One of the top coastal places to visit in France, I’m sharing the best things to do in Biarritz. An incredible coastal city that feels chic yet laidback, it’s the spot to summer in France for a seaside escape. As someone who visited Biarritz several times as a kid and most recently for 8 days this year, I’m sharing a fresh take on this ever-changing city.
I find Biarritz to sit beautifully between two contrasting feels. On one side, it feels chic, elevated with Belle Epoque architecture, grand palaces, and home to top fashion houses. But on the other side, it’s laid-back, the capital of surf culture in Europe. And for as many people walking well-dressed for a luxe resort getaway, there are those barefoot with a surfboard on their hip, ready to catch waves.
That’s why there is so much to love in Biarritz. I grew up going as a kid, as I had a distant aunt who lived there. I remember taking the train from Bordeaux (my family’s region) and descending upon the crystal blue waters at La Grande Plage with an ice cream in hand. I even remember when the ripcurrent took me out a half-mile with my cousin and the coast guard had to tow us in, a story for another day.
So when I returned to spend a full week this summer, now as an adult with my own family in tow, I was eager to see how much Biarritz had changed since the last time I was there as a teenager. And boy has it — it’s wonderfully exciting.
New hotels have popped up throughout the city, each designed to feel like experiences within themselves. Surf boutique shops, slow breakfast spots catered to a new generation, and destination restaurants just inland that are captivating in setting and cuisine. Biarritz seems to have it all, and I think it does.
Pair its French flair with its Basque roots, and you have what is a very multi-dimensional culture to step into. Plus, you can’t overlook the food here; it has some of the freshest seafood, from razor clams to its famous bright red shrimp. I love that there’s a good meal to be had at all hours in Biarritz.
So if you’re considering a trip to Biarritz, France, know that this is not a spot to sleep on. It’s changed since the 90’s. And it’s more dynamic and perhaps more representative now more than ever of those who flock to its beaches for a welcomed break from city life but still love the elevated experiences.
I’ve put together this travel guide to the best things to do in Biarritz that has a bit of everything. Think timeless experiences like the Petit Train to new galleries housing art from around the world. Restaurants, coffee shops, bistros, and more are all included in this guide for many meals out. I hope you’ll enjoy!
Short on Time? Here’s My Quick Guide to Biarritz:
Things to Do
If I had to pick 5 can’t-miss Biarritz experiences, they’d be:
- Eat Your Way Through Les Halles de Biarritz
- Spend a Day at La Grande Plage
- Walk Out to the Rocher de la Vierge
- See the Surfers and Sunset from Etxola Bibi
- Have Aperó at Hôtel du Palais
Where to Stay
- Grand Plage, for the best access to the beach, promenade, and main sights
Stay at Hôtel du Palais or this 2 Bedroom Ocean View Apartment - Les Halles, for a livelier base near the market, best restaurants, and Port Vieux
Stay at Hotel de Silhouette or this Chic 1 Bedroom Apartment Steps from Port Vieux - Côte Basque Beach, for a laidback, surfside stay that’s still walkable to everything
Stay at Le Talaia Hotel (Where I Stayed) or this 1 Bedroom Luxury Apartment
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
For more on Biarritz, don’t miss my full guide to where to stay in Biarritz. If you’re planning to explore more of the Basque Country, check out my full set of guides for San Sebastián (things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and day trips).
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Basque Country is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
13 Incredible Things to Do in Biarritz, France: A First-Timer’s Guide
My Top Tip for Visiting Biarritz: Book Hotels Months Ahead
For Biarritz, the top priority for reservations is hotels and then restaurants. The top hotels in Biarritz book months in advance for summer peak months, as the room counts are on the lower side. After that, look to book your dinner reservations at least two weeks in advance. Read my full guide on where to stay in Biarritz for my top area and hotel picks.
The Best Things to Do in Biarritz, France
Eat Your Way Through Les Halles de Biarritz
Start at the heartbeat of Biarritz, right at the Les Halles, the grand food market. On weekends especially, most of Biarritz is here grabbing their weekly produce, enjoying oysters on the half shell, and sipping a coffee at one of the side brasseries. Les Halles to me feels like the most quintessential experience of Biarritz, and the vibrant introduction to the city you’ll love.
