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Lighthouse · Biarritz, Nova Aquitânia
Phare de Biarritz
The white lighthouse at Pointe Saint-Martin, dating from the 1830s, with 248 steps up to the gallery and 360-degree views over the Basque coast, the Landes and the Pyrenees.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Phare de Biarritz
The lighthouse of Biarritz stands on Pointe Saint-Martin at the northern tip of the town, on a promontory where the rocky Basque coast meets the straight beaches of the Landes. The white tower, built in the 1830s, is about 47 metres tall, and the lantern sits around 73 metres above sea level. It is protected as a historic monument and remains in operation, with two white flashes every ten seconds.
The climb involves 248 spiral steps up to the gallery. From the top, the view stretches north over the beaches of Anglet and the straight coastline of the Landes; to the south, across all of Biarritz from the Hôtel du Palais to the Rocher de la Vierge, and on clear days as far as the Spanish coast and the peaks of the Pyrenees. The copper dome is decorated with bronze lion heads.
Around the lighthouse there is a garden with pine trees and tamarinds and a path along the cliff edge that descends to Miramar beach and the Grande Plage. It is one of the favourite spots to watch the sunset.
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
30 minutes to an hour, including the climb and the view.
Best time
In the late afternoon for the sunset and on clear days to see the Pyrenees. The lighthouse is open every day in summer and on weekends and school holidays for the rest of the year; it may close without notice in strong winds or storms. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
It is about 2 km from the centre of Biarritz, roughly a 25-minute walk along the promenade, passing the Grande Plage and Miramar beach. City buses stop nearby.
Tip
The staircase is narrow and steep; climb slowly. After the visit, walk down the promenade to the Grande Plage. In high season, arrive early to avoid queues for the climb.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Phare de Biarritz
Can you climb the Biarritz lighthouse?
Yes. There are 248 steps to the gallery, with a 360-degree view. The lighthouse is open every day in summer and for shorter periods during the rest of the year, and may close in strong winds; check before you go.
How tall is the Biarritz lighthouse?
The tower is about 47 meters high, and the lantern sits roughly 73 meters above sea level, at the ponta Saint-Martin.
Does the Biarritz lighthouse still operate?
Yes. It was electrified in the 1950s, is automated, and emits two white flashes every ten seconds.