Half ritzy, half hippy, Biarritz is one of the most beautiful beach resorts of the French Basque country and more largely South West of France. While its many large beaches and gorgeous 19th-century establishments attract upmarket tourism, the perfect waves and designer shops appeal to surfers from all over the world.
Biarritz is a mix of a sophisticated getaway and a laid-back hang-out that you will love discovering for a weekend or as a day trip from San Sebastián, Bilbao or Bordeaux.
Here is our city guide to the best things to do in Biarritz, France.
FIRST: Getting to Biarritz, FRANCE
Fly
The Biarritz – Anglet – Bayonne (BAB) Airport is located about 5 km outside the city centre (in the town of Anglet) and is easily accessible by taxi and bus. The later costs €1, one-way, and takes 10 minutes. Look for the Line C operated by the local bus company Chronoplus.
Many European cities have direct flights at least once a day to Biarritz Airport, such as Dublin, London, Stockholm, Bruxelles and Madrid.
Bus
There isn’t a proper bus terminal in Biarritz but most of the long-distance buses will arrive close to the train station on avenue Charles Floquet. Bus companies such as Flixbus and Eurolines have arrivals from many national towns (Bordeaux, Lyon, Avignon, etc.) and European cities (Bilbao, Brussels, Lisbon, Madrid, etc.).
Local buses run daily from outside the city council offices to Bayonne and Saint-jean de Luz and vice versa.
Train
Biarritz train station is about 3 km from the city centre and can be accessed by local buses for €1. Trains leave and arrive every day to/from Paris, Bordeaux, and nearby towns.
For other destination, you will more than likely have to change trains in Bayonne.
Car
Biarritz is quickly reached from the motorway A63 or the few “departementales” passing by Anglet and Bayonne. However, parking is what’s most complicated. There are a lot of private car parks (Vincy) that cost from €1 to €1.60 per hour, but on weekends and French holidays, they tend to fill up quickly. Most street parking in the centre is limited to 30 minutes.
You can find free spots near the Côte des Basques or in the residential areas. Come very early or drive around and be patient.
Getting around Biarritz
The main town is quite small and can be visited on foot very easily. There are no pedestrian-only areas except along the Grande Plage, so make sure to walk on footpaths and cross at traffic lights. There are however large promenades and shortcuts via parks to avoid roads and traffic.
We love the seaside saunter that goes from the Côte des Basques via the beach du Port Vieux, the Rocher de la Vierge and continues all the way to the lighthouse in the north of town. Have a look at our map and itinerary below to see all the best things to do in Biarritz.
To reach the towns near Biarritz, such as Anglet, Bayonne, Bidar or Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can catch a local bus (Chronoplus) for €1 (valid one hour) or buy a 24-hour pass for only €2. The tickets can be bought directly on the bus; with cash only.
What to do in Biarritz, FRANCE
“The Queen of resorts and the resorts of Kings”
Walk la Côte des Basques
Bordered by high cliffs and topped by beautiful villas, the Côte des Basques is a long and exposed beach very popular with surfers at low tide. It is said to be the first place ever surfed in Europe. A legend that nowadays attracts thousands of locals and international surfers from beginners to pros.
At high tide, the beach disappears and with it the surfers, but the bay remains a lovely place for a seaside stroll. Walk up the stairs to the park Saint-Jean Lasalle and admire the landscape from a bench. Very Peaceful.
Watch the surfers or go catch a wave!
As you visit Biarritz, you will inevitably cross paths with many of the surfers along the coast. The main surfing hot spots are the Côte des Basques, the beaches Grande Plage and La Miramar or the long strand of water on the north side of the lighthouse, in Anglet.
The waves are generally small at low tide and get bigger as the water comes in. If you are a beginner, it would be best to take a surf lesson at the Côte des Basques where you will find a few schools offering classes and rentals. Note, that at this beach it isn’t possible to surf at high tide (see above).
If you are too late to join the crowd at the Côte des Basques at low tide, head towards the Grande Plage. You will need to have your own equipment as there are no rentals nor surf schools.
Admire the Villa Belza
This beautiful medieval-style house was built in the late 19th-century. Its location, at the tip of the Côte des Basques cliff, near the Rocher de la Vierge, makes it one of the most recognisable and unusual sights in Biarritz.
From luxurious dinners, film sets and Russian cabarets, to being turned into a bunker during the war and finally run down to a ramshackle squat, this house has seen it all! However, the Villa Belza has somehow outlasted the 20th-century and was restored in the ’90s to be transformed into luxurious apartments.
swim back in time at la plage du Port Vieux
This crowded horseshoe-shaped beach has been the heart of a glamorous and trendy Biarritz since the middle of the 19th-century when Empress Eugenie made it her holiday resort. Sheltered from the strong swells of the Atlantic coast, la Plage du Port Vieux saw the European aristocracy, writers and artists haunt the beach as sea bathing became more and more popular.