In Les Halles, there are a few standout stalls. I’d stop at Lobita Marché for a coffee, and try the iced coffee canned right on the spot. Chez Jérôme was our family favorite (so good we went 3 times!) for fresh seafood like oysters and grilled clams with a house-made persillade sauce. Maison Montauzer had wonderful charcuterie, and don’t miss the cheese selection at 1001 Fromages.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Hours: Daily, 7:30 am–2 pm, additional evening hours in July and August, 6–9 pm
- Cost: Free to enter, budget extra for food and drinks
Walk Out to the Rocher de la Vierge
A very classic Biarritz experience is to walk out to the Rocher de la Vierge, a landmark rock formation that is home to a Virgin Mary Statue. You traverse across a grated bridge which looks directly down into the water. While the statue isn’t anything to write home about, what is are the views up and down the coastline. And if I can suggest, stop by the Le Rocher Glacé stand right at the beginning of the walk for an ice cream!
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 20–40 minutes, allow longer if you combine it with the Port des Pêcheurs and coastal walk
- Hours: 24/7, year-round, the footbridge may close temporarily during storms or dangerous weather
- Cost: Free
Spend a Day at La Grande Plage
La Grande Plage is one of the most iconic beaches in all of France, a large stretch of sand lined with colorful striped beach tents during summer. On one side sits the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz, with its coral red hues, the former palace of Empress Eugénie and Emperor Napoleon III. Along it, the promenade and the quai that goes across, lined with restaurants and the historic Casino Barrière Biarritz. It’s a wonderful beach to set up for an afternoon if you want to sunbathe and dip into the Atlantic. You’ll find some classic stops here as well, like the golden Le Caroussel for kids, and Maison Lopez ice cream (order the soft serve!) to enjoy.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours, allow longer if you’re swimming, surfing, or relaxing on the beach
- Hours: Open 24/7, lifeguard-supervised swimming is seasonal (10 am–8 pm in July and August, with shorter hours in April–June and September–October)
- Cost: Free
Discover Biarritz’s Smaller Coves
While La Grande Plage is the better-known beach, there are a handful of smaller coves and stretches of sand to enjoy in Biarritz that give an entirely different feel. My personal favorite is Plage du Port Vieux, a small cove-like beach that feels more Mediterranean than it does Atlantic Ocean. Around the corner from it is Plage du Port des Pécheurs, not very big, but quite charming, with the Rocher Jargin in view from it.
Another stretch of sand and often overlooked beach is Plage Miramar just past La Grande Plage. It’s a bit further so it doesn’t get nearly as busy, but with the lighthouse at its corner, it’s equally beautiful. You’ll see local kids swimming out to Le Rocher du Fioup, a rock formation just off the coast.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours, allow longer if you’re swimming, surfing, or relaxing on the beach
- Hours: Open 24/7, lifeguard-supervised swimming is seasonal (10 am–8 pm in July and August, with shorter hours in April–June and September–October)
- Cost: Free
See the Surfers and Sunset from Etxola Bibi
Come sunset, make your way to Etxola Bibi, a bar that sits above Plage de la Côte des Basque. This beach below brings in the surfers, and there’s not a more idyllic spot to catch the end of the day light at Etxola Bar. It’s an outside bar only, so find a table along the path, or stand like the locals here!
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours, allow extra time if staying for sunset
- Hours: 8 am–11 pm, daily from April 1–October 31, 2026
- Cost: Free to visit, food and drinks are approximately €1.90–€18.50
Have Aperó at Hôtel du Palais
I feel like every visit to Biarritz should include one stop at the historic Hôtel du Palais. It’s one of the most beautiful settings, and if you don’t stay there, at least stop in for a drink on its terrace. There’s a beautiful view back down the coast into Biarritz, and it’s a wonderful stop for an afternoon drink. Just know that you’re definitely paying a premium to come here for a drink, as it’s a luxury hotel and palace.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Hours: Daily, 4 pm–Midnight
- Cost: No admission fee, cocktails start around €20, with champagne and other drinks priced accordingly
Travel Tip: Go around golden hour and ask for a terrace table if available. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the bar, making this an easy way to experience one of Biarritz’s most iconic addresses.
