Biarritz, France is a city resting along the coast in the region of French Basque Country. What it is most known for is that it is one of the best destinations for its beaches in all of France. With a population of around 25,000 it offers a relaxing environment to explore this unique and special part of Europe.
Planning a trip to Biarritz and not sure what to do? Don’t worry. I’ve got you. Here you will find the best things to do in Biarritz, where to stay and what delicious places to eat at.
Make the most of your time with this travel guide designed to maximize your two day stay in Biarritz.
The Best Time To Visit – Biarritz Weather
The best time to visit Biarritz depends on your preferences. Here is an overview of the different seasons in Biarritz:
Spring – March to May
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Biarritz. The weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in bloom. This is a good time to explore the city while it is gearig up for a busy summer. It is a great time to visit if you are into outdoor activities
Summer – June to August
Summer is the most popular time to visit Biarritz, especially for beach lovers. The Biarritz weather is warm, and the water temperature is comfortable for swimming. However, this is also the busiest time, and accommodation prices can reflect that it is peak season.
Fall – September to November
Fall is a great time to visit Biarritz if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather. The sea is still warm, and the beaches are less crowded. This is also the time for some of the best surfing.
Winter – December to February
Winter in Biarritz is mild. But it can be rainy and windy. That being said, sunny days are spectacular. This is a good time to visit if you want to experience the local culture, enjoy some quiet time, and take advantage of lower hotel rates.
In summary, the best time to visit Biarritz depends on your interests and preferences. If you want to enjoy the beaches and summer activities, June to August is the best time. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather, September to November is ideal.
Where to stay – The Best Hotels in Biarritz
Hotel du Palais – The Bucket List Hotel
This is a luxurious palace hotel located on the beachfront of Biarritz. The hotel was built in 1855 by Napoleon III for his wife Eugenia de Montij. It has been fully renovated to offer modern amenities while preserving its historical charm. The hotel features 142 rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, a spa, a fitness center, and a private beach.
Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa Sea & Spa – The Luxury Hotel
This is a high end hotel located on the beachfront of Biarritz. The hotel features 126 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and an outdoor heated pool. The spa offers thalassotherapy treatments, and guests can also enjoy yoga and fitness classes.
Hotel Windsor Grande Plage – My Favorite
This is a boutique hotel located just across from the main beach of Biarritz. The hotel features 48 rooms and suites, all decorated in a contemporary style with bright colors and modern amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves breakfast, and guests can enjoy free access to the nearby fitness center.
Biarritz Ocean Hostel – Best for Backpackers
This is a modern hostel located in the heart of Biarritz, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. The hostel features dormitory rooms and private rooms, all decorated in a contemporary style with bright colors and modern amenities. The hostel also has a shared kitchen, a lounge area with a TV, and a terrace where guests can enjoy the sun.
Camping Ilbarritz – Best Change of Pace
Located just a few minutes from the beach, this campsite offers a variety of accommodation options, including tents, caravans, and chalets. The site also features a swimming pool, restaurant, and sports facilities.
Two Day Travel Guide To Biarritz
Biarritz is a town with something for everyone. From beaches to landmarks, outdoor activities and unique cultural experiences. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Biarritz has it all. Come and experience the beauty and excitement of this unique part of Basque Country and France.
Day 1 Itinerary – Things To Do In Biarritz
Start Your Day in Biarritz at Miremont
Start your exploration of Biarritz by heading to Miremont, one of the town’s oldest pastry shops. Founded in 1872, this classic French coffee and pastry shop will surely delight you. The savory pastries wil get your day started off right.
Take a Stroll Along the Grand Plage
After enjoying your coffee and pastry at Miremont, head off for a leisurely walk along the beautiful Grand Plage. This beach is the perfect place to enjoy a morning stroll, take in the fresh sea air, and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is known for its waves and is a popular surfing spot. You can sit and watch the surfers catch waves and savor the views.
