Visit Biarritz

Basque gastronomy never fails to impress. You won’t have trouble finding a bar or restaurant to enjoy a friendly moment while tasting pintxos. To truly immerse yourself in Basque tradition, head to the Halles district, where you’ll find several guinguettes, bars, and restaurants known for their lively atmosphere. You can also indulge in local specialties right inside the Halles, where vendors offer freshly caught fish and regional delicacies like Ossau-Iraty cheese. Strolling through the market, tasting authentic products, you’re sure to leave with a full stomach!

Finding accommodation in Biarritz that meets your expectations can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re visiting the Basque coast during the high season (summer), it’s best to book well in advance, as hotel prices increase significantly due to high demand. Near Parc Mazon and Gare du Midi, you’ll find reasonably priced hotels with an ideal central location. For a more luxurious experience, several hotels line the beaches of Biarritz, including the most famous, Hôtel du Palais.

Biarritz boasts numerous stunning beaches, making it hard to choose just one. However, the Grande Plage remains the most famous beach in Biarritz. It is also the most popular among tourists, meaning it can get crowded during peak season. For a quieter and more intimate experience, Miramar Beach is one of the most pleasant options in Biarritz. It is not as frequented by tourists, making it a more relaxing spot.

Limiting your visit to Biarritz alone would be a mistake! The Basque Country has plenty of breathtaking landscapes to offer. Biarritz is closely linked to two other cities, forming what is known as the BAB (Bayonne-Anglet-Biarritz). Exploring these three cities will give you a deeper appreciation of the Basque Country’s beauty.

If you are staying in Biarritz, you can easily visit the Spanish Basque Country, including San Sebastián or Bilbao, with daily bus services available. Closer to Biarritz, the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a must-visit. It charms visitors with its picturesque port, the lively Place Louis XIV, and its narrow streets lined with local boutiques.

For the more adventurous, hiking to La Rhune is an excellent option. This iconic Basque mountain offers breathtaking views, and during the climb, you might spot pottocks, a unique breed of pony native to the Basque region.

Visiting Biarritz in two days is entirely feasible, but to fully enjoy the surrounding areas, it’s best to extend your stay to three days.

On the first day, you can explore the city center and visit the Russian Orthodox Church. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Côte des Basques and enjoy its vast sandy beaches.

On the second day, don’t miss the Rocher de la Vierge. To reach it, you’ll cross a footbridge passing through the Port des Pêcheurs. The Rocher de la Vierge is one of Biarritz’s most iconic landmarks, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Basque coast. Since you’ll be near the port, it’s the perfect opportunity to have lunch at a seafood restaurant. In the afternoon, a visit to the Biarritz Aquarium will allow you to discover the rich marine life of the Atlantic Ocean.

On the third and final day, it is highly recommended to explore a neighboring town like Bayonne or Saint-Jean-de-Luz to round off your Basque getaway.

Biarritz is a popular tourist destination, especially in summer. Many Parisians own holiday apartments here, making it a sought-after location during the high season. As a result, accommodation becomes scarce, and prices rise significantly.

To give you an idea, Biarritz has around 25,000 residents in winter. In summer, the population swells to 130,000! The best time to visit Biarritz is in the spring, when the weather is pleasant, the number of tourists is lower, and you can fully appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of the Basque Country.

Biarritz is famous even beyond France’s borders, attracting thousands of international visitors. The city is well-equipped to accommodate tourists, with Biarritz-Bayonne-Anglet Airport located just two kilometers southeast of Biarritz. The airport offers flights to multiple European destinations.

If you plan to travel by train, keep in mind that the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is not the best served by rail transport. For example, traveling from Bordeaux to Biarritz takes about two hours by train, while driving the same route takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you are coming from Paris, a train from Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux takes about two hours (587 km), followed by another two-hour journey to Biarritz (198 km).

For a night out, enjoying a drink and experiencing the lively Basque nightlife, the city center is the most vibrant area. The Rue des Halles and Rue du Centre are home to numerous bars where you can soak up the atmosphere.

Want to enjoy local flavors while admiring the ocean view? Several beaches in Biarritz offer dining options in exceptional settings.

“Le Surfing” is a well-loved restaurant serving fresh seafood and local cuisine. It is popular among both locals and visitors enchanted by its charm. For a more tranquil experience, “Blue Cargo” in Guéthary offers breathtaking ocean views. If you visit this restaurant, don’t miss the chipirons in parsley sauce – they’re a true delicacy!

The Basque Country is synonymous with surfing, and Biarritz is a legendary surfing destination. This sport is an integral part of the local culture, with numerous surf spots catering to all levels.

The most famous surf spot in the Basque Country, and possibly in all of France, is the Côte des Basques beach. It is considered the birthplace of French surfing. Known for its powerful waves, it is better suited to experienced surfers. Beginners may prefer calmer waters like those at Grande Plage. Several surf schools operate nearby, making it an ideal place to learn the fundamentals of this thrilling sport.

The best way to get around Biarritz is on foot. Driving in the city, especially during summer, can be frustrating due to heavy traffic and limited parking. You might spend a long time searching for a parking spot. Fortunately, Biarritz is a compact city, and walking around is not only easy but also enjoyable. Strolling through the town, you’ll admire the traditional Basque half-timbered houses.

For longer distances, renting a bike is a great alternative. The Atlantic coast offers beautiful cycling paths, perfect for exploring the area.

Biarritz is not a very large city. You can visit its main attractions in just two days. Even without spending much, you can experience the beauty of the city by simply wandering around.

A visit to the Atalaye Plateau provides stunning views of the Grande Plage. While there, you can also explore the Botanical Garden and the Imperial Chapel. Afterward, you can stroll through the city center, sample Basque delicacies at the Halles, and unwind with a swim at one of Biarritz’s beautiful beaches.

Biarritz is a great destination for families. Children will love discovering the beach, collecting seashells, and playing in the waves. You can take a scenic walk along the coast and visit key landmarks like the Atalaye Plateau and Biarritz Lighthouse.

A must-visit for families is the Biarritz Aquarium. Kids and adults alike will enjoy walking through the underwater tunnel, watching sharks swim right above their heads.

For a culinary adventure, head to the Halles de Biarritz to sample Basque specialties. After a delicious meal, relax on the beach, take a dip, or build sandcastles.

Biarritz is well-adapted for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can enjoy the Basque Country to the fullest. Most attractions, tourist sites, and public transportation are accessible. You can visit the Biarritz Aquarium and the Rocher de la Vierge with ease. The Grande Plage also has a ramp, making access relatively simple.