Before you go

Your trip to Biarritz.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Biarritz – Nova Aquitânia Destination French Basque Country about 195 km from Bordéus

How to get there

Aéroport de Biarritz-Pays Basque (BIQ) Anglet · 3 km
Gare de Biarritz La Négresse · 3 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before booking. Biarritz–Pays Basque airport, which lies mostly in Anglet, is about 3 km from the centre, with buses and taxis. Biarritz train station, in the La Négresse district, is about 3 km from the centre and receives the TGV from Paris-Montparnasse and regional trains from Bordeaux and Hendaye. From Bayonne it's about ten minutes by train or bus.

How many days

A full day covers the seafront, from the lighthouse to the Côte des Basques, including the aquarium. Two days allow time for a surf lesson, for the Cité de l'Océan and to watch the sunset at the Côte des Basques. Many people stay in Biarritz and do half-day trips to Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

When to go

May and September tend to be quieter. In autumn and winter the sea becomes rough and the big waves attract experienced surfers; the seafront is worth a walk with a coat, and rain can occur at any time.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The centre, the seafront and the beaches are walked on foot, via promenades and stairways, and local buses link the centre with the station, the airport, Anglet and Bayonne. A car only helps for the interior of the Basque Country, like Espelette and La Rhune; in summer, parking near the beaches is often difficult.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Biarritz

Morning
Lighthouse and Grande Plage
Start at the lighthouse on the Saint-Martin headland, with views along the coast to the Landes and the Pireneus. Walk down the seafront to the Grande Plage, passing in front of the Hôtel du Palais, the Empress Eugénie's former summer house.
Afternoon
Rocher de la Vierge and aquarium
Have lunch in the centre and head to the fishermen's harbour, with its fishermen's cottages, and to the Rocher de la Vierge, crossing the footbridge over the sea. Opposite is the aquarium, in the art-déco building of the former Musée de la Mer.
Late afternoon
Côte des Basques
Walk around the Port-Vieux and walk up to the viewpoint over the Côte des Basques to see the surfers and the sun set over the sea, with the Spanish coast in the distance.
Evening
Centre and Les Halles
Dine in the centre or around the covered market, where bars serve Basque tapas (pintxos) and fish.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Biarritz airport to the centre?

The airport is about 3 km from the centre, mostly in Anglet. There are local buses to Biarritz centre and to Bayonne, and taxis outside. The journey usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Is Biarritz good for learning to surf?

Yes. There are surf schools on the Côte des Basques and the Grande Plage, offering lessons for beginners and board and wetsuit hire, which is necessary because the sea is cold. Schools pick the beach according to the tide and wave size.

Is Biarritz far from Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz?

No. Bayonne is about 8 km away, roughly ten minutes by train or bus. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is about 15 km away, with trains from Biarritz station and coastal buses.

Is Biarritz worth visiting outside the summer?

Yes, for those who enjoy walking the seafront, watching the big winter waves and visiting the aquarium and the lighthouse. Many restaurants and shops are open year‑round, but some beach activities stop out of season.

Back to Biarritz