Biarritz

Biarritz port

Biarritz is a resolutely ocean-focused city. There can be no question about its reputation as a surfing destination. Its beach, La Côte des Basques, was the birthplace of the sport in France in the 1950s.

There are two beaches in the city centre and two other, more natural beaches towards the south. This lovely seaside city promises you the choice of different atmospheres! The Cité de l’Océan and the aquarium make for a perfect combined visit. One offers an interactive presentation of the way the ocean works and how it has developed, the other showcases the living creatures it contains.

Walking out along the Eiffel bridge to the famous Rocher de la Vierge, the symbol of the city, is an experience in its own right. You will feel as though you are in the middle of the ocean and will feel the full force of the elements. Climb the 248 steps to the lighthouse and you will be rewarded with an extraordinary 360° view from the Spanish coast to the Landes coast and the land in between.

The city’s architectural heritage features some real gems which often reflect a high-society past. The two Art Deco-style casinos, the famous Villa Belza, the majestic Hôtel du Palais, which is classed as a “Palace” and was a gift from Napoleon III to Eugenie de Montijo, or the Byzantine-style orthodox church, a remnant of the holidays of last century’s Russian elite.  

The “Malandain Ballet Biarritz” offers a top-notch programme including neoclassical, contemporary and traditional Basque dance.

This two-facetted town between sea and pine forest is located between Bayonne and Biarritz. You can enjoy all sorts of sports including surfing, golf, treetop adventure trails and cycling; and cultural activities such as the Biennale Internationale d’Art Contemporain and the Théâtre Quintaou, with the “national stage” label, not forgetting the gigantic flea market!

Bayonne is a real hub of Basque culture. It has everything: architecture, including the traditional timber-framed houses, gastronomy with ham and chocolate, sport with rugby and pelota, traditional dances, festivals, including the famous Fêtes de Bayonne, three museums presenting fine arts, Basque history and natural history, and bullfighting in the arenas!

Bidart is a charming town with a variety of activities on offer. Laze about on one of the six beaches, take a walk along the Coastal Trail or allow yourself a moment of contemplation from a high lookout point over the sea, the mountains and the sunset.
Would you like to learn to play golf? Visit the Ilbarritz International Training Centre.

A food-lover’s town, with a Chocolate Museum and a Gateau Basque festival.
It has a rich heritage, as evident in Villa Arnaga, the former residence of writer Cyrano de Bergerac, which is now a museum. Enjoy peace and simplicity at the heart of this inland town.

This town’s location between the sea, the mountains and the Spanish border allows you to combine several different activities in one day: the beach, a walk and an evening of tapas. The picturesque view over the bays from the cliffs is unforgettable. The strata of sedimentary rock in the cliffs are well worth a look.

A charming fishing harbour, a beach sheltered from the waves, a pedestrian town centre with lovely boutiques, botanical gardens on the Archilua cliff, located on the Coastal Trail, and architectural heritage tours.
All of this awaits you in this renowned seaside town.