Must-Sees and Dos in Biarritz: Sizzling Surf, Royal Secrets
- The editorial team
- Jun 28
- 7 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
Forget choosing between a lazy beach escape and a chic city break. Here, the day begins with a surf lesson on the legendary Côte des Basques and ends with a sophisticated aperitif in the shadow of a grand palace. Welcome to Biarritz, a town that seamlessly combines its status as one of Europe's premier surf destinations with the timeless elegance of its aristocratic past.
It is where gritty surf shacks serve the freshest seafood, and Michelin-starred chefs draw inspiration from the bountiful local markets. This summer, let Biarritz seduce you with its unique rhythm – a captivating dance of laid-back Basque soul and glamorous French style, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable seaside story.
Here are twelve Must-Sees and Dos in Biarritz:
Walk the Grande Plage
This is the historic heart of Biarritz's seaside identity. It was here that French high society first embraced the novel concept of sea bathing in the 19th century. The iconic striped canvas tents, available for daily rental, create a photogenic patchwork of colour across the sand. Dominating the view is the majestic Hôtel du Palais, originally the Villa Eugénie, built by Napoleon III for his empress. Its presence lends the entire beach an air of regal nostalgia, a theatre of French coastal life where modern sunbathers share the same sand as bygone aristocrats.
Gaze out from the Rocher de la Vierge
This dramatic rocky outcrop is the very emblem of Biarritz, a testament to nature's power and human ingenuity. Legend tells of whalers being guided back to shore through a violent storm by a mysterious light; the statue of the Virgin was erected in 1865 as a gesture of gratitude. The walk across the slender footbridge, a project attributed to Gustave Eiffel's workshops, is an experience in itself. With the Atlantic churning below and the wind whipping around you, it feels like a passage to another realm. Once there, the 360-degree panorama is breathtaking, offering a complete view of the coast from the beaches of Anglet in the north to the Spanish mountains in the south.
Taste the town at Les Halles
The central market is the thumping, gastronomic heart of the town, an essential morning ritual for locals and a delight for visitors. The air inside the magnificent 19th-century iron-and-glass hall is thick with the smells of fresh bread, strong cheese, and the salty ocean. One hall is dedicated to fishmongers, with glistening catches straight from the Bay of Biscay; the other is a riot of colour with stalls piled high with regional treasures: strings of deep red piment d'Espelette, cured Jambon de Bayonne, and creamy Ossau-Iraty sheep's cheese. The true joy lies in joining the throng at one of the market bars, like L'Amuse Gueule, for a plate of fresh oysters, sizzling squid with parsley and garlic, and a glass of crisp local wine.
Climb the Phare de Biarritz
For the most commanding perspective on the Basque coast, a journey up the 1834 lighthouse is essential. Standing sentinel at Pointe Saint-Martin, it separates the sandy coastline of Les Landes to the north from the rocky shores of the Basque Country to the south. The ascent via the narrow, winding staircase of 248 steps is a dizzying climb, but the reward at the top is unparalleled. From the gallery, 73 metres above the sea, the entire region unfolds like a map. You can identify the town's famous beaches, the twin rock formations at the Plage des Jumeaux, and, on a clear day, the entire western chain of the Pyrenees.
Dine in the Port des Pêcheurs
Descend the steep steps from the Place Sainte-Eugénie, and you will find yourself in another era. Commissioned by Napoleon III, the old fishing port is a tiny, sheltered harbour that feels worlds away from the town's grand boulevards. It's a cluster of charming, whitewashed cottages known as crampottes, their colourful shutters and doors adding to the immense character. Old nets, lobster pots, and buoys line the harbour walls, a testament to its continuing, albeit small-scale, fishing tradition. The restaurants here are rustic and renowned for their fresh seafood, grilled simply à la plancha. Dining on a terrace here as the evening falls is one of Biarritz's most authentic and memorable experiences.
Catch a wave at the Côte des Basques
This is the legendary birthplace of European surfing. The story goes that in 1957, the American screenwriter Peter Viertel, in town for a film, saw the long, peeling waves and had his surfboard shipped over from California. The sight of him riding the waves captivated the locals and sparked a culture that now defines the town. The beach itself is magnificent, a vast amphitheatre of sand at low tide framed by dramatic cliffs. It remains a perfect spot for beginners, with numerous surf schools ready to guide you. Experiencing the unique local ritual of having to leave the beach as the tide comes in, submerging all access points, is part of its charm.
