Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit the beaches on the Atlantic coast (before and after the start of the tourist season). Take a day trip to Biarritz and visit one of the best surfing beaches in Europe. St Jean de Luz not only has a wonderful beach but also shops that rival the Rue de Faubourg St. Honore in Paris. Bayonne, famous for its ham and hot chocolate, is worth a visit for its beautiful 13th Century cathedral and two museums. You can even combine skiing and the beach within the same week if you visit at Easter!