The salt spray hits your face before your feet touch the sand, a fine mist carried inland on the Atlantic breeze. Overhead, gulls trace lazy circles against a sky that shifts from pearl grey to cerulean. Biarritz is a place of contrasts: rugged surf breaks crash against a shoreline that once hosted European royalty, and faded belle epoque villas stand shoulder to shoulder with chic seafood bistros. The famous Rocher de la Vierge juts into the ocean like a stone sentinel, its wooden footbridge swaying with each rolling wave.
Biarritz is a paradise for surfers and celebrities. Those who didn’t travel to Saint Tropez certainly spend their holidays here. The resort offers both long sandy beaches and rocky coast. Biarritz is such a kind of a transition between the French and Spanish life, and therefore it is really unique destination. It retains its Basque traditions and culture.
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alex Brown
In This Article
The Beaches of Biarritz: Grande Plage, Cote des Basques, and Beyond
The coastline of Biarritz stretches for several kilometres, offering a variety of beach experiences. The Grande Plage, or Great Beach, is the central hub of activity. This wide, sandy crescent faces the Atlantic directly and draws surfers of all skill levels. In summer, the beach is lined with colourful umbrellas and sunbathers, while consistent Atlantic swells keep surfers in the water year-round. A promenade runs the length of the beach, popular with roller skaters, joggers, and evening strollers. To the south lies the Cote des Basques, a more sheltered beach traditionally associated with Biarritz fishing heritage. This beach has gentler waves, making it ideal for beginner surfers and families. The shoreline is backed by steep cliffs topped with elegant 19th-century villas. At low tide, rock pools appear, revealing crabs, anemones, and small fish. At the northern end of Biarritz, the Plage du Port Vieux offers a small, protected cove that was once the citys original fishing harbour. Its calm waters make it the safest swimming beach in Biarritz. During the day you can sunbathe and watch the surfers on the Great Beach. Along the beach is a trail where you can ride on roller skates, and in the evening you can try the luck at the Town Casino (Casino Municipal).
Royal History and Belle Epoque Architecture
In the 19th century it became a very popular place among European nobility, Napoleon III, Alfonso II from Spain and others and still offers lots of attractions and vibrancy for the tourists. The transformation of Biarritz from a small whaling village into a glamorous resort began in 1854 when Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie built a summer palace here, now the Hotel du Palais. The imperial couple attracted the aristocracy of Europe, and Biarritz quickly became known as the playground of kings. The Belle Epoque era left Biarritz with a remarkable architectural legacy. The Chapelle Imperiale, built for Empress Eugenie in 1864, combines Romanesque and Byzantine styles with a striking yellow and white facade. The Rocher de la Vierge, a rocky outcrop crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary, was connected to the mainland by a footbridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was erected in 1865 after local fishermen were saved from a storm. The old town, known as Le Port Vieux, preserves narrow streets lined with Basque-style half-timbered houses painted in traditional red, green, and white.
Surfing, Basque Cuisine, and Practical Tips
Biarritz is widely regarded as the surfing capital of Europe. The first surfboards arrived in the 1950s, brought by American filmmakers, and the sport quickly took hold. Today the city hosts international surfing competitions and has numerous surf schools along the beaches. The Biarritz Surf Festival, held each summer, draws competitors and spectators from around the world. The Basque culinary tradition is another highlight. Local specialities include pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, best enjoyed with a glass of Txakoli, a slightly sparkling local white wine. Seafood is excellent, with fresh oysters, squid, and anchovies featuring prominently. The covered market, Les Halles, is a vibrant food hall where vendors sell cheese, charcuterie, and produce from the surrounding Basque countryside. Biarritz is served by its own airport with flights from Paris and London, and the TGV train from Paris reaches Biarritz in just over four hours. The city is also well connected to Spain, with San Sebastian just 40 minutes away by car.
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