9 walks around Biarritz on the Basque coast

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Marie

Published on 08/09/2025

The Basque coast around Biarritz offers an exceptional playground for hiking enthusiasts. Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains, this unique region offers a striking diversity of landscapes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the trails along the Basque coast will win you over with their wild beauty and rich culture. From the legendary coastal path to the more challenging climbs to the Rhune, each hike around Biarritz reveals a different aspect of this authentic region. These walking itineraries will allow you to discover breathtaking panoramas, typical Basque villages and the unspoilt nature for which this destination is renowned the world over.

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1. Climbing the Rhune from Ascain

Departure point: Ascain motocross course car park (GPS: 43.332566°N, 1.622891°W)

Climbing La Rhune is one of the most emblematic walks around Biarritz. This mythical mountain, 905 metres high, offers an exceptional panorama of the Basque coast and the Pyrenees. Starting from Ascain, the trail stretches over 12.4 kilometres with a difference in altitude of 765 metres, requiring around 5 hours 45 minutes’ walking. This moderately-difficult hike takes you through a variety of landscapes: oak forests, lush green meadows and rocky ridges.

The trail starts near the Ascain motocross course, just 30 kilometres from Biarritz. Along the way, you’ll come across the famous pottoks, Basque ponies that graze in semi-liberty on the slopes of the mountain. The route passes a number of remarkable points, including the Redoute, a former military fortification. Once at the top, the view takes in the entire Basque coastline, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pyrenean peaks. To make the descent easier, or to discover the mountain in a different way, you can take the little cogwheel train from the Col de Saint-Ignace.

Download the audio tour to discover Biarritz on foot and on your own

After your hike to the Rhune, extend your discovery of the region by exploring Biarritz on our audio-guided itinerary. On this tour, you’ll discover the city’s 17 must-see places of interest, from the Rocher de la Vierge to the Atalaye plateau, via the elegant villas on the seafront and the picturesque streets of the historic centre.

2. The coastal path from Bidart to Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Starting point: Plage d’Erreteguia in Bidart (GPS: 43.433331°N, 1.583330°W)

The coastal path is one of the most beautiful walks on the Basque coast around Biarritz. This 12.7-kilometre section of the GR8 runs from Bidart to Saint-Jean-de-Luz along the Atlantic coast. With an ascent of 340 metres and a walking time of 3? hours, this moderately-difficult walk offers exceptional panoramic views of the ocean and the Basque mountains. The path alternates between wild beaches, steep cliffs and secret coves, revealing all the beauty of the Basque coastline.

Please note that some sections may be temporarily closed between Bidart and Guéthary for safety reasons, with diversions put in place. The route passes through several emblematic towns: Bidart with its red cliffs, Guéthary and its authentic charm, then Saint-Jean-de-Luz with its typical port. Along the way, you’ll discover remarkable sites such as the Saint-Joseph chapel and the famous seaside villas clinging to the cliffs. This walk along the Basque coast gives you the chance to admire the surfers’ techniques at the region’s famous spots.

3. The loop around lakes Marion and Mouriscot in Biarritz

Departure point: Car park on La Milady beach (GPS: 43.466100°N, 1.571860°W)

This 8.3-kilometre urban and nature trail offers a green escape in the heart of the Basque coast. The Lakes Marion and Mouriscot circuit is an ideal family walk to discover Biarritz’s unspoilt natural areas. With just 74 metres of ascent, this 2 hour 35 minute walk is suitable for all levels. It starts at the hairpin bends of Plage de la Milady and takes you through two exceptional green settings.

Lake Marion, a small jewel of 2 hectares, offers a peaceful setting with its landscaped banks and aquatic wildlife. The route continues on to the larger 11-hectare Lac Mouriscot, famous for its centuries-old oak forests and rich birdlife. This walk around Biarritz passes through a variety of natural environments: dunes, forests, wetlands and meadows. The tour ends at the Cité de l’Océan, combining nature and culture. The cycle paths make this route also suitable for cycling, offering a gentle alternative for exploring these unspoilt natural areas of the Basque coast.