Shop Local Designers and Boutiques in Biarritz
With a longstanding history around fashion and shopping, the boutiques in Biarritz were wonderful. I did a deep dive into some of the best stores, and have rounded up my favorites from the week in Biarritz:
- Open Me, for a wonderfully curated home store
- Maison Arostéguy, for culinary and regional gourmet finds
- Artiga, for classic linens
- Maison Jean-Vier Biarritz Mazagran, for linens
- Madame, Monsieur, for curated luxury fashion brands and French labels
- Maison Mönik, for a local jewelry designer
- Colors Of Surfing Surf & Coffee Shop, for a fun and curated surf shop with everything from surfing essentials to jewelry
- Anthology Paris, for a great leather shoe store from Paris
- La Maison des Arts, for stationery and paper products
- Arsène et les pipelettes, for kids
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours
- Hours: Vary by Store
Ride the Petit Train de Biarritz
A childhood staple, even if you’re not traveling with kids, the Petit Train de Biarritz is just an overall good time. It’s a wonderful break from being on your feet as this train takes you on a circular scenic ride around Biarritz along the panoramic coastal route. It takes about 35 minutes to do, is very kid-friendly, and includes an audio guide in multiple languages.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: About 40 minutes
- Hours: April 1–November 11, generally 10 am–5:30 pm April–June and September–November, and 10 am–9:30 pm in July and August (Service is weather-dependent)
- Cost: €8 adults, €5 children ages 4–12, free for children 3 and under
See the Famous Hydrangeas Along Port des Pêcheurs
Biarritz is famous for the seasonal hydrangeas that bloom along the hillside above Port des Pêcheurs. If you happen to time the blooms, which are usually between May to September, make your way down to the hillside to see them. There are around 1,000 shrubs with 13 varieties here, and they’ve grown to impressive size.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: About 40 minutes
- Hours: Seasonal blooms May to September
- Cost: Free
Visit the Biarritz Aquarium
I remember fondly going to the Biarritz Aquarium as a kid, and it’s still as good now as it was then. It sits in a historic art deco building that opened in 1933, formerly called the Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea). It has over 60 tanks focusing on the Bay of Biscay sealife, with one of my favorite parts being the jellyfish. Don’t miss the shark and ray tank as well.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
- Hours: Vary by season, in summer, typically 9 am–10 pm (the ticket desk closes one hour before the aquarium)
- Cost: €17 adults, €12 children ages 4–12, €15 reduced admission for ages 13–17, students, and job seekers, children under 4 are free
Try the Famous Macarons at Maison Adam
If you try one specialty treat in the region, let it be the Basque macarons at Maison Adam at their Biarritz location. These are not the macarons you get at Ladureé but rather a simple almond-based cookie that has like a crisp on the outside and a chewy texture inside. It was founded in 1660 in nearby Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Maison Adam became famous when its macarons were served around the wedding of Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain. The family has continued making them for 13 generations, with the original recipe remaining closely guarded. You can also get gâteau basque at Maison Adam too, another regional favorite.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 15–30 minutes
- Hours: Daily, the Place Clemenceau boutiques generally open 9–10 am and close at 7–8 pm, depending on the location
- Cost: Free to enter, Basque macarons start at €17.20 for a box of 12
Visit the Champ Lacombe Gallery
With a large art scene in Biarritz, I really enjoyed the more contemporary gallery Champ Lacombe. The exhibits are rotating, changing each season. You’ll want to check ahead if the gallery is open, as it does close occasionally when exhibits change. This summer, when we were there, it was the Franco Mazzucchelli exhibit, which was just fantastic to see in person.
Plan Your Visit
- Time Needed: 30–60 minutes
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–1 pm and 2–6 pm, closed Sunday and Monday (May be closed for exhibit changes)
- Cost: Free
Where to Eat in Biarritz
Le Saleya
After several meals out, we decided Le Saleya was our favorite for elevated cuisine at a really approachable price. For €45, you can get a three-course meal, each dish very innovative and creative. Everything from miso trout to foie gras — it’s the restaurant I would book first when planning for Biarritz.
Chéri Bibi
The neighborhood spot, Chéri Bibi is like an elevated wine bar meets neighborhood bistro, with a handful of small plates and larger dishes. I came in, loved sitting on their patio, tried one of the natural wines, and paired it with a few of the smaller plates. Don’t miss the œufs mimosa (one of my childhood favorites), which is like an elevated deviled egg. Their seasonal vegetable dishes and meats are great too.
Chez Jérôme
We ate at Chez Jérôme three times while in Biarritz for lunch, simply for their fresh clams, razor clams, and shrimp. It’s right in Les Halles and is the freshest seafood made right on the spot. Their clams and shrimp are topped with this tangy persillade sauce, which is to die for.
Bleach Cafe
Of the many brunch spots, Bleach Cafe was our favorite breakfast of the week. It’s easygoing, next to a surf store, and has a good patio for outdoors. Their housemade jams are really lovely, and you can’t miss the fresh pastries.
Chistera & Coquillages
Another favorite for creative seafood in Biarritz, Chistera & Coquillage is a good spot for tapas and paella. I don’t think it’s better than Le Saleya, but still an overall great restaurant to try. The service was wonderful, and I loved that you can get small portions to share here.
