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Biarritz sits on the Atlantic coast in southwest France near the Spanish border as the elegant surf town with Belle Époque architecture and Basque culture. It was Napoleon III’s seaside resort in the 1800s drawing European royalty and aristocrats who built grand hotels and villas along the cliffs. The town keeps that refined feel mixed with surfers chasing consistent Atlantic swells. The beaches stretch long with dramatic rock formations and the Pyrenees visible in the distance. Two to three days covers the beaches and Basque country day trips nearby. Summer gets busy with French holidaymakers and surfers but shoulder seasons stay pleasant.
Grande Plage is the main beach curving between the casino and Hotel du Palais with striped bathing tents lined up like the old days. The beach fills with families and surfers sharing the waves. The promenade runs along the top with restaurants and ice cream. Côte des Basques beach south is the serious surf spot with powerful waves and experienced surfers. Surf schools operate on both beaches with rentals everywhere. The lighthouse on Pointe Saint-Martin has views up and down the coast worth the walk. Rocher de la Vierge is the rocky outcrop connected by a metal footbridge built by Eiffel with waves crashing below. Port des Pêcheurs is the tiny fishing harbor with colorful boats and seafood restaurants tucked below the cliffs. Les Halles covered market in town center has Basque produce, cheese, ham, and prepared foods.
Bayonne ten minutes inland is the Basque capital with the old town, cathedral, and chocolate shops famous since the 1600s. San Sebastian across the Spanish border thirty minutes away has pintxos bars and La Concha beach. Biarritz mixes French elegance with Basque traditions visible in the language, pelota courts, and local festivals. Saint-Jean-de-Luz down the coast is a quieter fishing village with beach and Basque architecture.
Food is Basque pintxos, jambon de Bayonne cured ham, piperade pepper stew, ttoro fish soup, gâteau basque almond cake, macarons, French pastries, seafood, local wine.
Things to do in Biarritz include surfing on sandy beaches, exploring elegant seaside promenades, and visiting local markets. From historic
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