Biarritz

Biarritz, a glamorous resort town on the Bay of Biscay, blends surf culture with Belle Époque elegance. Once a favourite of European royalty, today it draws travellers with its dramatic coastline, world-class waves, and a laid-back Basque spirit. The town’s golden beaches, rocky headlands, and lively market streets make it a captivating stop on any French Atlantic itinerary.

Highlights & What to See

• Grande Plage – The main beach, backed by the iconic Hôtel du Palais, is perfect for sunbathing, people-watching, and beginner surf lessons.
• Rocher de la Vierge – A rocky outcrop with a statue of the Virgin Mary, reached via Gustave Eiffel’s footbridge. Offers stunning sea views and crashing waves.
• Surfing – Biarritz is Europe’s surf capital. Catch waves at Côte des Basques, where the sport first arrived in the 1950s, or take a lesson from a local school.
• Musée de la Mer – A modern aquarium and marine museum with a seal sanctuary, shark tunnel, and exhibits on Basque whaling history.
• Les Halles market – The covered market buzzes with Basque produce: Bayonne ham, Ossau-Iraty cheese, and fresh seafood. Grab a plate of oysters at the bar.
• Phare de Biarritz – Climb the 248 steps of the 19th-century lighthouse for panoramic views from the Basque coast to the Pyrenees.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days allows a relaxed pace: one day for beaches and the Rocher de la Vierge, one for surfing and the market, and a half-day for the Musée de la Mer and a coastal walk to the lighthouse. If you’re short on time, Biarritz can be enjoyed as a day trip from Bayonne or San Sebastián, but overnighting lets you experience the sunset surf session and evening pintxos crawl.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bayonne – A 10-minute train ride away, this historic Basque city boasts a medieval old town, the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, and excellent chocolate shops.
• Saint-Jean-de-Luz – A charming fishing port with a beautiful sandy bay and the church where Louis XIV married. 20 minutes south by train.
• San Sebastián (Donostia) – Just 45 minutes across the Spanish border, this foodie paradise is famed for its pintxos bars and La Concha beach.
• Biarritz’s coastal path – The Sentier du Littoral runs along the cliffs from the Côte des Basques to the lighthouse, with stellar ocean views.
• Pays Basque interior – Drive an hour inland to explore traditional villages like Espelette (famous for red peppers) and Ainhoa, and hike in the Pyrenees foothills.

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