Gaztelur
If I had to choose one destination restaurant to drive to it would be Gaztelur. Set in the countryside about 15 minutes inland, the best way I can describe Gaztelur is a whimsical meal set inside a renovated estate. It’s part restaurant, a shop, a living home, and gardens. The meal is upscale, very creative, and elevated — it’s the kind of long lunch you want to do with a group of friends. The food I had was fantastic, the setting memorable, and it requires a reservation.
Ostalapia
Second to Gaztelur, the next “destination” restaurant I’d add to the list is the idyllic farm-to-table restaurant, Ostalapia. About 20 minutes south, and pairs well with an afternoon in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, is Ostalapia, set in a rustic farmhouse with incredible views of the Pyrenees. It’s definitely an “it” spot, drawing in people for the fire-cooked food. You’ll want to book in advance and do get a table on the patio if you can.
Casa Juan Pedro
Do at least one meal in the Le Port des Pêcheurs, a small enclave of fishing houses and the port with access to the ocean. It seems like all of Biarritz descends upon it for dinner or aperó, with three restaurants to choose from. I tried three times to go to Casa Juan Pedro, and couldn’t get in, or the line was too long — I’d try to go here, show up at open and enjoy fresh mussels, seafood, and more.
Nelly’s
Nelly’s is an easygoing, takeaway burger joint that draws a crowd because it’s so good. Burgers and fries is all that’s on the menu, and enjoy it in the Jardin Public Pierre Forsans across the street.
L’Artnoa Maison des Vins à Biarritz
A cute wine bar for drinks and a few small bites.
Le Café du Commerce
For traditional brasserie cuisine, Le Café du Commerce is where I’d go. You’ll see all the classic staples like beef tartare to burgers, steak frites, and trout.
Coin de Table Boulangerie
Favorite bakery of the week goes to Coin de Table with wonderful choices, and I loved the fresh cinnamon twist rolls.
Where to Get Coffee in Biarritz
Where to Go on a Day Trip from Biarritz
Biarritz’s location on the Basque Coast puts it in a prime location for taking day trips. It’s part of why we spent a full week basing ourselves in the city, as there is so much to do nearby.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
If I had to pick one coastal day trip to do, it would be down to Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Just 20 minutes south, this small town with its Basque architecture is a smaller, more condensed version of Biarritz. Potentially more charming as it’s small in size, and right on the beach as well, so you can do time in the town and then go lay out in the sun. The port is also right there, so if you want to stroll there, you can. If you plan to eat there, my recommendation is to eat at ALCALDE, one of the best meals we had during our week.
Bayonne
Bayonne is often overlooked, but well worth a visit and so close to Biarritz. Bayonne sits where the Nive and Adour rivers meet, and is famous for its culinary traditions, as it is considered the economic and cultural capital of the French Basque Country. I think it’s worth spending a half day exploring the medieval streets with traditional Basque architecture, stopping into shops, seeing the market, and enjoying a meal along the river.
Espelette
If you want a break from coastal exploring, head inland into the verdant green rolling hills that begin before the Pyrenees. There are a handful of small villages, with Espelette being the most built up and worth visiting. It’s the home to the AOP production of “piment d’Espelette”, a fiery red pepper used around the world. The town is small, the setting breathtaking, and worth a visit. You can also combine it with a visit to the nearby village of Ainhoa.
Guéthary
Guéthary isn’t necessarily large in size, but it’s quite the charming town just 10 or so minutes south. Known for surf culture and a handful of standout restaurants along the ocean, it’s a small town to visit. I’d time in the late afternoon when you can get drinks and a bite at Paz&Arroz, Pasaia Guethary, or Les Alcyons.
San Sebastián
You’re within driving distance to explore San Sebastián, especially if you have a car, at about 45-60 minutes away. We did this day trip a lot as kids, and since San Sebastián has a compact old town, you can see a good portion on a full day trip down. I’d spend time in Parte Vieja, try a few tapas restaurants, and stroll along La Concha Bay. I have an entire guides on the best things to do in San Sebastián and where to eat in San Sebastián. If you do decide to stay overnight, check out my where to stay in San Sebastián guide.
Where to Stay in Biarritz
Editor’s Note: Having been to Biarritz several times before, I did a deep dive on the best accommodation choices for our week in the city. The best is to be somewhere between the Grand Plage and Les Halles or near Côte Basque Beach, which puts you within walking distance of the best things to do. I personally loved our stay at Le Talaia as it’s one of the few hotels with a pool and walking distance to the heart of the city.
