Spend a Day in Biarritz: The Surfing Capital of Europe
*Disclosure: I only recommend products/services that I would use myself & all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission which in turn helps fund my next adventure! Please read the Privacy Policy for more information.
I often find myself daydreaming of a small European town on the coast; one that’s not too touristy, but also not completely isolated. Well, I found it! Last year, I spent about 10 days in the Basque Country and while San Sebastian was my home base, we took a couple of day trips to the nearby French towns, Biarritz and Bayonne. As soon as we arrived in Biarritz, I immediately felt like I had stepped into a dream. It was late May, hydrangeas were in full bloom, the sun was shining, and surfers were catching waves.
Biarritz is a renowned seaside resort town located in southwestern France, near the border of Spain, and is an easy day trip from San Sebastian. It’s most famous for its stunning beaches, excellent surfing conditions, historical significance, and unique architecture.
Biarritz is often referred to as the "Surfing Capital of Europe," attracting wave riders from around the world to its consistent swells and world-class surf breaks. In 1956, a California filmmaker was working on a movie set and tested out the waters, and that’s when locals got their first taste of the up and coming sport. This is the town that introduced surfing to France and all of Europe!
Beyond its surfing reputation, Biarritz has a rich history as a favorite vacation destination for European royalty and aristocracy. In the 19th century, the town became a fashionable seaside resort, attracting visitors from across the continent who were drawn to its mild climate, beautiful coastline, and luxurious accommodations.
The town's architecture is a unique blend of styles, reflecting its diverse influences over the centuries. Visitors can admire the grand 19th-century villas and hotels, as well as the charming Basque-style houses and the iconic Art Deco Casino Municipal, a striking landmark building that overlooks the main beach.
How to Spend 1 Day in Biarritz
Since San Sebastian was my home base on my vacation, I took a bus in the morning to arrive in Biarritz by 10am and departed by 5pm. This was enough time to walk around and explore the town, but if you have a full day, here's a suggested itinerary to experience the best of this charming seaside town:
Morning
Begin your day in Biarritz by strolling the Grande Plage and making your way south. This vast stretch of golden sand is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Grab coffee and a pastry from a cafe like Dodin or a classic French crepe from Le Blé Noir.
Stop at Basta Rock, or Rocher du Basta, where you can cross the beautiful stone footbridge to one of the most iconic spots in Biarritz. This rock formation offers some of the best panoramic views of the Biarritz coastline and it’s a great place to enjoy your morning coffee.
Continue walking south for another 5 minutes and you’ll reach the Fisherman’s Port. We stumbled upon this area and I immediately fell in love. It’s full of colorful buildings and buoys hanging from trees, and it’s a great place to stop for lunch. Chez Albert is one of the most popular eateries in this area and you’ll be able to sample fresh, local seafood and delicious regional wines.
Afternoon
Walk off your lunch by continuing further south. Walk through the Tunnel de l’Atalaye and take the pathway through a sculpture park which leads to the Aquarium. We didn’t go inside the Aquarium, but if you are traveling with kids, this would be a fun activity to do. The Biarritz Aquarium is in a beautiful Art Deco building and it’s near another famous rock formation, Rocher de la Vierge. This was a quick photo stop for us and we stood and took in the views for a few minutes. There’s a Virgin Mary perched on top of the rock formation and more amazing panoramic viewpoints. This was also the most crowded place we visited in Biarritz and it’s definitely a little more touristy, but still worth seeing.
Next, just 10 minutes further was my favorite part of the day and if I’m being honest, I wish we had spent more time here. Plage du Port Vieux is a small beach tucked away in a cove and looks like it should be on a postcard. It’s the type of European beach you dream of! There are public bathrooms here and changing rooms, which is perfect for those who don’t want to wear their swimsuit all day. If you get hungry or thirsty while soaking up the sun, there’s a cafe just to the left of the beach called Eden Rock Café.
If you’re exploring Biarritz as a day trip, then your day is coming to an end. Take the popular street, Rue du Port-Vieux, straight from the beach, which turns into Rue Mazagran. You will find tons of boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, and ice cream shops along this road. If you’re looking for something cold and sweet, stop at Glacier Léonard for gelato or a delicious frozen s’more!
If you’re staying the night in Biarritz or you drove yourself, stick around for dinner at Les Copains. Here, you can find a menu full of fresh seafood, local ingredients, and true French-Basque flavors.
Is One Day in Biarritz Enough?