Today, it is a nice place for families and swimmers who prefer a wave-free area and no competition with surfboards. For those who just want to chill with a view, head to the Eden Rock Café for a couple of cocktails or a coffee!
Cross the bridge to the Rocher de la Vierge
The Rocher de la Vierge holds its name due to the statue of the Virgin installed at its peak. It is believed that whalers would come to pray and reflect at the rock before heading out to the sea. Formerly a small peninsula, the “rock” was carved out under Napoleon III to create a sheltered harbour. The current bridge was made by Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the famous Parisian tower, to replace the original wooden bridge that use to link the solitary rock to the continent.
These days, you can walk through a nice park and cross the bridge to reach the rock. A small tunnel will take you under the Virgin to a large viewing platform where you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the coast with Port-Vieux and the Villa Belza to the left and the “plateau de l’Atalaye” and the Grande Plage to the right.
Look for the “Crampottes” at the Port des pêcheurs
Between the Rocher de la Vierge and the Grande Plage, the “Port des pêcheurs” is often skipped by tourists who only look at it from the road above. Built by Napoleon III to support the local fishermen, the harbour now mainly hosts boats for leisure fishing.
But what makes the Port des pêcheurs so interesting dwells within its small cabanas, the “Crampottes“. Rented by the city to local amateur fishermen and sailors, these 15m² cottages, often described as ” little paradise” by the tenants, serve as storage to those who have often waited years on the waiting list before being handed the keys.
Head down early in the morning to see the fishermen at work or at lunch for a fresh fish of a day from one of the few restaurants. It is also a lovely place to dine at sunset during a long and warm summer evening.
Explore the Rocher du Basta
Just before the Grand Plage, turn left and cross a small bridge to the Rocher du Basta. From there, you will have a gorgeous view of the Plateau de l’Atalaye where whalers used to look for signs of the giant marine mammals. Kids especially love it here because of its dense vegetation and the sound of the crashing waves nearby.
Sunbath at Biarritz beach: the Grande Plage
Nestled within the Hôtel du Palais and the Grand Casino, the Grande Plage is a large beach in the heart of Biarritz where life happens. Families and local swimmers love its soft sand while surfers and bodyboarders enjoy the swell coming from the Atlantic Ocean. When you swim, be aware of the waves which can be really strong and the current sometimes dangerous. Always keep an eye out for surfers and their boards as well.
The beach can be a little bit crowded during summer, so if you feel overwhelmed head to the beach La Miramar or to the other side of the lighthouse towards the northern beaches.
Stroll to the lighthouse
On the far north side of the Grande Plage – at the “pointe Saint-Martin” – the Lighthouse of Biarritz offers a splendid view over the town and the northern beaches. On clear days, you can even see the snowy Pyrenees in the background and sometimes the Spanish coast.
The 70 m tall lighthouse was installed in 1834 to guide fishermen and was fully automated in the ’80s. You can climb all the way up for €2.50 per person if you are up for almost 250 steps! For this, you will need to book your ticket on the tourism office website.
It is also a great spot to have a picnic and watch the sunset.
Look for the 19th-century villas
As you go back to the city centre from the lighthouse, you will more than likely walk down the avenue de l’impératrice. It is a lovely walk along which you’ll see a kyrielle of 19th-century villas, all more or less renovated.
Some look like little castles and others will surely remind you of the Haussmann buildings in Paris.
Visit or stay at the Hôtel du Palais
The Hôtel du Palais was Empress Engénie’s summer palace built by Napoleon III in 1855. It is the most impressive building dominating the Grande Plage of Biarritz – a testimony to the opulence of the Second Empire through elegant decor and grandiose gardens.
It is today a luxurious hotel, restaurant and spa, where you can see celebrities and even royalty. The Hôtel du Palais is, however, currently closed for restoration and will reopen early summer 2019 to guests and visitors.
Go to a rugby match
If you are a sports’ fan interested in French Rugby, you might have heard a lot about the local team, the “Biarritz Olympic Pays Basque“, more commonly called the “BO”. This Quintuple champion of France that now plays in the second league (Pro D2), is an emblem and pride of the French Pays Basque region alongside its eternal competitor Bayonne rugby club, the “Aviron Bayonnais”.
Home matches are played at the “Parc des Sports Aguiléra” and tickets can be bought directly online. Matches are often less than €15.