Travel Tip: Read my guide on where to stay in Biarritz for an in-depth breakdown of the different areas of Biarritz and more recommendations for where to base yourself!
Best Hotels and Airbnbs Near Grand Plage
- Hôtel du Palais ($$$$), for the best luxury hotel in Biarritz
- Regina Experimental ($$$), for the best newest hotel
- Le Garage ($$), for a laidback stay near Grand Plage
- 2 Bedroom Apartment With Ocean View Terrace
- Chic 1 Bedroom Apartment by the Ocean
Best Hotels and Airbnbs Near Les Halles
- Hotel de Silhouette ($$), for the best boutique design hotel
- Hôtel Roc Seven Biarritz ($$$), for the best hotel near Port Vieux
- Hôtel Saint-Julien ($$), for the best dollar for design
- Chic 1 Bedroom Apartment Steps from Port Vieux
- Cozy 1 Bedroom With Parking
Best Hotels and Airbnbs Near Côte des Basques
- Le Talaia Hotel & Spa Biarritz ($$$ / Where I Stayed), for the best overall hotel in Biarritz with a pool
- 1 Bedroom Luxury Lodge Style Apartment
- Chic 2 Bedroom Designer Apartment in Bibi
What to Know About Biarritz Before You Visit
How Many Days Should I Spend in Biarritz?
To see Biarritz itself, you’ll need a full two days, three nights to see the city. However, I recommend staying longer and using it as a base to see more of the Côte Basque region of France. It’s wonderfully located to visit nearby places like Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
How Do I Get Around Biarritz?
Getting around the city itself is easy without a car as most of the main sights are within walking distance of each other — never more than a 30-minute walk or so. You can also rent bikes or e-bikes for longer distances across the city, or take a taxi. For exploring the greater region, you can look at using TXIK TXAK buses or renting a car for easier exploration.
Travel Tip: We kept our rental car for the long week in Biarritz and loved having it to easily explore other nearby areas. We used Discover Cars, our preferred booking platform for rental cars in Europe.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Biarritz?
The best time to visit Biarritz for the fewest crowds is the shoulder months of May to mid-June and then September. For the best months for swimming in the ocean, July and through to September are ideal, but know that it can get quite hot and the crowds peak between mid-July and August.
How Do I Get to Biarritz?
- By Plane — The closest airport to Biarritz is Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ), located just a few minutes from the city center. It services direct flights from major hubs across Europe, from Paris, London, Amsterdam, and beyond. The airport is around 15 minutes from the center of Biarritz city itself.
- By Train — The Gare de Biarritz (Biarritz Train Station) is very well-connected to Paris, with a direct high-speed 4.5-hour train available from Paris Montparnasse. The TGV network is well connected from here, so if you’re already in France, arriving by train is very easy.
- By Car — If you’re already in the region with a car, you can easily arrive by car. My recommendation is to ensure a plan for parking, as the city itself does have limited parking, especially in summer. If you plan to keep a rental car, confirm parking with your accommodations.
Airport Transfer Tip: We use Welcome Pickups for all our private transfers to and from the airport. They meet you at arrivals and handle the ride into the city so you can skip the taxi line.
A Quick Look at Biarritz’s History
When it comes to Biarritz’s roots, it’s this wonderful mix of laidback surf culture meets elegant France. It was an established fishing village in the 19th century, as its seaside access for whaling was well known. But then in the 1850s, it became an enclave for the aristocrats as a seaside resort town when Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, began summering there, completely changing the status of Biarritz.
The grand Hôtel du Palais was built for Eugénie as a summer palace, now the famous hotel where you can stay today. The city continued to bring royalty and wealthy travelers, cementing the city as a top location for luxury. The promenade and grand villas really shaped the Belle Époque architecture you see. In 1915, Chanel founder Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel would open one of her first fashion boutiques in Biarritz, furthering the city’s importance for fashion and status.
In the 1950’s, surfing arrived in Biarritz, continuing to shape the culture as it became one of the best surfing locations in Europe. It brought in a laidback crowd, the surfers and artists who came to escape to the coast. This, paired with the Basque heritage, the roots of the city’s culture, is found in its food, buildings, and even the sports played today (Basque pelota).
You have this incredible intersection in Biarritz: effortlessly chic, wonderfully laidback, and two strong cultures of French and Basque. And somehow it all makes sense and works wonderfully, making Biarritz a very dynamic and culturally unique place to visit in France.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
