16 Best Things to Do in Biarritz, France
(Ultimate 2025 Guide)
Whether you are headed to Biarritz for the world-famous surfing or to check out the beautiful Basque country, this destination is a must-visit in France. I spent two months living here and exploring every corner of this beautiful place, so here are the top things everyone should do in Biarritz.
Last year, I headed to Biarritz to work for accommodation in a hostel there. It was an amazing time, where I met the loveliest people, really improved my surfing and also got to explore Biarritz and its surroundings to the fullest.
The city itself is really cute with Basque-style architecture, small local shops and beautiful beaches. There is always something to do, from surfing to the endless festivals every evening. In addition, Biarritz also has tons of incredible day trip options (check out my full guide here) for those wanting to explore more of the Basque country.
If you are currently in Biarritz or planning your trip, this is your ultimate guide to everything that you can do there:
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How to get to Biarritz?
Biarritz does have an airport, however it is pretty small and only has a few airlines flying in and out. That means it can get somewhat expensive.
I found that the cheapest airport to fly into was Bordeaux, from which you can get a train for 15-30€ or a bus starting from just 5€ (if you book well in advance). Check out BlaBla Car and National Express for times and exact prices.
Bilbao and Toulouse are also within 3-4 hours by bus from Biarritz.
Where to stay in Biarritz?
Check out my full accommodation guides for Singapore here:
Top things to do in Biarritz
1. Go surfing at the amazing beaches in Biarritz
Biarritz is THE surf hotspot in France and even all of Europe. From beginners to pros, surfers from all across the world flock here every summer to enjoy the impressive waves.
Biarritz itself has 6 beaches that are considered to be part of the city itself and are pretty easily reachable when staying in Biarritz. Five of the beaches are good for surfing, the exception is Le Port Vieux beach which is a small bay in the centre and great for swimming as there are no waves.
Check out my full surf guide for Biarritz here: Ultimate Guide to the Best Biarritz Beaches For Surfers
2. Go for a swim at Port Vieux
Due to the wavy nature of Biarritz that attracts all the surfers, not all the beaches here are great for swimmers. Port Vieux is right in the middle of town and flanked by rocky cliffs, meaning it is protected from the wind and hence waves. The area of this beach is pretty small, so it can get packed during peak season.
Cote des Basques and Grande Plage are also often frequented by swimmers, though you may just need to keep an eye out for beginner surfers and their out-of-control boards.
A little note: Biarritz is located on France’s West Coast where the sea is known to be on the cold side. Biarritz is in pretty shallow water so it does get around 25 degrees over summer, but it isn’t tropical water. Surfers will wear a wetsuit all year round usually.
3. Go shopping for souvenirs
The centre of Biarritz is beautiful, with lots of local shops, eateries and the Basque style houses. One of my favourite tings to do here was walk down the pretty streets and grab some souvenirs or local delicacies such as Pintxos, the Basque-style tapas.
Make sure to stop at Maison Adam for some Biarritz-style Macarons and at the many surf shops for some surf essentials.
4. Dance at one of the MANY festivals
One of my favourite things about Biarritz was the many festivals. There was one at least once a week, if not more.
Some of my favourites were Wheels and Waves (motorbike/skateboarding/surf festival), Casetas (5 days of Music, drinks and fun at Côte des Basques) and Hotdogger Surf Festival.
Some festivals were more local, but my hostel always knew what was on when so it is worth asking. The Instagram Biarritz Events also posts all of them.
5. Visit the picturesque Island of Rocher du Basta
Rocher du Basta is one of Biarritz iconic sites and a serene spot to rest while looking out at sea. A bridge will take you to a big rock full of lush greenery that looks over Biarritz coastline.
I personally loved coming here with a book and enjoying the views and sounds of the sea and birds chirping.
6. Marvel at the Church of Sainte-Eugénie
Set on a plaza overlooking the sea at the centre of Biarritz is the church of Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz. It is a neo-Gothic Catholic church with gorgeous stained-glass windows, built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. It is dedicated to Saint Eugenia.
7. Head on a daytrip to San Sebastian
San Sebastian is one of the most popular daytrips from Biarritz and for good reason. It is not only a beautiful city with a rich culture and history, but also a foodie heaven.
The city has the highest number of Michelin Star restaurants per capita in the world, while also being the city of pinxtos. Pinxtos are like tapas but smaller and local to this region of Spain. There’s a Pinxto bar at almost every corner here, serving delicious and affordable local delicacies.
San Sebastian also offers beautiful beaches and even surfing when the waves are right.
To get here, you can either drive or get a bus (Flixbus or BlaBlaCar). Make sure to check bus times prior to your trip as there may be no buses back to Biarritz in the later evening. It is worth staying a night in San Sebastian if you have the time, but it can easily be done as a day trip too.
You can also go by train via Hendaye, though this takes a little longer than by bus or car.