4. The promenade from Arcangues to Arbonne

Departure point: Château d’Arcangues car park (GPS: 43.435000°N, 1.516980°W)

This 9-kilometre walk takes you through two authentic Basque villages, Arcangues and Arbonne, just a few minutes from Biarritz. With a moderate gradient of 97 metres and a duration of 2 hours 55 minutes, this easy route reveals the charm of the Basque hinterland. The route starts at the Château d’Arcangues, famous for having welcomed Luis Mariano, and winds through the Basque countryside along country lanes and little-travelled roads.

Arcangues boasts a remarkable heritage: the 19th-century château, the listed church with its cemetery featuring typical discoidal stelae, and the Errota Handia nature reserve. The village of Arbonne, meanwhile, has retained its rural authenticity, with its church and listed benediction. This walk along the Basque coast offers a total immersion in local culture, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. The bucolic landscapes alternate between the Basque bocage, green hills and traditional farms where Manech sheep graze. The route allows you to discover the Basque art of living to the rhythm of the seasons and ancestral traditions.

5. The Jaizkibel ridge path from Hendaye

Departure point: Hendaye marina (GPS: 43.371848°N, 1.772971°W)

Mount Jaizkibel, 543 metres high, is one of the most spectacular walks on the Basque coast near Biarritz. This mountain on the border between France and Spain offers a 15-kilometre route that can be adapted to suit your tastes, with around 5 hours’ walking and a 350-metre ascent. The ridge path offers exceptional views over the Bay of Txingudi, the Atlantic Ocean and the Spanish Basque mountains.

The route starts from Hendaye or from the sanctuary of Guadalupe on the Spanish side. The route follows the Jaizkibel ridge, offering views of both the French and Spanish sides of the border. Along the way, you’ll come across the remains of military fortifications that bear witness to the region’s frontier history. This walk around Biarritz gives you the chance to admire Hondarribia (Fontarrabie) with its colourful houses and marina. Beware: avoid this walk during the dove-hunting season (October-November). The path crosses heather and gorse moorland, offering a remarkably colourful view of this wild part of the Basque coast in spring.

6. The walk from the Chambre d’Amour to the Biarritz lighthouse

Departure point: Chambre d’Amour car park in Anglet (GPS: 43.496700°N, 1.543800°W)

This 9.6-kilometre coastal walk is the perfect introduction to the walks on the Basque coast around Biarritz. With an ascent of just 110 metres and a duration of 3 hours, this easy route allows you to discover the emblematic sites of the Biarritz coastline. The route starts at the car park of the Chambre d’Amour cave in Anglet and takes you through some of the region’s most photographed coastal landscapes.

The route takes in some of the highlights of Visiter Biarritz: the Plateau de l’Atalaye with its panoramic views, the Rocher de la Vierge and its footbridge, and the beaches of Port-Vieux and the Côte des Basques where surfers can be found. The walk also passes through the historic town centre, passing Les Halles and Place Bellevue. This urban walk along the Basque coast combines architectural heritage, seascapes and a seaside atmosphere. It provides an insight into the evolution of Biarritz from a simple fishing village to an internationally renowned seaside resort, while enjoying the iodised air of the Atlantic Ocean.

7. The Kakuetta gorges in Haute-Soule

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Departure point: Bar La Cascade in Sainte-Engrâce (temporarily closed)

Although only an hour’s drive from Biarritz, the gorges of Kakuetta are well worth a visit for their exceptional wild beauty. These spectacular gorges of the Haute-Soule were discovered in 1906 by Édouard-Alfred Martel, a pioneer of modern speleology. The hike, usually 2 kilometres long, plunges you into a tropical universe unique in France, with its vertiginous 200-metre-high walls and lush vegetation.

Important information The Kakuetta gorges have been closed since 2020 following a fatal accident and due to landslides. The commune of Sainte-Engrâce is maintaining this closure for the whole of 2024, and the reopening is not planned before 2026-2027. A project for a new, safe, high-level route is being studied, to enable visitors to enjoy the scenery without having to cross the bottom of the gorge. In the meantime, you can discover other marvels of the Haute-Soule, such as the Holzarte gorges and the Iraty plateaux, which also offer remarkable walks along the wider Basque coast.

