Against a Nordic blue backdrop, in the middle of Biarritz’s covered market, is a coffee shop owned by Pilar Aleman (who used to work in publicity) and Manuel Carizza (a former international rugby player from Argentina). This tiny spot runs on a Marzocco GB5, proudly displayed on the blonde wood counter, where you can get your daily dose of espresso (the morning we went, the beans were from Fazenda Engenho), a café allongé or even filtered coffee – so you can make the moment last a little longer. And for those early risers who don’t want to supercharge their mornings, there are less heavily caffeinated beverages: kombucha, banana / honey / cinnamon milkshakes, hot chocolate… which you can pair with some tasty treats, like cinnamon rolls (available in limited quantities),  plus temping lemon-poppy seed cake, banana bread and carrot cake. And what if you want to have breakfast alone? The Young She-Wolf (“Lobita” in Spanish, and Pilar’s nickname) sells everything you might need to prepare it at home, from stylish Aeropresses to well-chosen beans. // Gwen Jacquère 

The hidden gem: The espresso from Brûlerie Volt (€2).