Visit Rocher de la Vierge
As you stroll along the beach, make sure to visit the Rocher de la Vierge, a famous rock formation situated in the sea and connected to the mainland by a bridge. Named after a statue of the Virgin Mary, the rock provides stunning views of the Bay of Biscay and Biarritz’s coastline. You can also explore the statue and the rock formation up close once across the bridge
Explore the Musée de la Mer
Next, head to the nearby Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea), located in a beautiful Art Deco building overlooking the ocean. The museum showcases the region’s rich maritime history and features exhibits ranging from local fish species including seven different species of sharks. You can also learn about Biarritz’s past as a fashionable seaside resort, and its connections to famous people like Napoleon III and Ernest Hemingway.
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Discover Port des Pêcheurs
Finally, explore the charming Port des Pêcheurs, also known as the Fishermen’s Port, located on the outskirts of the old town. Once Biarritz’s primary fishing port, it remains a popular destination due to its intimate ambiance and picturesque surroundings. Along with its fishing activities, the port boasts several restaurants and cafes that offer fresh seafood dishes, allowing visitors to savor the local cuisine.
Lunch at Chez Albert
If you’re a seafood lover, you won’t want to miss lunch at Chez Albert. Located in Port des Pêcheurs, this charming restaurant serves some of the best fresh seafood dishes in Biarritz. It offers a rustic, cozy atmosphere. From prawns to oysters to sea bass, Chez Albert offers a wide range of seafood options that will satisfy your taste buds.
Villa Belza
For an impressive architectural sight, head to Villa Belza, a historic building perched among the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Biscay. The neo-gothic style inspired by medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals makes it a popular tourist destination. Photographers and filmmakers also love the unique architectural style and dramatic location of Villa Belza.
Côte des Basques and Sea Walk to Cité de l’Océan Museum
Côte des Basques is a beautiful beach known for its stunning views and great surf conditions. The sea walk to Cité de l’Océan Museum is a scenic route that runs along Côte des Basques beach. It’s a great way to enjoy the amazing coastal scenery and watch surfers work the waves. The walk to the museum will take roughly 45 minutes depending how leisurely you stroll.
Cité de l’Océan Museum
The Cité de l’Océan Museum is a fascinating museum dedicated to ocean exploration, surfing culture, and marine life. With its alluring architecture, interactive exhibits, and range of activities, it’s a great way to learn about the wonders of the ocean and our planet’s fragile ecosystems. Interactive exhibits include a virtual surfing experience, a deep-sea submarine, and a giant aquarium.
Sainte-Eugénie Church
Make sure to visit Sainte-Eugénie Church, a magnificent Neo-Gothic church built in the 19th century, on the orders of Empress Eugenie, Napoleon III’s wife.
After exploring Sainte-Eugénie Church, take some time to relax in at Plaza Sainte-Eugénie. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants surrounding the plaza. Bistroquet Biarritz, Chez BB, Le Capri, and Le Tandem, all feature lovely patios.
Visit The Famous Casino Barrière
Located on the beachfront, the Casino Barrière is a well-known landmark in Biarritz. The casino offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and poker.
Not interested in gabling? You can find live entertainment here. Alternatively, there is a restaurant and a bar if you want to relax and enjoy the views of the Grand Plage.
Explore The Biarritz Bars and Clubs
If you’re not interested in the casino, there are many other options for a night out in Biarritz. You can head to one of the many bars and clubs in the city center, such as Le Comptoir du Foie Gras, a cozy wine bar that serves delicious foie gras dishes.
Want more options? Other locations worth checking out are Le Surfing, Le Bar Basque, Etxola Bibi, and Le Blé Noir.
Day 2 Itinerary – Things To Do In Biarritz
Les Halle Market – Experience the Local Food Culture
In the morning, head to Les Halles, the city’s indoor market, to experience the local food culture. The market is filled with vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and other local specialties. All that being said, you are really there for the pasties and caffeine.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls or restaurants in the market, or pick up something to snack on later. Les Halles is a great place to try some traditional Basque dishes, such as pintxos and axoa.
Quartier d’Espagne: Explore Biarritz’s Rich Cultural Heritage
The Quartier d’Espagne is a historic neighborhood in Biarritz characterized by its distinctive Basque-Spanish architecture. The neighborhood is located on a hill overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Its narrow streets and colorful houses offer visitors a glimpse into Biarritz’s rich cultural heritage. The Quartier d’Espagne was built in the late 19th century when Biarritz was becoming a popular seaside resort for wealthy Europeans.
