Things to do in Biarritz

Things to do in  Biarritz

Catch a break

Seasoned surfers and well-heeled sunseekers congregate at the Basque Country resort of Biarritz, where golden sands provide miles of turf for beachgoers and summers pull in the crowds. Trying water sports, golfing, and visiting the art deco casino are among the top things to do in Biarritz, while coastal trails lead hikers along wild sea cliffs and through tiny fishing villages for a taste of the real Basque Country. Just a half-hour drive from Spain, this multilingual region has a culture all of its own—look out for traditional festivals, pelota tournaments, and hearty regional cuisine.

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Top 6 attractions in Biarritz

#1

Hondarribia

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On the banks of the Bidasoa river, sheltered by Mount Rhune’s austere peak, Hondarribia is one of the most picturesque towns on the Basque coast. Close to the French border, just east of San Sebastián, this lovely walled fishing village is enjoying a gastronomical moment, with an explosion of noteworthy restaurants.More
Tours & Tickets
#2
Atlantic Park

Atlantic Park

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From gravity-defying waterslides to palm-lined swimming pools and a relaxing spa pool, Atlantic Park has everything you would expect from one of the region’s top water parks. Less than an hour from Biarritz, the park has something for all ages, from adults and thrill-seeking teens to babies and toddlers.More
#3

Camino de Santiago

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The pilgrimage route called Camino di Santiago (sometimes translated as Way of St. James) stretches across Europe into northern Spain and down to Santiago di Compostela. This sacred path has been followed since medieval times by faithful Christians who seek to worship at the tomb of St. James, as well as other hikers who are inspired by the spiritual “way.”More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Biarritz

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Part cosmopolitan seaside resort, part laid-back surf town, Biarritz has been one of Europe’s top summertime destinations for centuries. With pristine sandy beaches, luxurious villas, a trendy French-Basque food scene, and some of the best surf in Europe, Biarritz is a true gem on the Atlantic Coast.More
Tours & Tickets
#5
Aquatic Landes

Aquatic Landes

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The largest water park on the southern coast of the Aquitaine, Aquatic Landes—located in Labenne, just a quick trip from Bayonne and Biarritz—offers thrills and refreshment for visitors of all ages. Home to pools, waterslides, play areas, and lawns perfect for sunbathing, this park is an ideal place to relax and beat the heat.More
#6
Saint-Jean-De-Luz

Saint-Jean-De-Luz

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Located on the French Basque coast south of Biarritz, Saint-Jean-De-Luz is a former fishing village turned destination resort town. The site of King Louis XIV's marriage to Marie-Thérèse of Austria in 1660, Saint-Jean-De-Luz is today home to a bustling harbor, a golden, sandy beach, and pedestrianized shopping and dining streets.More

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Top activities in Biarritz

Private Guided Walking Tour of Biarritz

Private Guided Walking Tour of Biarritz

From
$202.37
Authentic Basque gastronomy for gourmets !

Authentic Basque gastronomy for gourmets !

From
$273.12
Walking tours of Biarritz

Walking tours of Biarritz

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42
From
$21.94
Biarritz, Bayonne & Basque Country Sightseeing : Private Driving Tour

Biarritz, Bayonne & Basque Country Sightseeing : Private Driving Tour

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1
From
$1,042.02
per group
Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Biarritz with official tour guide

Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Biarritz with official tour guide

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1
From
$261.05
Private Photographic Walk of San Sebastian and Bilbao

Private Photographic Walk of San Sebastian and Bilbao

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5
From
$548.43
per group
2 peoples Personal Surf Lesson in Biarritz

2 peoples Personal Surf Lesson in Biarritz

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7
From
$197.44
Private Beginner Surf Lessons in the Basque Country

Private Beginner Surf Lessons in the Basque Country

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9
From
$82.26
Private Advanced Surfing Lessons in the Basque Country

Private Advanced Surfing Lessons in the Basque Country

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4
From
$175.50
Private Photographic Walk in Biarritz

Private Photographic Walk in Biarritz

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5
From
$87.75
Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle

Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle

From
$85.54
Private Tour of Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz with driver and optional guide

Private Tour of Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz with driver and optional guide

