has negotiated a discount for his renters, ask him about it.
We really liked Bayonne for its atmosphere, excellent shops (including chocolate and ham) plus cafes and restaurants. Nice riverside walks too.
Nearer home we recommend the shopping centre Les Halles at Cinq Cantons for excellent fresh produce, and the restaurant L'Atrium, nearby. We ate sitting outside it in glorious weather this January! Two big hypermarkets are in Anglet, Leclerq and Carrefour. There's a butchers and fishmongers at Place Lamothe. The weekly Sunday morning market at Quintaou, Anglet, is well worth a visit.
This is a great base to visit Basque villages either side of the border, and it's only 40 minutes drive to wonderful San Sebastian with its incredible pinxtos bars. The food displays must be seen to be believed. We visited St-Jean de Luz as well as Hendaye/Hondarribia (either side of the border with Spain)