Make sure to wear the team’s colours: red and white to fit in and share that moment with the local supporters, the Biarrots.
Learn about la Pelote Basque
The Basque Pelota is mostly played in both French and Spanish Basque Country but also in “Les Landes”. A few nations such as Mexico, USA, Cuba and some South American countries also play and take part in the World Championship.
It is a very physical sport that includes 22 disciplines. It mostly faces 2 teams throwing a ball to a wall with the help of a basket (ie. Chistera, Joko Garbi, etc.), a wooden bat (Paleta) or sometimes the player’s bare hands. This sport can be played inside or outside at either the “Jai Alai”, “Mur a gauche” or “Trinquet”, 3 playing areas with different rules.
As you travel around the countryside of the Basque country, you might notice local “fronton” (pink walls) in every single town! This is how much this sport is popular in this part of the world.
Most professional matches are played on Thursday or Sunday evenings in Biarritz at the Cesta Punta, during the local Championship period. Entrance is about €10 per adult.
MAP OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BIARRITZ
Where to stay in Biarritz
Camping in Biarritz
– the most affordable
Budget accommodation
– less than €50
- Surf hostel, Biarritz -dorm from €43
- Nami house, Anglet -dorm from €35
- Premiere Classe – double from €35
- Campanile – double from €48
Mid-range accommodation
– €51 to €150
- Hôtel Alcyon – from €85
- Hôtel de la plage – from €87
- Hôtel Florida – from €100
- Hôtel Le Biarritz – from €145
Luxury accommodation
– more than €150
- Sofitel Thalassa – from €160
- Windsor Grande plage – from €250
- Le Regina Biarritz Spa – from €260
- Hôtel du Palais – from €530
Where to EAT in Biarritz
Miremont – for a hot chocolate / Bali Bowl – healthy smoothie and Acai Bowl / Bar Jean – Tapas with a great atmosphere and delicious plate to share / Le Surfing – hype and trendy decor with a beautiful view of La côte des Basques. Serves fish, meat and burgers/ Etxola Bibi: – Perfect for a drink (the French apero!) / Le Corsaire – Fish restaurant in a Crampotte at the Port-Vieux / Chez Albert – Local Cuisine, excellent seafood but not a budget choice.
START YOUR BASQUE COUNTRY ROAD TRIP FROM BIARRITZ
Because the main airport to the French side of the Basque Region is only 15 min from Biarritz, you might want to pick up your rental car directly at the airport and start your adventure from there. Unfortunately, there aren’t any car rental companies directly downtown – most are located at the airport (or nearby) and at the train station – but the good news is that the airport is really close to the centre of town (15 min) and the shuttle bus only costs €1 per person.
If you want to rent a car in advance, we would recommend using Discover Cars. The best part about Discover Cars is that you get full coverage insurance for less than €7 a day! You can also compare all the companies in the market, choose the type of car you want and see all the most recent customer reviews before making a booking. On the website, you can easily narrow your search price to find the best deal within your budget.
BEST ONLINE CAR RENTAL COMPARATOR – DISCOVER CARS
When booking a rental car in Chile online, we recommend using Discover Cars because they offer Full coverage for less than €7. It is one of the best rental car comparators out there!
If you plan on visiting Biarritz as soon as you land, you might not need the car straight away. The town isn’t much car-friendly (with limited access to free parking and narrow roads) and you certainly won’t need it since every place to visit is within walkable distances from one another.
However, if you plan on staying in Biarritz throughout your entire journey and taking day trips to visit the region, we can only recommend choosing an accommodation including a parking spot. Most parking spots in Biarritz are expensive (private) or completely full during the high season. We found a few places to park for free but you will need to be early (or late) to find a spot (see the map).
Prepare your road trip around the French Basque Country with this 10-day itinerary.
BEST day trips from Biarritz
Biarritz is part of the French Department of the “Pyrénées Atlantiques” in the South Ouest, mostly known as the Northern or French Basque Country. It’s a small area, easy to travel around with a good road system, regular trains and several bus liaisons. If you plan on basing yourself in Biarritz, you can take a few day trips to visit the cities of Bayonne or Anglet but also the coastline and the countryside fairly easily.
The Basque coastline
Discover the south coast from Biarritz to Hendaye via Saint-Jean-de-Luz and more. You’ll find beautiful fishing villages, long stretches of golden sand and turquoise water, historical towns and of course great surfing spots as well as coastal hikes.
The Spanish Basque Country
On the Spanish side, head to San Sebastien, Bilbao, Pamplona, etc. and taste the local Pintxos and cider. In this article, we have listed the best places to visit over the side of the border!