The architecture of the Quartier d’Espagne is a unique blend of Basque and Spanish styles, featuring steep roofs, half-timbered facades, and colorful tiles and shutters. Many of the buildings also feature ornate carvings and decorations, which add to the neighborhood’s charm and character.
The neighborhood further boasts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions.
Asiatica Museum: Discover Asian Art and Culture
The Asiatica Museum is dedicated to Asian art and culture. The museum’s collection includes over 1,000 works of art from various regions of Asia, including China, Japan, India, and Tibet. Some of the highlights of the museum’s collection include a 9th-century bronze Buddha from Tibet, a Ming Dynasty porcelain vase, a 17th-century Japanese screen painting, and a collection of Indian miniatures.
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The museum’s exhibits are organized thematically. Rather than by geographic region, which allows visitors to compare and contrast the different artistic traditions of Asia. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.
Lunch at Chez Coco
Chez Coco is a popular restaurant located in the heart of Biarritz. The restaurant offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere with a menu that focuses on Italian dishes. Mostly, specializing in really good pizza. Chez Coco also has outdoor seating available and specializes in its thin crust pizzas.
Beach it – Go Surfing
Biarritz is renowned for its world-class surf spots, and there are plenty of surf schools and rentals to choose. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll find a spot that suits your level.
There are several great surf schools, Pop Surf School and Biarritz Paradise Surf School each offers lessons for all levels, as well as surfboard rentals.
One of the best spots to surf in Biarritz is the main beach, Plage de la Cote des Basques. This beautiful beach is famous for its consistent waves and attracts surfers from all over the world. The beach is also ideal for beginners, with smaller waves and plenty of space to practice.
Biarritz Water Temperature
The water temperature in Biarritz can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Here is a rough guide to the average water temperatures in Biarritz throughout the year:
- Winter (December-February): 12-14°C (54-57°F)
- Spring (March-May): 14-16°C (57-61°F)
- Summer (June-August): 19-21°C (66-70°F)
- Autumn (September-November): 17-19°C (63-66°F)
It’s worth noting that these are only rough estimates and the actual water temperature can vary depending on a range of factors, such as the time of day, weather conditions, and the specific location along the coast.
Drive It – Go Golfing
If golf is more your style, Biarritz has plenty of options for you too. With several world-class courses in the area, you can enjoy stunning views and challenging games.
The Golf du Phare is a historic course located in the heart of Biarritz. With 18 holes and beautiful ocean views, it’s a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.
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Another great choice is the Golf de Chiberta, located just a short drive from Biarritz. This challenging course winds through pine forests and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit Biarritz Lighthouse
The Biarritz Lighthouse, also known as the Phare de Biarritz, was built in 1834. The lighthouse stands 73 meters above sea level and offers the most spectacular views in the area.
The tower is made of stone and is white with black accents. You can climb to the top of the tower for a fee and enjoy the most spectacular views in the area. It is very popular so you might want to book ahead of time to ensure a spot.
If you want to linger for a while, the Biarritz Lighthouse is also a great place to watch the sunset over the ocean.
Dinner and Drinks at Hotel du Palais
Freshen up and head for dinner and drinks at Hotel du Palais. Relax and watch the sunset on the Bay of Biscay. Endless vistas that will not disappoint.
Hotel du Palais offers multiple restaurants, so you can don’t need to feel limited in options.
La Rotonde – La Table d’Aurélien Largeau
“This Michelin star restaurant offers a breathtaking panoramic view. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience while savoring exquisite contemporary French cuisine.”
It does reach capacity often, so it is best to make a reservation ahead of time here
Le Bar Napoléon III
“With its soft, warm atmosphere, the Napoleon III Bar invites you to explore a menu of carefully-selected gins, whiskeys, and other spirits, as well as the signature cocktails created by our Chef Barman.”