One day in Biarritz can be enough to get a taste of this dreamy seaside town, but it may leave you wanting more - it definitely made me want to stay another day or two! Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
You can cover the main highlights like the Grand Plage, Rocher de la Vierge, Old Town, and Musée de la Mer in a day.
It's a compact and walkable town, making it easy to explore on foot.
A day trip allows you to experience the laid-back Biarritz vibe and soak up the coastal atmosphere.
Cons:
One day may not be enough to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle.
You'll have limited time to try various restaurants and sample the regional cuisine.
Popular activities like surfing lessons or a day trip to nearby towns will be nearly impossible to fit in.
If you have the flexibility, I recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Biarritz. This will give you more time to relax, explore the beaches, try different water sports, and venture out to neighboring areas like Saint-Jean-de-Luz or Bayonne. However, if you're short on time, one day in Biarritz is still well worth it.
Where to Stay in Biarritz If You Have More Time
If you have the luxury of spending more than a day in Biarritz, the city offers a variety of neighborhoods and accommodation types to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some great options that I would consider:
Hidden Gem: Maison MAÏTÉ
Beachfront Boutique Property: Hôtel de La Plage
Luxury: Hôtel Le Café de Paris
Rocher de la Vierge
Getting Around Biarritz
Biarritz is a small, walkable city, making it easy to explore on foot. To save time, we took a taxi from the bus station to the city center and then spent the rest of the day walking. However, for those who prefer not to walk or want to cover more ground, there are several transportation options available.
One convenient way to get around Biarritz is by using the local bus system, Txik-Txak. The city has a reliable network of bus routes that connect various neighborhoods and popular destinations. Buses run frequently, and you can purchase tickets or passes from the driver or at designated kiosks. We tested out the bus system at the end of our day to go back to the bus terminal and it was a breeze. The only issue we had was with the bus driver who was not a fan of our very rough French, but hey, trying is better than not attempting at all! Brushing up on your basic French phrases, especially about transportation, will benefit you.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the city's bike rental services. Biarritz has several bike rental shops where you can rent bicycles for a few hours or an entire day. Cycling is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. Many bike rental companies offer maps and suggested routes to help you make the most of your cycling adventure.
If you prefer a more unique mode of transportation, consider renting a Vespa or scooter. These are super fun and allow you to zip around the city with ease. Just be sure to follow the local rules and regulations for using these vehicles.
How to Get to Biarritz
Biarritz is conveniently located just a short drive from the Spanish city of San Sebastian, making it an ideal day trip destination. The most popular way to travel between the two cities is by car, as the journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Driving from San Sebastian to Biarritz
If you're driving from San Sebastian to Biarritz, take the AP-8 highway towards the French border. After crossing the border, continue on the A63 highway until you reach the exit for Biarritz. The total distance is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles). Keep in mind that you'll need to pay tolls along the way, so it's a good idea to have some cash or a credit card handy, or make sure your rental car covers tolls.
Public Transportation from San Sebastian to Biarritz
If you prefer not to drive, you can also take public transportation to Biarritz. The most convenient option is to take a bus from San Sebastian's Gipuzkoa Plaza bus station. Several companies, including Pesa, Flixbus, and ALSA, offer direct bus services to Biarritz, with travel times ranging from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the specific route and number of stops.
Regardless of how you choose to get there, one thing I would recommend doing in the days leading up to your day trip is keeping an eye on the local news. This is probably not common, but a farmer’s strike took place the day before our day trip on a different day to nearby Bayonne and it ended up lasting until the morning of our trip. It caused massive delays and traffic, so it made our 1 hour and 30 minute bus ride turn into an almost 3 hour ride!
So, Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?
Biarritz is undoubtedly worth visiting for those looking for a charming coastal town with a rich history, stunning beaches, and a laid back vibe. This seaside gem in southwestern France offers something for everyone, from surfers and beach lovers to history buffs and foodies.
The town's unique blend of French and Basque cultures also adds to its appeal, with a lively atmosphere, excellent seafood restaurants, and charming architecture.
Biarritz is undoubtedly a worthwhile day trip from San Sebastian or any other nearby town. I’m so glad that we were able to spend a day exploring this stunning coastal town and we couldn’t have asked for better weather.
Despite its small size, Biarritz packs a punch, from strolling along the picturesque promenade to soaking up the sun on hidden cove beaches, you'll find yourself fully immersed in the quintessential French Basque experience!
Happy travels!
-Tess
Looking for more information about destinations in France? Check out these articles!
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!