The beautiful white and red villages
Inland, cross through rolling hills and lush vegetation to find typical villages such as Sare, Ainhoa, La Bastide Clairence, and their famous white Basque houses with deep green or red shutters.
Go for a hike in the countryside
The most active visitors will love all the hiking opportunities such as Mt Baigura or the Camino de Compostella while others may prefer to visit caves, and lakes or take an old mine train up to La Rhune, the highest peak or the region. Maybe would you like to visit the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or spend the day relaxing in the hot springs in Cambo-Les-Bains?
Unique things to do in the South West of France
Check out this article if you are looking for more inspiration on what to do around Biarritz. From the Dune du Pilat to the Gorge of Kakuetta, Cirque de Gavarnie or towards the east the Cathar castles, the South West of France has a lot of unique experiences and places to offer – Some only a couple of hours by car from Biarritz!
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About the Author
Jen is the Funder, Author & Photographer behind Talesfromthelens.comJen has lived for the past 15 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling in Latin America, North America, and Europe. She has visited more than 65 countries and set foot on every continent in the world! She is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
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For years, climbing up a lighthouse has been a dream. Wouldn’t I love to do this here? That surfing picture is so cool, everyone appears to be a little mermaid. I would surely like to learn surfing here. Has to be done with BAE though, such a dreamy destination.
I totally agree that lighthouse is so narrow as well, I wonder how it is to climb all these steps!
I know Basque culture is quite different form the other corners.What I like the most is the food there. You can spend weeks in the areas and never get bored.
I loooooove the food in the Basque region whether it is on the french or the Spanish side. I would do anything for one of the French “gâteau basque” made with almond, fresh cherries and cream. Delish!!
Your photos are incredible! They make me want to visit Biarritz immediately — pinned! All the beaches look so beautiful it would be hard to decide between Grande Plage or the beach near the lighthouse. The little boardwalk bridge to Rocher de la Vierge is also adorable! Very lovely seaside town.
Thank you so much Summer!! I really enjoyed taking all these pics there. For me it was a bit too early in the season to dare jumping in the water, but yeah, the beaches are dreamy!
Your photos are gorgeous! Glad to know such a lovely place is accessible from the major European cities. Côte des Basques looks beautiful and I imagine it to be divine during sunset and sunrise. Must be great to live at the villa there. The 19th-century villas are fascinating too.
Thank you Eunice. I really appreciate your kind words. These villas are indeed so beautiful. I don’t want to know how much they cost though… lol
In my opinion, the Côte des Basques is severely underrated and there are a lot of charming towns around. Even though I haven’t visited, Biarritz looks like one of the prettiest ones out there, your photos look amazing. I’ll definitely consider visiting for my next summer vacation!
Completely underrated compare to the Spanish side, but that’s the beauty of it. It is still an off-the-radar destination where international or mass tourism hasn’t spoiled the local culture.
What a fantastic and detailed post! I’ve not yet visited Biarritz in France, but you’ve definitely encouraged me to visit after reading this. I like the bridge leading to the Rocher de Vierge, and the beach is just dreamy too. There’s something also quite romantic about Biarritz and I love the accommodation options you listed too. Maybe I’ll go this year.
I am glad you enjoyed this post Lisa. I can only recommend you to check it out one of these days, even for a couple of days. Biarritz is a great European city break.
Biarritz looks absolutely amazing with its beautiful sun-kissed beaches and breath taking views. The picture with the surfers is just wow! I love the fascinating architecture of Villa Belza as well as the 19th century villas. Eden Rock Café sounds like a great place to enjoy my coffee with a lovely view.
Cheers Shaily. I also love that picture even if it gives me FOMO each time I look at it. Me too I want to go surfing!!!
Wow , your pictures are beautiful. France is on my bucket list but I never knew about this beautiful place Biarritz, I am obsessed with Lighthouses and visiting the one in Biarritz would be my first thing. Thanks for sharing about Biarritz.
The photos in the blog are stunning! I always see Biarritz listed as the most popular place to surf in France, and I was wondering what else there is to do there if/when I decide to go. This blog has given me so many options! I didn’t know there was so much to do in the area. I can’t wait to take my kids to Biarritz one day soon! I’m bookmarking this page so I can start planning now. Thank you!
Thank you Dara for the kind word. Outside of France, Biarritz is mostly known as a surfing resort but there is indeed a lot more to do in the town and around. If you have the time, it is worth going a bit more inland (I have a few blog posts if you need some ideas). Make sure to try the local food, wine and cheese! I am sure the kids will love the basque cakes 😉 Enjoy your trip.