Biarritz is not your typical seaside resort. It has the feel of an old movie set: a grand hotel that was once an imperial palace, rocks where Maria towers over the waves, a fishing port riding the tides for centuries. At the same time, it's one of Europe's surf capitals, with a beach bustling daily with young people mastering the Atlantic waves. This blend of grandeur and sea spray energy is what sets Biarritz apart from anywhere else.
Where is Biarritz?
Biarritz is located in the southwest of France, on the Atlantic coast in French Basque Country. It's near Bayonne and about 50 kilometers from the Spanish border. With San Sebastián an hour's drive away, Biarritz is a perfect base for exploring both the French and Spanish Basque coasts.
What to Do in Biarritz? My Favorite Spots
Hôtel du Palais, an Imperial Palace by the Beach
Hôtel du Palais started as the summer residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, and you can tell. It's 5-star luxury. The red building with white balconies stands directly on the beach. You can stay overnight, dine there for a special evening with a view over the bay, or just step onto the terrace for coffee (or a drink) and feel like you've arrived somewhere special. Not cheap, but worth visiting even if you're not staying.
Rocher de la Vierge: The Rock That Saved Ships
Just off the coast of Biarritz, a rock juts out of the water shaped like a ship. Atop stands a white statue of Mary, placed there by survivors of a shipwreck in 1865. You access the Rocher de la Vierge via a narrow iron footbridge, and once on the rock, you can look out in three directions over the Atlantic Ocean. It's the kind of place that keeps you lingering longer than you'd planned.
The Beaches of Biarritz France
La Grande Plage is the longest and best-known beach in town, with golden sand, high cliffs at the edges, and a promenade full of terraces behind it. To the south is Plage de la Côte des Basques, where the waves are higher and the vibe less touristy. This is the beach for surfers, for people reading books while the sea rages around them, and for those who want a sunset without crowds.
The Lighthouse: Biarritz from Above
The lighthouse on Cap Saint-Martin is 73 meters high and visible before you even enter the city. Built in 1834 and still in use. You climb 250 steps to reach the top, but the view over the bay and coastline makes it worth it. Surrounding the lighthouse is a green park where you can stroll without encountering tourist traps.
Port des Pêcheurs: The Old Fishing Port
Port des Pêcheurs is Biarritz's fishing harbor, built in 1800 and protected by high walls meant to shield the boats from the Atlantic waves. Surrounding the harbor are small wooden houses and restaurants where fresh fish comes straight from the boat. This is the quieter side of Biarritz, away from the bustle of the promenade. An evening here at one of the seafood restaurants is just what you need after a day along the coast.
Surfing in Biarritz France
Biarritz is one of Europe's top surf cities, and that's no recent discovery. The waves at Plage de la Côte des Basques have been drawing surfers from across Europe for decades. There are plenty of surf schools to get beginners started (check them here), and in the summer months, there are international competitions you can watch without a ticket. Even if you don't surf, it's a visual delight.
A Day in San Sebastián: Across the Border for Tapas
San Sebastián lies fifty kilometers south of Biarritz, just across the border in Spain, reachable in under an hour. The city boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per capita in the world and an old town full of pintxo bars where you can wander from tapa to tapa.
Here's the ultimate tip: make a reservation at Casa Camara in San Sebastián and thank me later. This seafood restaurant is accessible only by boat and offers an incredible kitchen.
🎟️ Here you'll find more things to do in and around Biarritz.
Is Biarritz Worth It?
In my opinion, yes, especially if you love cities that combine beach and great food. Biarritz is more chic than many other seaside resorts on the French Atlantic coast, but thanks to the surfers, market hall, and fishing harbor, it never feels too tidy. You come for the beach and end up staying for the vibe.
Dining in Biarritz France
Le Café du Commerce is a classic in the center of Biarritz: a brasserie with an extensive menu, good wine, and a terrace that's packed most evenings.
Don't miss Les Halles, a market hall with all kinds of delicious stalls. It's open until 2 pm, making it great for a tasty lunch.
Chez Albert is located at the old harbor and is the go-to for fresh fish and seafood, with an atmosphere that matches Port des Pêcheurs. It's a local staple and booking in high season is essential. Sitting outside is better than inside.
Casa Juan Pedro is more casual and located nearby, also at the harbor, renowned for grilled fish and a relaxed atmosphere.
Anema offers an Italian alternative for those who want a night off from Basque cuisine, with pasta and a good wine list (located in Hotel Saint Julien).
Or head to the wine bar Cheri Bibi. Or Les Contrebandiers, where I've had the best tapas in Biarritz.
And of course, Eden Rock Cafe for the view by the rock and delicious platters. It's also an ideal spot with older kids, who can dive off the rock.
Sleeping in Biarritz France
Hotel Saint Julien is centrally located and a good choice for those wanting to go everywhere on foot. Also convenient for walking to the major surf beach of Plage de la Côte des Basques. The hotel lacks a pool (rare in Biarritz anyway), but has a nice restaurant and bar.
Alfred Hotel has a stylish vibe in the most fun part of the center (opposite Cafe du Commerce). No pool, but the restaurant with a food truck is a highlight.
Hotel de la Plage says it all: directly on the beach, for those who want to dive into the sea in the early morning. We stayed here last time. It's beautifully styled with a wonderful rooftop where breakfast is served.
La Talaia Hotel includes a (rooftop) pool and is perfectly situated for the surf beach. There are rooms with ocean views. The restaurant feels like you're dining right on the beach. Don’t forget the spa!
Here you can find all hotels in Biarritz for a comprehensive overview.
The Atlantic coast has more to offer than just Biarritz. An hour north lies Cap Ferret, a peninsula showcasing a very different side of this coastline. Check out my tips & tricks for Cap Ferret here.
Biarritz in France: Who Is It Most Suited For?
Biarritz is perfect for those seeking a seaside town with more than just a beach. For those surfing or watching surfers. For those wanting to drive over the border to San Sebastián for the best pintxos in Spain. For those planning to dine at the harbor in the evening and climb the lighthouse in the morning. June and September are the best months: the weather is ideal, the crowds manageable, and the restaurants in top form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biarritz in France
Is Biarritz expensive?
Biarritz is not the cheapest seaside town in France. Hotels, especially in July and August, can be pricey, but you certainly don't have to holiday at Hôtel du Palais level. Outside the high season, accommodations are more affordable, and for dining, you’ll find enough casual spots around Les Halles and Port des Pêcheurs besides the chic restaurants.
How do you get to Biarritz?
Biarritz has its own airport. Driving from the Netherlands takes about thirteen hours. Traveling by train via Paris is possible but time-consuming. Most people drive or fly.
When is the best time to visit Biarritz?
June and September are ideal: good weather, less crowded than July and August, and the surf is optimal. In winter, Biarritz is quieter but certainly not empty, and the waves are at their largest.
Is a day trip to San Sebastián worth it?
Absolutely. Driving fifty kilometers for one of Europe's top culinary cities is an easy decision. Plan it for an evening to enjoy the pintxo bars after six o'clock.
