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Biarritz

Cradle of European surfing (1957), imperial Belle Époque resort, iconic Grande Plage beach: Biarritz blends chic, surf and Basque gastronomy.

★ 4.80Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Biarritz is one of France's most chic seaside resorts. Created as an imperial resort by Empress Eugénie de Montijo in 1854 (who had Villa Eugénie built there, which became the legendary Hôtel du Palais), the city remains the embodiment of Basque chic. Its central Grande Plage, the Rocher de la Vierge and its tunnel (work by Gustave Eiffel), the seafront Belle Époque villas make it a unique destination in France.

But Biarritz is also the European capital of surfing. It was here that the first surfboard was brought to Europe in 1957 by Peter Viertel (husband of actress Deborah Kerr), giving birth to all of French surf culture. Today, the Côte des Basques hosts surfers from around the world year-round. Surf schools (Hastea, Lagoondy, Biarritz Boardriders) initiate beginners and refine confirmed surfers. The Quiksilver Pro France (World Surf League stage, 30 km away in Hossegor in October) attracts the world's elite.

The city also offers rich cultural heritage: Musée de la Mer (Aquarium, exhibition on the ocean), Asiatica Museum (Asian arts), imperial chapel (Moorish, 1864), Belle Époque municipal Casino, Hôtel du Palais (legendary palace, 5 stars, frequented by Hemingway, Frank Sinatra, Coco Chanel). Basque gastronomy is everywhere: AOP Bayonne ham, Espelette pepper, pintxos (Basque tapas) in city centre bars, Henriet chocolates (since 1882), Basque cake.

Nearby: Saint-Jean-de-Luz (15 km, picturesque port, Louis XIV's marriage), Bayonne (10 km, walled old town), Espelette (25 km, AOP pepper capital), Sare and Ainhoa (Most Beautiful Basque Villages), San Sebastián (45 min, Spanish border, gastronomic capital).

What we love

  • ✅Cradle of European surfing, Côte des Basques surfable year-round
  • ✅Imperial Belle Époque resort: Hôtel du Palais, municipal Casino, iconic villas
  • ✅Beaches: Grande Plage, Côte des Basques, Plage du Port-Vieux, Marbella, Milady
  • ✅Exceptional Basque gastronomy: pintxos, Bayonne ham, Espelette pepper, chocolate
  • ✅TGV Paris-Biarritz in 4h, BIQ airport (European low-cost flights)

What to know

  • ❌High costs in high season (hotels €200-450/night in summer)
  • ❌Heavy crowds in July-August, Fêtes de Bayonne saturate the coast late July
  • ❌Cold Atlantic sea (max 22 °C, strong waves sometimes dangerous)
  • ❌Pebble or mixed sand beaches in some sections
When to go
Climate and best seasons.
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Budget
Cost of living and tips.
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Things to do
Activities and must-sees.
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Situation

Où se situe Biarritz ?

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Biarritz?+
__TGV Paris-Biarritz__ in 4h direct (LGV Atlantique from Montparnasse). __Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne airport__ (BIQ, European low-cost flights: Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea — London, Dublin, Brussels, Madrid). __By car from Paris__: 8h via A10/A63. __TGV Bordeaux-Biarritz__ in 1h50.
When to surf in Biarritz?+
__Year-round__! The Atlantic offers almost daily waves. For __beginners__: spring-summer (calmer sea, foamy, 14-22 °C). For __confirmed__: autumn-winter (stronger swells, waves up to 3-4 m, sea 12-15 °C). Emblematic spots: __Côte des Basques__ (ideal beginners, calmer sea), __Grande Plage__ (more powerful waves), __Hossegor__ (30 km away, WSL stage in October). Schools: Hastea, Lagoondy, Biarritz Boardriders — 1h30 lessons €30-50/person.
How many days?+
__2-3 days__ for Biarritz alone (Grande Plage, Côte des Basques, Rocher de la Vierge, Hôtel du Palais, old town, dinner). __5-6 days__ to combine with Saint-Jean-de-Luz (15 km), Bayonne (10 km), Espelette (25 km), Sare and Pic de la Rhune (35 km). __7-10 days__ to add San Sebastián in Spain (45 min) and the Pyrenees-Atlantiques hinterland.
Which Basque villages to see?+
__Bayonne__ (10 km, walled old town, Petit Bayonne, French Quarter, Sainte-Marie Cathedral, Fêtes de Bayonne late July). __Saint-Jean-de-Luz__ (15 km, picturesque port, Louis XIV's marriage, protected beach). __Espelette__ (25 km, AOP pepper capital, façades adorned with strings of red peppers in September). __Sare__ and __Ainhoa__ (classified Most Beautiful Villages, green hinterland). __Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port__ (50 km, Vauban citadel, starting point of the Camino francés to Santiago de Compostela).
What to taste in Biarritz?+
__Basque pintxos__ (Basque tapas to eat standing at the counter, accompanied by Txakoli — Basque white wine; Bar Jean, Le Surfing). __AOP Bayonne ham__ (cured 10 months minimum). __Axoa__ (veal stew with Espelette pepper). __Ttoro__ (Basque fish soup). __Piperade__ (eggs with peppers and tomatoes). __Basque chocolate__ (Henriet since 1882, Cazenave). __Basque cake__ (with cream or cherry). __Wines__: Irouléguy (Basque AOC), Madiran, Jurançon. __Basque cider__ Sagardo.
Hôtel du Palais: is it worth it?+
The __Hôtel du Palais__ (5 stars, former Villa Eugénie built by Napoleon III for his wife in 1854) is one of France's legendary palaces — Hemingway, Frank Sinatra, Coco Chanel stayed there. Belle Époque architecture, exceptional sea view, starred restaurant. Rooms €450-1500/night, suites €2000-8000. Alternative to taste the experience without sleeping: __bar cocktail__ (€25-35), __afternoon tea__ (€55/person), __dinner at the Villa Eugénie gastronomic restaurant__ (€120-200/person).
Which beach to choose?+
__Grande Plage__ (central, lively, more powerful sea, ideal confirmed surfers and lounge); __Côte des Basques__ (south, calmer sea, ideal beginner surfers, exceptional view of the Pyrenees); __Plage du Port-Vieux__ (small protected beach, perfect for families); __Plage de la Milady__ (further south, calmer); __Marbella__ (between Biarritz and Bidart, calmer sea). All accessible on foot or by free city centre shuttle.

Our verdict

Biarritz is the chic resort of the French Basque Coast, perfect for combining sea, surf, Basque gastronomy and Belle Époque art of living. Allow 3-4 days to enjoy the city (beaches, surf, gastronomy) + 1-2 days for the Basque hinterland (Bayonne, Espelette, Sare, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port). Visit in May-June or September — September is the optimal month (sea still warm, fewer crowds, reasonable prices). Avoid late July (Fêtes de Bayonne saturate the whole coast). For surfing: Hossegor 30 km away offers the best waves (Quiksilver Pro France WSL in October).

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The Editors
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"Hiver doux Côte d'Azur, ski Alpes."

Expert on Biarritz · 1 contributions

Reviewed by :France Desk — Mowando·Editor

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