My recent Bordeaux and wine-tasting journey ended with a scenic drive from San Sebastián to Biarritz, a route that turned out to be more popular than expected. Along the way, I kept running into familiar faces I’d first met earlier in the trip, including some as early as my stay at the beautiful Les Sources de Caudalie chateau. It gave the whole journey a fun and almost familiar rhythm, as if we were all traveling together. Did you read my blog post about Chateau to Chateau in Bordeaux?
The drive from San Sebastián to Biarritz was an amazing trip and the perfect finale to my overall Bordeaux experience. And not only because I stayed at the Hotel du Palais.
As many of you know, I travel a lot and like to think I’ve become something of a “master packer.” Of course, even the most seasoned traveler still makes mistakes. Traveling by car, whether it is from home or from San Sebastián to Biarritz, it certainly has some benefits. You can always sneak in that extra jacket or pair of boots and tuck them behind the seat.
That said, there is a limit to how much you can pack, especially when you change hotels as frequently as I do. So it makes organisation more important than ever. And that’s where a well-designed suitcase makes all the difference. Like my new Level8 case!
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San Sebastián
Although I’ve been to Spain many times, I had never visited this side of the Basque Country. San Sebastián, or Donostia as it’s known locally, is a charming town just ten minutes past the border. Driving the route from San Sebastián to Biarritz, I imagined passing through hilly terrain, but this side of the Pyrenees mountains turned out to be quite flat, with only gentle hills. (The other side I cycled 6 years ago. Wow!)
Part of me thought: why not start the Camino walk to Santiago from here? But that will have to wait for another trip. This journey was about something else entirely. Wine, a little luxury, and my birthday celebration. And truthfully, even if I had wanted to, my suitcase nor car had room for hiking boots this time. Only heels made the cut this time.
My stay in San Sebastián was short and the weather was uncooperative. It rained almost non-stop. Still, the atmosphere was beautiful, and I managed to soak in a little of the city before heading onward to Biarritz. And although I didn’t get to experience the culinary side of San Sebastián, I was still impressed. Especially in the morning when the sun came out. What a beautiful city! I think I might come back.
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Biarritz
Arriving in Biarritz felt very special. Perhaps it was the sunshine breaking through at just the right moment, the fact that it was the final stop of my San Sebastián to Biarritz adventure, or maybe simply that it was my birthday. Whatever the reason, being in Biarritz felt amazing.
Naturally, in Biarritz, the place to stay is the iconic Hotel du Palais. Many of the friends I had met during the trip were there too, which made it even more enjoyable. The hotel is synonymous with luxury and just a few weeks earlier, Claudia Schiffer had been there for a photo shoot. A shame I missed her!
The weather wasn’t perfect, but the sun appeared long enough for a short walk and a few bright photos. It didn’t ruin my Birthday as I fully enjoyed the hotel’s facilities. The Hotel spoiled me very much, with a new surprise waiting in my room every time I returned. Amazing! From the restaurants to the Napoleon III bar, this was a place to dress up and enjoy the glitz and glamour.
Both San Sebastián and Biarritz left a lasting impression: stylish, elegant, and full of character. Biarritz, in particular, struck me as refined yet less intense than Monaco. I could easily imagine myself living there. Perhaps one day?
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A reliable companion – my Level8 suitcase
Arriving at the Hotel du Palais, my new Level8 case was carefully lifted out of the car by the valet. Over the two weeks of constant packing and unpacking, it proved to be an unexpectedly reliable companion. From cobblestone streets in Biarritz to hotel lobbies in Bordeaux and car boots crammed with luggage, it handled everything smoothly. The wheels rolled easily and quietly, the handle felt sturdy, and somehow my belongings stayed more organised than usual. It is a small but welcome detail when traveling for days at a time.
My new Level8 case has quickly become my favorite travel companion. After two weeks of moving from one destination to another, unpacking and repacking, and living essentially out of a suitcase, I can honestly say I have never felt this organised towards the end of a trip. Everything was still in its place. It makes a big difference when traveling. Check it out here if you want one too!
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And so… San Sebastián to Biarritz summary
For now, after an incredible birthday in Biarritz, it was time to head home. The drive took more than 10 hours, but I was lucky to stop at the renowned chef Richard Lequet’s château along the way. It was a real pleasure to meet him. Although I did miss out on sampling his food, as I was in a rush to get back home and beat the traffic. Oh well, maybe next time.
Looking back, this trip from San Sebastián to Biarritz had everything: wine, beautiful places, new encounters, and the chance to test a new way of traveling more smoothly. It was the perfect ending to a special journey.
After this successful road trip test, I’m already planning to bring the Level8 case with me on my next flight. I’m curious to see how it performs in the airport environment, where efficiency, weight and speed matter even more. If it’s anything like what I experienced on this journey, I expect it will make the process of air travel much smoother. So, where to next?
