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Beach · Biarritz, Nova Aquitânia
Côte des Basques
The beach at the foot of the cliffs in the south of Biarritz, one of Europe's early surf beaches, with views of the Spanish coast and the town's most sought-after sunset.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Côte des Basques
La Côte des Basques is the southern beach of Biarritz, a long stretch of sand at the foot of cliffs that begins just after the Port-Vieux. The name comes from the view: from here you can see the Basque coast continuing south to Spain, with the Pyrenees in the background on a clear day.
The beach is linked to the history of surfing in Europe. In the late 1950s, the first surfboards appeared on Biarritz's waves, and the Côte des Basques became a meeting point for surfers, with schools, clubs and championships. Today surf schools teach here year-round, and the long, regular waves are good for beginners on calm-sea days.
The tide greatly changes the landscape: at high tide the sand strip is usually quite narrow, and at low tide the beach stretches out to the rocks. From above, the boulevard du Prince de Galles has viewpoints and benches from which you can see the surfers and the sunset. Between the beach and the fishermen's harbour, on a rock, sits the Villa Belza, a neo-medieval house from the late 19th century.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One hour for the viewpoint and the descent to the beach; half a day with a surf lesson.
Best time
In the late afternoon, for the sunset seen from the viewpoint. For the beach, check the tide table: at low tide there's more sand. To learn to surf, summer and early autumn usually have calmer waves.
How to get there
It's about a 10-minute walk from central Biarritz, passing Port-Vieux. From the viewpoint atop the cliff a ramp and stairs lead down to the sand.
Tip
Check the tide before heading down with a towel and bag: at high tide the sand disappears over much of the beach. The water is cold; for surfing, wear a wetsuit. The viewpoint is the best spot in town to watch the sun set over the sea.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Côte des Basques
Why is the Côte des Basques famous?
Because it's one of the beaches where surfing began in Europe in the late 1950s, and because it offers views of the Basque coast down to Spain and one of Biarritz's most sought-after sunsets.
Can you learn to surf at the Côte des Basques?
Yes. Several schools give lessons there, with board and wetsuit included. The waves are usually good for beginners on calm-sea days; the school schedules lessons according to the tide.
Does the tide affect the Côte des Basques?
A lot. At high tide the strip of sand is often very narrow; at low tide the beach stretches out. Check the tide table before you go.