Top 10 things to do in Biarritz

Visiting Biarritz: what are the best things to do and see in this little seaside gem in the Basque country?

Always lively, Biarritz is a splendid seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, nestling in the Bay of Biscay in southwestern France. Biarritz enjoys an exceptional climate: mild winters and pleasant summers with an average temperature of 20°C.

Move away from the coast, enter the heart of the city, continue to the outlying areas and you’ll discover many other facets of Biarritz: magnificent relics of the past, exceptional cultural sites, a rich natural heritage… This charismatic city is sure to leave you with precious memories.

Wondering what to do in Biarritz? This is the place!

1. Les Halles

The famous Halles market is divided into two buildings. On one side are the fishmongers’ stalls, on the other the food stalls. You can’t help but love this place and its atmosphere, which reflects the true identity of the city.

Familiarize yourself with regional cuisine in a colorful setting and succumb to the orgy of quality products before your eyes.

2. Biarritz lighthouse

If you’re visiting Biarritz, don’t forget to stop off at the lighthouse at Pointe Saint-Martin. This old, surprisingly white 19th-century building stands some forty meters high and dominates the town. You’ll be amazed by its beauty!

3. The Atalaye plateau

Plateau de l'Atalaye, Biarritz

Photo credit: Flickr – Fred Romero

Head for the Atalaye viewpoint, an exceptional observation site offering breathtaking views of the Grande Plage and the Barrière casino.

Perched on this plateau, you’ll be enchanted by the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs. The feeling is almost unreal.

4. Biarritz Aquarium

Wondering what to do in Biarritz? We recommend a visit to the impressive Biarritz Aquarium. This incredible site boasts no less than a hundred species of Bay of Biscay flora and fauna.

Here you’ll discover collections relating to fishing techniques in the Basque Country, an impressive gallery dedicated to cetaceans, an incredible shark cave and you can also admire seals in their tank!

5. Le rocher de la Vierge

On foot, after crossing a footbridge, you can reach the famous Rocher de la Vierge, the emblematic rock of Biarritz. In addition to a beautiful walk, you’ll discover a panorama of rare beauty.

It was under Napoleon III that a footbridge was built to link the rock to the coast. A gallery was then dug into the rock to house the statue of the Virgin Mary.

6. Surfing

Surf, Biarritz

Photo credit: Flickr – Carine Puyo

In Biarritz, surf culture is everywhere, as evidenced by the Cité de l’Océan and the number of surf shops and board rental companies. From April to November, 18 surf schools welcome beginners and experienced surfers alike, for lessons lasting a few hours or several days.

All the major surf brands, including Quiksilver, Billabong and Rip Curl, are based around the town. Biarritz’s Côte des Basques beach has been voted France’s most beautiful beach. At the foot of the famous 100 steps, and framed by Villa Belza and the Marbella spot, this glamorous spot hosts numerous events such as the Casetas de Biarritz or Wheels and Waves…

7. A boat trip

Balade en bateau à Biarritz

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko

Visiting Biarritz also means taking advantage of its coastline. In fact, there are some very nice boat trips available, allowing you to admire the magnificent Basque coastline and the Bay of Biscay.

So it would be a shame not to rent a boat in Biarritz, and miss out on the Basque setting to get there.

8. Biarritz beaches

Plage, Biarritz

Photo credit: Flickr – Julien Sutter

Visiting Biarritz also means exploring the city’s many beaches and coves. Explore the beach along Bellevue and Port Vieux, ideal for families, or stop off at Marbella beach, a surfer’s paradise, or Milady beach, offering a multitude of activities.

Chances are you’ll fall in love with the magnificent Casino beach. Whatever the season, this beach is representative of the pure beauty of the Basque Country. From the beach, follow the promenade that nibbles away at a stretch of beach and ends at the ocean’s edge.

9. The fishermen’s port

On Biarritz’s seafront promenade, you’ll discover the fishermen’s port. Quite small, it has a real charm about it, with its pretty cottages and old boats. The site boasts a number of restaurants serving excellent seafood and fish dishes.

10. Col d’Ibardin

In the mood for a walk in nature? A day trip from Biarritz to the Col d’Ibardin offers you total communion with nature. The hike takes you to the Xoldokogaïna lake, surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll need to allow between 1 and 2 hours’ walking time for this stroll, which is relatively frequented and not too vertiginous.

How to get to Biarritz

You can choose to travel to Biarritz by car, train or plane, depending on your departure point. You should be aware, however, that the south-western part of France is not well served by train, and journeys can be quite long. You can also take the plane. The Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne airport is located 2 km south-east of Biarritz, which is very convenient. To find a cheap flight, you can do your research on the website of our partner Ulysse.

Where to stay in Biarritz?

If you choose to visit Biarritz, there are several neighborhoods to choose from! There’s a wide range of accommodation on offer, from the city center to the Beaurivage district and the Saint-Charles district. You can find a cheap hotel in Biarritz by searching on this hotel comparator.

Let yourself be seduced by Biarritz, a seaside destination renowned for its refinement and its fine selection of activities for a rich and fulfilling vacation. Its sublime sandy beaches, festive atmosphere and wide range of activities promise an unforgettable stay. Still wondering what to do in Biarritz?

Map of hotels and accommodation – Biarritz,fr