Biarritz, the grande dame of French beach towns, is suddenly feeling rather sprightly, and that’s a good thing. Nouvelles Vagues - Biarritz International Film Festival, which showcased next-gen filmmakers, was a hit when it debuted, in June 2023, and the storied Regina Experimental Biarritz hotel, which opened as Le Regina Hotel & Spa in 1907, recently received a sexy makeover by interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who was named Hotel Designer of the Year by House & Garden in 2023. Her puckish nautical décor brings a visual wit and humor to the Belle Époque beauty. Chef Gregory Marchand wrote the menu for the Regina’s restaurant, Frenchie Biarritz, an outpost of his always-packed Parisian restaurant, with terrific results. And, as delightful as Biarritz is during the summer, it’s also a perfect winter-holiday destination for those who don’t ski. Whether it’s a brisk walk on the beach or a lazy afternoon at the spa, there are plenty of ways to fill the hours. —Alexander Lobrano