Travelling to the Basque Country means visiting Biarritz — and this Biarritz guide is your starting point.
Biarritz Guide: Everything You Need to Know for Your Stay
This Biarritz guide takes you from planning to arrival. Biarritz, the jewel of the French Basque coast, is an unmissable destination for those seeking a refined atmosphere between the Atlantic Ocean and Basque culture. Famous for its beaches, legendary surf spots and Belle Époque architecture, Biarritz offers a unique experience at the crossroads of elegance and unspoilt nature. Each section of this Biarritz guide links to a dedicated article to go deeper on each theme.
Biarritz Guide: First Look Before Your Visit
Biarritz is a city where tradition and modernity meet harmoniously. Sitting on the Atlantic coast, this former fishing village has become one of the most sought-after seaside resorts in France, while remaining deeply rooted in Basque culture. With its Belle Époque palaces, spectacular beaches and renowned culinary scene, Biarritz draws visitors from all over the world.
A city where every street tells a story, where every wave is an invitation to adventure — a blend of luxury and authenticity in a setting where the ocean meets the mountains.
Biarritz guide: a city of many faces
Biarritz is far more than a seaside resort — it is a city of character that has reinvented itself over the centuries. Located just 35 kilometres from the Spanish border, it serves as a bridge between cultures. Visiting Biarritz means discovering a rich heritage, dynamic festivals and the energy that radiates from its streets.
1. A rich and fascinating history
Biarritz has a captivating past. From its origins as a fishing village to the golden age of the 19th century, here are the key stages that shaped the city:
Middle Ages — A fishing village, Biarritz was primarily known for whale hunting. 19th century — Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, chose Biarritz as her summer retreat, transforming the city into a fashionable resort for European aristocracy. 20th century — Biarritz became the European capital of surfing, attracting wave riders from around the world.
2. An exceptional natural setting
Biarritz benefits from a remarkable natural setting, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Basque mountains on the other. The Grande Plage is the city’s symbol, perfect for swimming and watching surfers. The Côte des Basques is one of the best surf spots in Europe. The Plage de Marbella, wilder, draws those looking for tranquillity. Our detailed guide to the beaches of Biarritz covers all six with their characteristics, access and seasonal tips.
3. A strong cultural identity
Biarritz is deeply attached to Basque culture, expressed through its language, cuisine and festivals. Basque is still taught and spoken by locals, and traditions are lived intensely — especially during the festivals where music, dance and gastronomy all come together. Every year, the Bayonne Festivities — one of the largest festive gatherings in the Basque Country — bring the streets alive in red and white.
Why This Biarritz Guide Recommends Biarritz
1. Breathtaking scenery
The Virgin Rock is one of Biarritz’s most iconic sites, offering a spectacular view over the ocean. The Biarritz Lighthouse (73 metres, 248 steps) is an excellent vantage point over the coast and Pyrenees. The Sentier du Littoral coastal path links Bidart to Biarritz along the clifftops in 1h30. Our article on what to do in Biarritz covers all the essential sites with prices and practical tips.
2. The European capital of surfing
Since the 1950s, Biarritz has been the European capital of surfing. Surfers from around the world come to ride the waves of the Côte des Basques. Over 6 km of coastline with spots for all levels, international competitions, and around fifteen French Surf Federation-certified schools. All addresses and contacts in our Biarritz surf guide.
3. A Biarritz guide for every type of visitor
Biarritz is a city where everyone finds their pace. Families, couples, surf enthusiasts, culture lovers — this Biarritz guide has a programme for each profile. Find all our recommendations in the article what to do in Biarritz, which breaks down activities by profile and by weather.
Biarritz Guide to the City’s Neighbourhoods
Biarritz is divided into several distinct neighbourhoods. The City Centre is the vibrant heart of Biarritz with its shops, cafés and the Grande Plage. The Côte des Basques is the surfers’ paradise with stunning views over the Pyrenees. The Saint-Charles quarter is authentic, with typical Basque houses and small independent shops. The Fishing Port is the historic quarter, with its crampottes — 66 coloured-shutter fishermen’s huts — and seafood restaurants.
City centre — Biarritz guide for shopping and gastronomy
The city centre is home to Les Halles de Biarritz (covered market, local produce, pintxos), the Hôtel du Palais, the Casino Municipal and the shopping streets. It is the natural starting point for a day in Biarritz. Visit early in the morning to enjoy the atmosphere before the summer tourist crowds arrive.
Côte des Basques — birthplace of surfing in Europe
The Côte des Basques is one of Europe’s finest surf spots, suited to beginners and experienced surfers alike. The clifftop promenade offers some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Basque coast. This is also where the highest concentration of certified surf schools is found.
