An ocean view

There are places whose very name conjures up a sense of timeless appeal, of enchanted landscapes and a fascinating history. One such case is Aquitaine, the south-western French region standing on the border with Spain whose attractions include not only the Pyrenees mountains but also no fewer than 2,800 buildings classified as historic monuments.
Flanked to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, whose powerful waves make its beaches popular with surfers from all over the world, Aquitaine is also home to the splendid Côte d’Argent, a 250-kilometre stretch of coastline with tall sand dunes, maritime pine forests and towns and villages blessed with breathtaking views.
We gladly stop off at Capbreton in the southern region of this magnificent coast, an old fishing port located within the natural region of Maremne, corresponding to the ancient Adour river delta. As well as a splendid view over the Atlantic, it can also boast some unique, authentic dining venues. One example is Belharra Café, an eatery that describes itself as a «Bar-Brasserie-Restaurant-Fruits de mer» set in a truly spectacular position with large windows and a beach terrace offering views of the ocean and the port. Long famous for the high quality of its cuisine, the restaurant was recently refurbished by Mathieu Ladeuich from Ladeuich Agencement who created warm, welcoming interiors in a subtly unobtrusive ethnic style. The leitmotif of the interior design project is the masterful use of recycled, vintage wood reminiscent of the hulls of wooden fishing boats.
Highlights of the décor include the old wooden posts resembling the famous «briccole» or channel markers in the Venetian lagoon which are used as partitions, and a large counter clad with irregular pieces of wood set in such a way as to enhance the textural qualities and sensation of thickness of the material.
The splendid choice of floor tiles also made a vital contribution to the overall style of the restaurant. Old_Wood series porcelain tiles from Fioranese — chosen in the colour Maple Beige and two sizes 15×90 cm and 22.5×90 cm for an alternating, staggered installation pattern — stand out for their «delavé» effect that blends in perfectly with the style and atmosphere of Belharra Café. Lighting is provided by a few strategically recessed light points hidden within the structure along with simple small white lamps that unobtrusively emphasise the ubiquitous warm wood tones. Strongly linear tables made from interlocking wooden boards and cleanly styled chairs complete the decor, while the wine fridges and a special slightly raised table standing on an ethnic carpet are the only departures from the vintage-chic style.