A Guide to the 10+ Best Things to do in Biarritz

Last Updated on 27th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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The seaside resort of Biarritz is located on the windswept French Basque coastline and is the perfect weekend getaway if you’re looking for sun, sand, and seafood. Best visited between May and September, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Biarritz, as well as what to know before you go.

Thanks to its many surfing opportunities and delicious food scene, The Côte Basque, is often referred to as the ‘California of France’. Thanks to its ties with royalty, Biarritz is also known as ‘the queen of the beaches, the beach of kings’.

If you only have a short time in the city, here are our suggestions for how to spend one day in Biarritz. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our French Basque Country itinerary.

What is Biarritz known for?

Biarritz has been a resort town for well over a century and a half, when Princess Eugenie made bathing popular and seaside excursions became the norm for the well to do of society. Biarritz is also famous for its Basque heritage, great surfing beaches, golf courses, and a fantastic foodie scene.

Another unique thing you’ll see in the Basuqe region are extea, traditional white Basque houses which are timber framed with shutters that are painted a deep red. These can be found up and down the Basque coastline and are incredibly charming.

Where is Biarritz located?

Biarritz is located on the Atlantic Coastline and is situated just 11 miles (18 km) away from the border with Spain. On a clear day, it’s possibly to see Spain, as well as the Pyrénées.

Located in Southwest France, Biarritz is within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Close towns and cities of note include Guéthary, Saint Jean de Luz (and its twinned port of Ciboure), and Bayonne.

How long do you need in Biarritz?

The city is fairly large, meaning that there are a number of attractions, monuments, and cool places to visit and keep you occupied. As such, I recommend setting aside two or three days to visit Biarritz, which will give you enough time to do some side trips to nearby cities as well.

Best things to do in Biarritz

Grande Plage

If there’s one thing that visitors first notice when they visit Biarritz, it’s the Grande Plage at the edges of town, and lined by its very own boardwalk, Quai de la Promenade.

Perfect for taking an evening stroll, there are several beachside cafés studded alongside the quay, which serve up tasty cocktails and tapas style snacks.

The beach itself is popular among sunbathers, surfers, and swimmers. There is a lifeguard on duty during the day from May through to October (though check exact times that they’re on duty while you’re visiting the beach as it changes throughout the year). If the sea is particularly rough, then swimming and surfing are forbidden.

Plage du Port-Vieux

The smaller yet nevertheless inviting beach of Port-Vieux is smaller and friendlier towards swimmers and sunbathers than the Grande Plage. Lying in the shadow of the Neo-Medieval Villa Belza, the waters are typically much calmer in this sheltered spot.

While in the area, the place to head to is none other than the Eden Rock Café, which is a popular bar overlooking the water. Unfortunately, you’ll have to check to see when it’s open by walking past as the opening times online seem to be completely wrong!

See Villa Belza

If there’s one building which is oh-so-iconic and can be spied from almost any viewpoint in Biarritz, it’s Villa Belza. This Neo-Medieval Palace was constructed at the end of the 19th-century and has seen plenty of transformations over its lifetime.

Villa Belza has seen plenty of uses over the years, including as a bunker during Nazi Occupation and as a hotel. Today, the Villa is closed to the public as it is in use as luxury apartments. The best place to see Villa Belza is undoubtedly at sunset from the entrance path which leads towards Rocher de la Vierge.

Casino Barrière

When it comes to visiting Biarritz, and indeed the entirety of the French Basque coastline, visitors will soon discover that there is plenty of Art Deco architecture to be enjoyed. Casino Barrière was constructed in 1901 before being renovated in the Art Deco style during the 1920s. It is still a working casino today.

Biarritz lighthouse

Standing at 73 metres above sea level, the Biarritz lighthouse was constructed in 1834 and offers beautiful views of the Basque coastline, as well as the Grande Plage and town of Biarritz below. For a fee, you can climb the 248 steps to get to the top.

The best time to visit the Biarritz lighthouse, which is located on Pointe Saint Martin, if you want to see views of Biarritz below, as well as the coastline of the Cape Hainsart, is at sunset when everything will be bathed in a golden glow.