The Fishing Port — authenticity and fresh seafood
The Fishing Port is one of the most picturesque corners of Biarritz. Its crampottes give the quarter a unique charm, particularly in the evening when the lights reflect off the water. Several seafood restaurants serve oysters and fresh produce directly on the waterfront.
Biarritz Guide to Gastronomy and Food
Les Halles de Biarritz — the gastronomic Biarritz guide
Les Halles de Biarritz (Rue des Halles) are the gastronomic heart of the city. Open every day, they offer a wide choice of fresh produce: fish, seafood, charcuterie, cheeses and pastries. The indoor tapas bars serve pintxos with a glass of Txakoli, the lightly sparkling white wine typical of the Basque Country. The atmosphere is particularly lively at weekends. Our guide to where to eat in Biarritz lists all the addresses by style and budget.
Michelin-starred restaurants in Biarritz
Biarritz has several Michelin-starred restaurants showcasing the finest Basque produce. L’Impertinent and Les Rosiers are among the most acclaimed tables. For gastronomic dinners outside the city centre, Smart Moov’s Biarritz private driver service handles the journey and the return — no parking, no designated driver needed.
Cider houses and asadores — Basque tradition
For an authentically Basque experience, cider houses and asadores serve txuleta (wood-fired grilled beef) with cider. Cidrerie Ttipia, a few minutes from Biarritz, offers the full traditional menu: salt cod omelette, txuleta and Idiazabal cheese.
Biarritz Guide: Getting Around and Transfers
Getting around Biarritz and the Basque Country requires a little organisation, especially if you are arriving via BIQ airport or Bayonne station. Between regulated taxis at ranks and pre-booked private driver services, options are plentiful — but fares vary considerably depending on distance, time of day and season. To plan your transport budget with confidence, see our complete guide to taxi prices in Biarritz: regulated fares, price ranges by destination, differences between taxi and private hire.
Smart Moov offers a private driver service in Biarritz, available 24 hours a day — saloon or van, fixed fare confirmed before departure, meet-and-greet with flight tracking at BIQ airport and at Biarritz and Bayonne stations.
Activities and Itineraries: Biarritz Guide for 1 or 2 Days
Biarritz can be discovered in a single day or over several. In one day: Grande Plage in the morning, Virgin Rock, lunch at Les Halles, Aquarium in the afternoon, Côte des Basques at sunset. In two days, add the Lighthouse, the Fishing Port and a day trip to Bayonne or Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Our Biarritz weekend guide offers detailed hour-by-hour itineraries for every length of stay.
Essential activities in this Biarritz guide
A walk along the Grande Plage is the natural starting point for any day in Biarritz. The Virgin Rock is one of the most spectacular viewpoints — accessible via a footbridge, with sweeping views over the ocean and the coast. The Fishing Port and its crampottes are an unmissable stop for understanding the historic soul of the city.
Biarritz guide for families with children
Biarritz is particularly well suited to families. Port-Vieux and Milady beaches are the calmest for young children. The Biarritz Aquarium (€15/adult, €11/child) and the Cité de l’Océan cover a half-day from age 5. The Biarritz Little Train (€7/adult, €4/child) covers the main sites in 45 minutes. Our complete guide to Biarritz with kids details activities by age group.
Biarritz Guide to Day Trips and Excursions
Biarritz is surrounded by destinations worth visiting — all reachable as a day trip from the city centre.
Bayonne — 15 minutes from Biarritz
Medieval half-timbered streets, Gothic cathedral Sainte-Marie, Basque Museum, historic chocolatiers and Bayonne ham. The Bayonne Festivities in July are unmissable. Transfer by private driver to Bayonne on request.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz — 20 minutes from Biarritz
An active fishing port, colourful Basque houses, a sheltered Grande Plage and a lively pedestrian street. Louis XIV married Marie-Thérèse of Austria here in 1660. Accessible by private driver from Biarritz on request.
San Sebastián — 30 minutes from Biarritz
The world’s gastronomic capital by concentration of Michelin stars, San Sebastián captivates with its old town, pintxos circuit and La Concha beach. Smart Moov operates the Biarritz to San Sebastián transfer in 30 minutes with a fixed fare — no parking stress on the Spanish side.
Basque villages — Espelette and Ainhoa
Espelette is famous for its pepper and facades adorned with strings of red peppers. Ainhoa is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. These typical villages offer an immersion in Basque culture, with their white houses, red shutters and artisan traditions.
Your Biarritz Guide Starts Here
Biarritz is far more than a seaside resort. It is a city where Basque tradition meets Belle Époque elegance, where waves draw surfers from around the world, and where every visitor finds what they are looking for. Whether you love gastronomy, culture or simply seek relaxation, this Biarritz guide gives you all the keys to making the most of your stay.