8. Tan at the stunning St Jean de Luz beach
Located a short train ride from Biarritz (4€ return) you will find St Jean de Lutz. The small town is super cute with tons of local food and clothing shops along Rue Gambetta and their Grande Plage beach which is perfect for tanning and swimming.
I can also highly recommend checking out their “Les Halles”, the food market hall that every French city has. The market in St Jean de Luz offers lots of Basque delicacies as well as freshly made takeaway food outside. The market halls are open every day from 7 am to 1 pm, the food stalls outside only on Tuesday and Friday mornings, as well as Saturday mornings in July and August.
9. Wander the bridge to Rocher de la Vierge
Rocher de la Vierge translates to The Rock of the Virgin and is one of the most used imageries of Biarritz. If you walk along the Biarritz coastline, the rock jutting out far into the sea is unmissable.
A long bridge takes you to the big rock that has some beautiful formations as well as a bronze Virgin statue that is said to watch over sailors and the town.
10. Hike La Rhune in Ascain
La Rhune is a beautiful hike in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques that boasts stunning views over the Basque coast at the top. It is about a 45-minute drive from Biarritz or reachable via local buses (Bus 45 from St Jean de Luz).
We started from the village of Ascain where we walked to the car park that marks the beginning of the route. There are several different trails of varying difficulty and I would highly recommend doing your research on where to go beforehand – check out this map. We got pretty lost and had to ask a local. Once you are on the trail, there are signs pretty regularly that are easy to follow.
The hike takes about 2-3 hours one-way. There is also a cog railway that goes up and down (35 minutes each way) if you don’t want to hike or are too tired to hike back down (like we were). It is somewhat pricy at 24 Euros but has gorgeous views and is a cool experience. You can buy a one-way ticket at the top but it costs almost the same as a return, which is just something to keep in mind.
11. Enjoy the views from Biarritz Lighthouse
Located at the end of Grande Plage, the lighthouse of Biarritz overlooks the entire city and coastline. From here, you will get some of the most incredible views and sunsets.
You can head also go inside and climb up the 248 steps to the top for 5€, though I think the views from the bottom are already incredible. There’s also a cafe just outside with snacks and drinks.
12. Explore the Basque architecture of Bayonne
Bayonne is located only a short bus ride away from Biarritz and is the capital of the French Basque country. It is the perfect day trip from Biarritz, from the gorgeous traditional timbered houses to the famous Bayonne ham.
We spent hours just strolling through the city before sampling some local delicacies in one of the restaurants along the river.
13. Walk the Biarritz promenade from beach to beach
A lot of the Biarritz beaches are accessible via stairs while the city sits on top of the cliffs. You can walk the promenade along these cliffs from beach to beach for some incredible views of the city and its coastline.
I’d recommend starting at Côte des Basques, heading over to Port Vieux and following the coastline to Grande Plage. You could head all the way to the lighthouse if you have the time.
14. Drive to Hossegor for world-class surfing
A lot of locals you meet in Biarritz don’t surf in Biarritz but in Hossegor. That is where you will find more advanced waves and a less busy line-up, though it is still a good place to learn to surf too.
In October, Hossegor is home to the Quicksilver Surfing Championship that brings some of the best surfers to this area of France.
Getting to Hossegor without a car is challenging, so I’d recommend renting one.
15. Grab some local food at Les Halles Market
Les Halles is the typical food market every French town has and Biarritz’ one is great. Open everyday from 7:30 a.m.-14 p.m, with an outdoor textile and designer market from 8.30 most days and a farmer’s market on Saturdays, there is something here for everyone.
Sample some seafood, grab some baked goods and explore the locally made items and delicacies on offer.
16. Enjoy a sunset drink at Côte des Basques Beach
Etxola Bibi, set on top of the cliffs that overlook Cote des Basques beach, was one of my favourite ways to spend the evenings in Biarritz. Both locals and tourists gather here every night to watch the sunset with a drink in hand while chatting and listening to music.
My personal favourite was their Sangria, but they also have lots of wines and cocktails.
How many days do you need in Biarritz?
If you only want to see Biarritz and maybe do some surfing, 3 to 4 days are enough. However, to get more out of your trip and the best potential for great surf days, as well as head on some day trips, I would recommend 1-2 weeks.
Biarritz really sucks you in with its culture. There is always a fun festival on, the evenings are spent watching sunsets with a glass of Sangria and everyone is there to surf and enjoy life. Every person I met wished they were able to stay longer in this town.
Is Biarritz, France worth visiting?
Yes, Biarritz is so worth visiting, even if you don’t surf. Though I would highly recommend anyone to give it a go while here. From the festivals, the amazing food to the great daytrips, Biarritz is one of my all-time favourite destinations.
Hi, I'm Bell
I’m a solo traveller, writer and designer. I created my blog to share the many different ways to travel the world. Learn more about me here!
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