Iparra

Maison Iparra is tucked away in Arcangues, but still handy for Bayonne, Biarritz, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. We couldn’t have asked for a more gracious hostess or a more pleasant stay. Sandrine Charlanne oversaw the design and construction herself. The place feels purpose-built as a bed and breakfast, and beautifully maintained. Its traditional Basque architecture is paired with Art Deco decor and modern comforts. Our room was immaculate, and at least as comfortable as a new four- or five-star hotel. It was large, with a big bed, a spacious closet and bathroom, and brand-new plumbing. The furniture looked new but was far more tasteful than typical hotel furnishings, including an Art Deco desk, side table, and bedside tables. The wall art was carefully chosen too, with golf and pelota drawings, cartoons, and other pieces in an Art Deco style. The room felt bigger than anything short of a hotel suite. There wasn’t a ballroom, gym, bar, conference room, or any of those convention-center facilities, as far as I know, but I wouldn’t expect or use those at a bed and breakfast anyway. Sandrine also deserves credit for the delicious breakfasts: yogurt with muesli and granola, a changing selection of jam toppings, fruit, and different baked goods. That was much like the breakfasts we had elsewhere in Southern France.