From
$625.21
Private Transfer from Biarritz City to Lourdes Airport LDE by Van

Private Transfer from Biarritz City to Lourdes Airport LDE by Van

From
$324.24
Nautical Excursion in Spain between Hondarribia and Pasaia

Nautical Excursion in Spain between Hondarribia and Pasaia

From
$108.59
Private Guided Tour in Saint Jean de Luz

Private Guided Tour in Saint Jean de Luz

From
$230.34
per group
Outdoor Escape Game Biarritz - Beach Surfing and Spying

Outdoor Escape Game Biarritz - Beach Surfing and Spying

From
$16.45
Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian

Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian

From
$167.82
per group
Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Logroño

Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Logroño

From
$460.68
per group
Discover Surfing on the beaches of Biarritz

Discover Surfing on the beaches of Biarritz

From
$49.36
Private Transfer from Biarritz to Laguardia city

Private Transfer from Biarritz to Laguardia city

From
$460.68
per group
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All about Biarritz

When to visit

Hardened surfers hit the water year-round in Biarritz, and if salt water in your hair is the reason for your visit, the best time to come is in early July when the city celebrates its annual surf festival. For those searching for more than just the perfect wave, late spring and early fall are great for avoiding the crowds. Restaurants and hotels are open for business, but the entirety of western France hasn’t yet descended on Biarritz’s golden shores.

Getting around

If you’re not short on time, walk the city: Some of the most scenic roads in Biarritz hug the seafront. A good network of buses links Biarritz with seaside towns to the north and south, but if you’re looking to hit up all the beaches along the coast, you’ll want to rent a car. Sleepy Saint-Jean-de-Luz is just 20 minutes south by road and offers refuge from the worst of the crowds during the peak summer season.

Traveler tips

Paris has the Eiffel Tower, but Biarritz has its own landmark designed by the same architect. In 1887, Gustave Eiffel constructed a footbridge bridge that connects the mainland to the Virgin’s Rock (Rocher de la Vierge) in the Atlantic. (Legend has it that, in the 19th century, fishermen lost at sea were guided home by a divine light perched on the top of the rock; upon return, they built a statue of the Virgin Mary in commemoration.) Walk over to watch the sunset for the best view in the city, and look back at Biarritz bathed in golden light and the surfers catching the last waves of the day.

Attractions
6
Tours
55
Reviews
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People Also Ask

Is Biarritz worth visiting?

Glitzy Biarritz is the playground of hedonistic sunseekers, and it’s absolutely worth visiting. Much of the town was built on the whaling industry and the remnants of this, like the old watchtowers, still stand today. Being on the Atlantic, it’s also a hot spot for surfing.

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What is Biarritz known for?

Biarritz is famous for its endless summer-style surf and balmy temperatures—it’s rarely cold in Biarritz, even in winter. Starting in the 12th century, Biarritz was a whaling town. It later became popular for sea baths (Napoleon visited). Now it’s a seaside resort for wealthy tourists and surf bums.

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Why is Biarritz famous?

Surfing put Biarritz on the map. It started in 1957, for the filming of The Sun Also Rises, when one of the director’s California friends arrived with his surfboard. It sparked a revolution, became Europe’s first surf town, and today hosts some of the world’s most prestigious surf competitions.

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How do I spend a day in Biarritz?

Biarritz is more about lifestyle than monuments. Start by walking along the seafront, exploring the Grand Plage, and quieter Plage de Port Vieux, before meandering through the streets of the Fisherman’s Port to eat fresh seafood. Later, take a surfing lesson and discover the sport that shaped Biarritz.

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Is Biarritz a good holiday destination?

Biarritz was made for holidays. In July and August, the town is full of holidaymakers (largely domestic). Out of season, the town has a laid-back vibe synonymous with seaside resorts. With good food, quirky watering holes, and no less than six beaches around the town, Biarritz offers an ideal holiday.

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What is near Biarritz?

There’s a whole other country 35 miles (56 kilometers) away. From Biarritz, you can have morning churros in Spain and come back to surf in France. Surf bums who’ve had their fill of breaks in Biarritz should head to Hossengor, 12 miles (19 kilometers) away to the north.

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