Biarritz

The number of people in this popular coastal resort in French Basque Country swells dramatically over summer. Biarritz now draws an international crowd to its fine beaches, casinos and surfing spots, which have lent it the name la Californie de l'Europe. The town's cultural sights are not likely to keep you out of the sun too long. They include a blue-domed Russian Orthodox church, hotels with lobbies the size of skating rinks and the Musée de la Mer. Biarritz's fashionable beaches are lined with brightly striped bathing tents and packed with people during summer. After a busy day's frying you can play golf or cesta punta, the world's fastest game, played with a ball and scoop-like racquet.