Les Contrebandiers — Wine bar in Biarritz

Since 2014 Les Contrebandiers has been a cave à manger and cave à vins in the centre of Biarritz, one of those places you find on every list of the best tapas and wine bars in the Basque Country. The name refers to the smugglers who crossed the border between France and Spain for centuries, fitting for a place that combines both culinary cultures. The wine bottles are stacked along the walls on large black-and-white shelving, identical to the ceiling: the décor says it all, wine comes first here. 50 seats, a lively terrace on the Avenue Victor Hugo and enthusiastic, friendly service. The kind of place visitors drop into twice on a single trip to Biarritz. No classic menu, just pintxos, created by Vivien Durand, world pintxo champion in San Sebastián and a Michelin-starred chef. Think ham twist, a charcuterie board with dry Txirula sausage, pig's trotter carpaccio, plancha prawns with piquillos, a ballotine of confit lamb shoulder and aubergine, and banana cake with chocolate and vanilla sauce. The wine list has 300 wines: France and the best international wines are invited to the table, and the result is superb.