Rocher de la Vierge

One of the emblematic landmarks of Biarritz is the Rocher de la Vierge, which is known as the Rock of the Virgin in English. The strangely shaped rock, which looks like a long ship’s hull, is located between the Port-Vieux (Old Port) and the Port des pêcheurs (fishermen’s port) and is topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Go shopping

If there’s one thing that you can do in Biarritz, it’s to go shopping for souvenirs to take back from your trip. As a luxury resort town, Biarritz boasts all kinds of shops from foodie paradises to designer shops like Hermès.

Particular things to buy from Biarritz include espadrilles (the woven and canvas shoe actually originates in the region), chilli pepper products, local hams, Basque fabrics (there are stores dedicated entirely to linen sprinkled all over town), and woven baskets and bags.

Bookstore Biarritz

One of my personal favourites when it comes to hidden gems of Biarritz is a charming bookshop which is simply known as Bookstore Biarritz. Located steps away from the Grande Plage, the bookshop is set over two floors and has books on almost every topic, including an extensive section of travel guides to the local Basque region.

Port des Pêcheurs

Characterised by its ‘crampottes’ (fishermen’s houses), the Port de Pêcheurs was constructed during the reign of Napoleon III, though has served as a fishing port to Biarritz for many centuries.

The port is still dotted with white fishing huts which are adorned in colourful shutters. It is also here where you’ll find some of the best fish restaurants in Biarritz, where you can sit outside during the warmer months and watch the sun set as you’re sipping on some freshly blended Sangria.

Sainte-Eugénie Church of Biarritz

There are several ecclesiastical buildings dotted around Biarritz, though the most imposing of them all is probably the Gothic Sainte-Eugénie Church of Biarritz. Built during the reign of Emperor Napoleon III, the church is in the very heart of the city and overlooks the Port-Vieux area.

Chapelle Impériale

One of the more out of the way places and best-kept secrets of Biarritz is the Imperial Chapel. The little church was constructed in 1865 to serve as a personal place of worship for Princess Eugenie of Montijo.

The chapel is dedicated to Notre Dame de Guadalupe and is built in the Neo-Byzantine style. Today, the Imperial Chapel is open only occasionally via guided tour to visitors, though it can be admired via its exterior 24/7.

Eglise Orthodoxe de Biarritz

The Russian Orthodox Church of Biarritz is located close to the Hôtel Palais and was built at the end of the 19th-century (in 1892 to be precise). At this time, Biarritz was a popular vacation spot for many wealthy Russian visitors as it was also an Imperial City.

Museum of Biarritz

Those who are looking to discover even more about the history of Biarritz and its surrounds can head to the historical museum of Biarritz (Musée Historique de Biarritz).

Set against the backdrop of a former Anglican church, the museum showcases the history of Biarritz. Please note that the majority of the exhibitions in the museum are in French and so it is best experienced if you can read French!

Sample local food and drink

One of the things that makes Biarritz one of the best places to visit in France is the local gastronomy which originates from both the land and the sea. Head to Les Halles (a late 19th-century covered market hall) to shop for local produce including cheeses, jams and sauces, meats, and vegetables).

As well as local savoury items, the most popular sweet dessert to be found in Biarritz is the Basque Cake, which comes in two flavours: cream and black cherry. Otherwise, read on later in the article for our top suggestions for where to eat and drink in Biarritz.

Go surfing

Thanks to its wild winds and crashing waves, the Basque Atlantic Coastline is one of the most popular places in Europe to go surfing throughout the year. If you’ve never been surfing before but wish to try, then you might consider booking a private surfing lesson like this one.

Take a day trip to Saint Jean de Luz

Of course, though there are plenty of things to do in Biarritz, many people visiting the town will want to get a greater feel of the wider Basque region. One of the best day trips to take from Biarritz is to Saint Jean de Luz.

You don’t need to rent a car from Biarritz but can instead take the local bus system. In order to get from Biarritz to Saint Jean de Luz, you’ll need to take two different buses. You can purchase an unlimited transport card for €5,20 at the chronoplus Biarritz bus office, which is located close to the tourist office.

Getting around Biarritz

The transport system of Biarritz is fairly easy to navigate, though most attractions are situated close to one another and can easily be explored on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are plenty of ups and downs, steps, and cobbled streets.