Witness the speed of Cesta Punta
Prepare for a breathtaking display of power and grace at the Euskal Jaï arena. Cesta Punta, a spectacular form of the Basque sport of Jai Alai, is one of the fastest ball sports in the world. Players use a long, curved wicker basket, the chistera—hand-woven from Pyrenean chestnut wood—to catch and hurl a hard leather ball (pelota) against a granite wall at speeds exceeding 180 mph (300 km/h). The game is an explosive combination of acrobatic leaps and lightning-fast reflexes, all set to the thunderous crack of the pelota hitting the wall. It's a thrilling cultural spectacle that offers a powerful insight into the Basque spirit.
Discover marine life at the Biarritz Aquarium
Formally known as the Musée de la Mer, this institution is housed in a magnificent Art Deco building that faces the Rocher de la Vierge. The journey inside takes you from the local ecosystems of the Bay of Biscay to the vibrant underwater worlds of the Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. The highlight for many is the large outdoor terrace and basin, where you can watch the playful antics and feeding of the resident seals against a backdrop of the real ocean. Descend further to find yourself mesmerised by the silent, graceful dance of sharks and rays in the giant shark tank, a truly hypnotic experience.
Savour a slice of Gâteau Basque
You cannot claim to have visited the Basque Country without tasting its signature dessert. This humble-looking cake, with its golden, cross-hatched top, is a masterpiece of texture and flavour. The perfect Gâteau Basque features a crisp, shortbread-like crust that yields a soft, dense interior. Every local family and pâtisserie has its own fiercely guarded recipe, fuelling the endless debate over the superior filling: the traditional, slightly tart black cherry jam or the rich, smooth almond-flavoured crème pâtissière. Indulging in a slice from a renowned baker like Miremont or Maison Adam is a delicious cultural obligation.
Find peace at Lac Marion
When the joyous energy of the beaches becomes overwhelming, do as the locals do and retreat inland to this serene lake. A true haven of tranquillity, Lac Marion offers a welcome change of pace. Its winding, shaded paths are perfect for a promenade digestive after a long lunch. The park is a small arboretum featuring a variety of trees, including weeping willows and cypresses, and is home to ducks, swans, and other bird species. It's a place to find a quiet bench, read a book, or enjoy a moment of green stillness just a short walk from the city centre.
Visit the Chapelle Impériale
This chapel is a hidden jewel box, a testament to the love of an emperor for his empress. Commissioned by Napoleon III for his Spanish wife, Eugénie, it allowed her to pray in a style that honoured her heritage. The intimate interior is a breathtaking and eclectic fusion of Roman-Byzantine and opulent Hispano-Moorish styles. The richly coloured azulejo tiles were imported from Seville, golden mosaics shimmer in the candlelight, and ornate carvings celebrate their imperial union. To stumble upon this chapel on a quiet street is to discover a rare, personal monument to the era that put Biarritz on the map.
Take a day trip to Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Just down the coast lies the impossibly picturesque port town, offering a different, perhaps more traditionally Basque, experience. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is famed for its history of whaling and corsairs—the swashbuckling privateers who enriched the town. Its harbour is its heart, where colourful fishing boats bob in the protected bay. The town's greatest historical claim to fame is the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, where the Sun King, Louis XIV, married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660 to seal a peace treaty. Be sure to see the opulent altarpiece and the now-bricked-up door through which the royal couple exited, which was sealed to signify the dawn of a new era.
Getting There
The main airport is Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ), located just a 15-minute journey from the town centre. It is served by numerous airlines, offering year-round and seasonal flights from many European cities, with connections to major international hubs, often via Paris.
By train, the Biarritz station welcomes high-speed TGV services, connecting it efficiently to Paris, Bordeaux, and other major French cities, making it a viable destination within the European rail network. For those driving, the town is well-connected to France's motorway system and is just a short drive from the Spanish border, making it an easy stop on a larger European road trip.
Visas & Entry
France is part of the Schengen Area. Travellers from other Schengen countries do not need a visa. Visitors from outside this zone should check visa requirements for their nationality well in advance of their trip.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is always wise to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, market stalls, or cafes.
Tipping
Service is typically included in restaurant bills ("service compris"). It is not obligatory to tip, but it is customary to leave a small amount of cash (a few euros or rounding up the bill) as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
Packing
Pack for warm, sunny weather during summer, but be prepared for the Atlantic climate. A light jacket or sweater is essential for cooler evenings or windy days, regardless of the time of year. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the town's charming streets and coastline.