The Terrace
“Our superb terrace awaits you for a tasting journey for a relaxing lunch or dinner facing the bay of Biarritz. Come and discover the tasty cuisine of La Rotonde – Côté Maison elaborated by our executive chef, Aurélien Largeau and Head Pastry chef Aleksandre Oliver, made around traditional recipes.”
After dinner, you can take a stroll along the beach or explore the city’s nightlife. But honestly, you are already dressed up and in the perfect spot. You might as well stay put and enjoy the moment.
Thinking of staying another day? Not to worry there are plenty of places to explore that are close to Biarritz.
Popular Cities For A Day Trip From Biarritz
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is a beautiful city located in the Basque Country region of northern Spain. Known for its stunning beaches, picturesque Casco Viejo (old town), and world-class food scene, San Sebastián is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the best of Spanish and Basque culture. The city has plenty of lively bars, restaurants, and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the city’s historic sites and museums. Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade and relax on Playa de Concha.
Car
San Sebastián is 50 kilometers from Biarritz and roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Keep in mind that there are multiple tolls along the way. Also, if it is peak season or a busy weekend there can be a bottleneck at these locations.
Train
The train journey from San Sebastián to Biarritz involves a transfer at Hendaye, which is a town located on the border between France and Spain.
Why do you have to transfer trains?
It is because the size of the tracks in Spain are a different width than the rest of Europe. This was done intentionally under the Franco regime for strategic reasons. But I’ll leave that alone for right now.
The Spanish leg of the journey is operated by Euskotren. Euskotren is managed by the Autonomous Community if Basque Country. It takes you between San Sebastián and Hendaye. The journey takes about 35-40 minutes and there are several trains per day.
The French leg of the trip is operated by SNCF, the French national train company, to continue your journey to Biarritz. The journey from Hendaye to Biarritz takes about 30-40 minutes and there are several trains per day.
Bus
There are several bus companies that operate between San Sebastián and Biarritz, such as ALSA and FlixBus. The journey time and cost can vary depending on the company and time of day.
On average, the journey by bus takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and the cost ranges from 8 to 20 euros, depending on the bus company and whether you book in advance.
Bayonne
Bayonne is a charming city known for its picturesque old town, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. The city is situated on the banks of the Adour River, and its narrow streets are lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants serving local cuisine. Some of the top attractions in Bayonne include the stunning Gothic-style Bayonne Cathedral, the Basque Museum, and the Château Vieux, a 12th-century castle that offers stunning views over the city.
Bayonne is about 8 kilometers, and the journey takes roughly 15 minutes.
Transfer from Biarritz Airport to San Sebastian
Take the Chronoplus bus from Biarritz Airport to Bayonne train station, and then transfer to another bus to San Sebastian. The trip takes around 2-3 hours and the cost is around 10-15 euros.
Paris
Paris is the capital city of France and is world renowned. Famous for its romantic ambiance, rich history, iconic landmarks, and exquisite cuisine it is on a lot of people’s basket list. Some of the top attractions in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Champs-Élysées. The city is also known for its fashion, art, and culture.
So why is Paris on this list? Good question.
Paris is not in the day trip category however, if you are on an extended trip there is a good chance that you will end up in Paris.
The driving distance between Biarritz and Paris is around 800 kilometers, and typically takes around 8-9 hours
With the distance being so far many people often choose to fly. Biarritz does have a small airport about km from the city center. Direct flight can range from €100-€200+.
Mapped Out – Biarritz 2 Day Travel Guide
Is Biarritz Worth Visiting? The Verdict
Biarritz is a charming coastal town in the Basque Country that is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and unique culture. The town has a long history as a popular destination for European aristocrats, and has retained much of its elegant Belle Époque architecture. Explore the historic buildings, stroll along the picturesque promenade, and relax on the golden sand beaches.
In addition to its natural and architectural beauty, Biarritz is known for its vibrant Basque culture and cuisine. Eat traditional Basque dishes, such as pintxos and axoa, at local restaurants and explore the Basque Museum to learn more about the region’s fascinating history and traditions.
On a nice day Biarritz is just about perfect. Maybe too perfect, crossed my mind a couple of times. Better that than the other way around.
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