There is a tourist office where you can pick up walking guides and information about the town (address: Sq. d’Ixelles). Housed against the backdrop of a former pink mansion, the building itself is truly beautiful. Unfortunately, the staff were not very helpful.

If you would prefer a more touristic experience, then you can get the moderately reviewed tourist train. The tourist train departs from the Grande Plage and, as of 2023, costs €7 for an adult to do the basic tourist circuit (of around 30 minutes).

The tourist train was okay, but definitely not the best activity in Biarritz. Information is very limited and the music gets incredibly repetitive. You’ll need cash as the train doesn’t accept card payments.

Bicycles are available to rent from a number of different places around town, as are electric vibes. Alternatively, you could take a guided tour on a Segway like this one.

Finally, if you’re looking to get a true feel for Biarritz and delve deeper into the history of the place, together with a local guide, then you might consider booking a private guided walking tour. Find more details here.

Where to eat and drink in Biarritz

There is no doubt about it: Biarritz is a true foodie destination. Even if you don’t eat meat or seafood, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy eating when it comes to visiting the Southwest French town. Here’s a guide to the top places to eat in Biarritz.

L’Entre Deux

If you’re looking for a special dinner that is particularly well cooked, then I highly recommend heading to L’Entre Deux, which is located just a stone’s throw away from the centre of town. Be sure to book in advance as tables fill up fast, especially during the summer.

L’Entre Deux’s main speciality is fresh fish dishes, served together with an extensive wine list.

Nuts Biarritz

Healthy vegetarian and vegan food (as well as a few meat and fish options) can be found at Nuts Biarritz. This café serves up an every changing menu, as well as speciality coffees and cakes.

No. 4 Coffee Station

Those searching for good speciality coffee and brunch in the city would do well to head to No. 4 Coffee Station. They serve a variety of delicious dishes (some of which are vegetarian), as well as sweet treats and desserts. The coffee was particularly tasty and there are vegetable milks available.

Harremanak

Of course, one of the most special experiences to have in Biarritz is to dine in the open air, overlooking the sea. Harremanak is set against the backdrop of an old fisherman’s hut turned restaurant in the Port-Vieux area of the city.

The menu is set out tapas style and the idea is that you take a number of small dishes to share between friends or family. What is particularly great about Harremanak as opposed to some of the other tapas places is that there are several non-meat and non-fish options on the menu such as vegetable sharing platters.

Where to stay in Biarritz

Hôtel du Palais Biarritz

For the ultimate taste of luxury during your South Western France stay, there is no place to stay in Biarritz other than the Hôtel du Palais. This grand palace is now listed as a historic monument and was constructed by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie.

Indeed, the shape of the palace is in an ‘E’. Since 1893, the complex has been used as a luxury hotel and is now owned by Hyatt. Now classed as a 5-star hotel, amenities include a pool, spa, and some rooms have a beach view. Check prices and availability here.

How to get to Biarritz

There are a number of ways to get to Biarritz as the town is served by its own train station, as well as an airport. The closest airports to Biarritz are San Sebastian Airport (EAS) and Biarritz (BIQ). Biarritz airport is around 30 minutes away from the city by public transportation, while San Sebastian in Spain is around a half hour drive away.

The airport and train stations are also served by long distance coaches, which offer much lower rates to get to Paris, and further afield to Spain. Biarritz is also just a couple of hours away from the city of Bordeaux by train or car and so could be visited as part of a South West France itinerary.

How much does a weekend in Biarritz cost?

Of course, the exact answer to this question depends on plenty of factors, such as if you’re visiting in the off-season, how far in advance you book, and whether or not there’s a popular holiday or festival occuring during your travel dates.

During our trip, we stayed in an Airbnb with a bedroom that could sleep two people and a lounge that had a pull out sofa bed. It was less than a five-minute walk from the beach and cost around €80 per night, though would cost more during the high season (July and August).

When it came to meals, we were spoilt for choice. Our meal at Crampotte 30 for 3 people included more plates of tapas than we could all eat and a pitcher of Sangria and came to €21 each. Meanwhile, our meal at Chez Gaby (which included a bottle of wine between 3 people) cost €30 each.

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