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Biarritz

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City
PlizioGo—°10106
Biarritz (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Biarritz

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Sunset at Rocher de la Vierge is remarkable, but arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
  • The free shuttle bus (navette gratuite) is the best way to navigate the hilly town center without exhausting yourself.
  • Be cautious when swimming; Atlantic currents are strong. Always swim in supervised zones marked by flags.
  • Rain is common; keep a light jacket handy even in summer, or visit the Aquarium during showers.

🍽 Food

🍽
Gâteau Basque

Traditional cherry or cream-filled cake, best grabbed from a renowned local pastry shop like Maison Pariès or Miremont.

🍽
Pintxos (Tapas)

Explore the bars around the Halles market in the evening for Basque-style tapas.

🍽
Chipirones

Grilled baby squid, a staple at the seafood restaurants in the Port des Pêcheurs.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Basque Linen

High-quality striped fabrics available in boutique stores around the center.

🛍
Halles de Biarritz

The main local market, well-suited for buying Espelette pepper and Bayonne ham.

🛍
Surf Gear

The streets near Côte des Basques are filled with authentic surf shops and beachwear.

🧘
Lac Marion

A peaceful lake surrounded by woods, just a short bus ride from the busy beaches.

🧘
Phare de Biarritz grounds

While the lighthouse itself draws tourists, the grassy area around it provides quiet spots to watch the waves.

Highlights of 2026

10

Biarritz is a prestigious seaside resort on the Basque coast in southwestern France, situated near the Spanish border. The town rose to international prominence in the 19th century when Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III chose it as their summer residence, building the Villa Eugénie, now the Hôtel du Palais. Since 1957, Biarritz has been celebrated as the surfing capital of Europe, hosting major international competitions at the iconic Grande Plage. A standout landmark is the Rocher de la Vierge, a Virgin Mary statue perched on a rock reachable via a footbridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The Cité de l'Océan and the Musée de la Mer offer extensive insights into the marine biology of the Bay of Biscay. The Biarritz Lighthouse, standing 73 meters tall, provides spectacular panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the distant Pyrenees. The city remains a bastion of Basque culture, reflected in its unique architecture and local festivals.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C771012151921211916118
Rain mm121908989897351536593144112

Live webcam – Biarritz

See what it looks like near Biarritz right now.

Biarritz: La Grande Plage · 0.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
33,188
Coordinates
43.48320, -1.55360

Facts

  • Surfing was first introduced to the city in the year 1957.
  • Hôtel du Palais was built for Empress Eugénie in 1854.
  • The Biarritz Lighthouse was constructed in the year 1834.
  • The bridge to the Rock of the Virgin was completed in 1887.
  • Biarritz Aquarium was officially inaugurated in 1933.
  • The city is located approximately 18 kilometers from the Spanish border.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Biarritz (10)

Rocher de la Vierge🌿 nature

An iconic rock formation in the sea, reachable via a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel and topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary.

Phare de Biarritz🏺 historical

This 73-meter-high lighthouse provides dramatic views of the Basque coast after a climb of 248 steps to the top gallery.

Aquarium de Biarritz🏛 museum

An Art Deco building right on the seafront, housing a diverse collection of marine life and a popular seal enclosure.

Villa Belza🏺 historical

This iconic villa perched on a rocky outcrop between two beaches is famous for its mysterious architecture and dramatic location.

Côte des Basques🌿 nature

Known as the birthplace of surfing in Europe, this famous beach is framed by impressive cliffs and elegant 19th-century villas.

Église Sainte-Eugénie⛪ religious

A Neo-Gothic grey stone church overlooking the harbor, known for its beautiful stained glass windows and maritime atmosphere.

Casino Barrière🎡 recreation

A magnificent Art Deco casino located directly on the Grande Plage, reflecting Biarritz's golden age as a luxury resort town.

Plage de la Petite Chambre d'Amour🎡 recreation

Known as a popular coastal destination in the Anglet area, this beach is located near Biarritz. The ocean setting welcomes locals and travelers alike. Guests can look forward to relaxing hours on the sand or refreshing moments by the water. Arriving mid-morning is a good way to secure a quiet spot.

Erretegia🎡 recreation

Erretegia is a coastal beach located in the municipality of Anglet.

Piscine Résidence Arghitzea👨‍👩‍👧 family

This swimming pool in Biarritz is a lovely spot for a refreshing break during your stay.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rocher de la Vierge?
A rock in the sea with a statue of the Virgin Mary, accessible via a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. A great viewpoint.
Is Biarritz good for surfing?
Yes, it is considered the surfing capital of Europe. The Côte des Basques is particularly known for its waves and surf schools.
What is the best local sweet?
The Gâteau Basque, a shortcrust cake filled with black cherry or pastry cream. A must for those with a sweet tooth.
Where is the best place to see the sunset?
From the lighthouse (Phare de Biarritz). From the cliff, you have a panoramic view over the entire coast down to Spain.
Are there museums for families?
The Cité de l'Océa features interactive ocean experiences, and the Biarritz Aquarium displays over 150 animal species.
Biarritz: where is it located?
Biarritz is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Biarritz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rocher de la Vierge, Phare de Biarritz, Aquarium de Biarritz.
Biarritz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Biarritz: why is it worth visiting?
Biarritz is a prestigious seaside resort on the Basque coast in southwestern France, situated near the Spanish border.
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