8. The section of the GR10 from Olhette to Sare

Starting point: Village d’Olhette (GPS: 43.332264°N, 1.660181°W)

This stage of the legendary GR10 offers an accessible 3-hour walk between Olhette and Sare, one of the most beautiful villages in France. This moderately-difficult section allows you to discover the typical landscapes of the inland Basque country without the technical difficulties of high mountain passes. The trail passes through green hills, authentic hamlets and oak forests typical of the Basque coast.

The village of Sare is one of the jewels in the crown of Basque heritage, with its traditional half-timbered houses, pediment and typical church. It is also the departure point for the La Rhune cogwheel railway, making it possible to combine this hike with an ascent of the sacred Basque mountain. The GR10, the long-distance hiking trail that crosses the Pyrenees from Hendaye to Banyuls-sur-Mer, offers a perfect overview of the region’s rich landscape and culture. On this hike around Biarritz, you can let yourself be guided by the famous red and white signposts while discovering the unspoilt authenticity of the Basque country.

9. The côte des Basques loop at Villa Belza

Departure point: Côte des Basques (GPS: 43.478611°N, 1.567500°W)

This 4.5-kilometre urban walk takes in some of Biarritz’s most emblematic sites. Lasting 1 hour 50 minutes and with a moderate gradient, this route reveals the soul of the seaside resort, with its architectural heritage and coastal landscapes. The route starts on the Côte des Basques, the cradle of French surfing, and takes you to the mysterious Villa Belza perched on its cliff.

The path follows the coastline, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees. You’ll discover Biarritz’s fascinating history, from its origins as a fishing village to its transformation into a popular destination for Europe’s aristocracy. The Villa Belza, with its eclectic architecture blending neo-Gothic and Moorish styles, is a perfect symbol of this prosperous era. This walk along the Basque coast allows you to admire the prowess of the surfers while soaking up the unique atmosphere of Biarritz. To complete this discovery, don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided during your visit by theNavaway itinerary of Biarritz, which will reveal all the secrets of the town.

In conclusion, the walks around Biarritz on the Basque coast offer exceptional diversity for all walking enthusiasts. From the legendary ascent of the Rhune to family walks around the lakes of Biarritz, via the spectacular coastal path, each route reveals a unique facet of this unspoilt region. These nine walks will enable you to discover the natural and cultural wealth of the Basque Country, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains. To extend your exploration of the region, theBiarritz itinerary will guide you through the must-see sights of the seaside resort, completing your discovery of the Basque coast on foot.

FAQ about walks around Biarritz

When is the best time to go hiking on the Basque coast?

The best time to hike around Biarritz is from April to October. Spring (April-May) offers lush green landscapes and moderate visitor numbers. Summer guarantees stable weather, but with more crowds on the coastal paths. Autumn (September-October) has the advantage of pleasant temperatures and exceptional light for photography.

What equipment do you need for hiking on the Basque coast?

For hikes around Biarritz, bring walking shoes suitable for the sometimes wet and slippery terrain. Bring a waterproof jacket, as the ocean climate can be changeable. Don’t forget sun cream and a hat for the exposed coastal paths. A water bottle and energy snacks will complete your equipment.

Are the walks suitable for children?

A number of walks around Biarritz are suitable for families with children. The loop around lakes Marion and Mouriscot, the walk from the Chambre d’Amour to the lighthouse, and certain sections of the coastal path are all accessible to young walkers. It’s best to choose routes that are less than 5 kilometres long, with little change in altitude.

Is it possible to swim during coastal walks?

Yes, many of the walks along the Basque coast take you past beaches where you can swim. The beaches at Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary and Saint-Jean-de-Luz have lifeguard posts in season. However, beware of the currents and the sometimes heavy swell on this Atlantic coast. Follow the signs and instructions given by the lifeguards.

Where can I find out about trail conditions?

To find out about the state of the hiking trails around Biarritz, consult the website of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques section of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre (French hiking federation), local tourist offices or specialist applications such as Visorando. Some sections of the coastal footpath may be temporarily closed for safety or environmental protection reasons.