The Basque coast fascinates many travelers. As well as breathtaking seascapes, it's home to magnificent seaside resorts like Biarritz! Once in the city, you'll be charmed by its heritage, its beaches and all the emblematic sites along its coastline. A land of surfing and generous gastronomy, the city offers a wide range of pleasures. And if Biarritz is both chic and trendy, it is also open to an exceptional natural environment, with the ocean and magnificent rolling countryside all around. Biarritz can be enjoyed in all seasons, with a climate that remains mild all year round. Here are 15 must-sees for those wondering what to do in Biarritz?
1. See the Rocher de la Vierge
Visit Rocher de la Vierge is one of Biarritz's major landmarks. This is where you cross a footbridge, built on the orders of Napoleon III, to see the statue of the Virgin enthroned on a rocky islet. For the curious, legend has it that whaling fishermen, caught in a storm, were guided to port by a divine light emanating from the very spot where the rock stands. Today, the site is a popular meeting place for walkers who want to enjoy a breathtaking marine panorama. The sunset here is particularly resplendent.
Explore Biarritz's historic center at your own pace with this this comprehensive audio tour where you'll discover interesting anecdotes about Biarritz's main monuments, including the Rocher de la Vierge.
2. Relax on the beaches of Biarritz
One of Biarritz's must-see attractions is, of course, its beaches. The main stretch of sand just a short stroll from the town center, Grande Plage, is lined with stores, restaurants and bars. Then there's Plage de la Milady, with its lovely promenade. It's ideal for a digestive stroll after a meal. Miramar beach, also just a stone's throw from the heart of the town, is popular with families who like to play in the sand. But also surfers and bodyboarders, who come to take advantage of the beautiful waves to indulge in their favorite sport.
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3. Shopping at Les Halles
This covered market is a must for visitors with a sweet tooth. It's always a lively place, reflecting the city's identity and culture. Stroll through its aisles to stock up on good regional produce, with excellent charcuterie and cheeses, as well as fruit, vegetables, drinks, fish and seafood. On the spot, you'll have no hesitation in chatting with the shopkeepers, who are always happy to offer advice on how to prepare some local specialities. Les Halles is definitely a place not to be missed if you want to fill up on good vibes and quality products!
4. Discover the Cité de l'Océan
The ocean is full of mysteries! The Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz offers a captivating odyssey to learn more about these spaces that cover a large part of the planet. A place that captivates adults and children alike, with a variety of fun, even immersive, experiences and activities. You can surf in virtual mode, sit back and enjoy special effects in a dynamic cinema, or watch a series of never-before-seen 3D films about the ocean, surfing or underwater species. The Cité de l'Océan is both fun and educational, and is sure to appeal to families.
5. Getting to the foot of the Biarritz lighthouse
The Biarritz lighthouse is located at Pointe Saint-Martin. Erected in 1834, it has been listed as a Monument Historique since 2009. Its pristine white architecture is quite impressive. Those who wish can climb the 248 steps to discover a breathtaking view of the Basque coast, the Pyrenees and the Landes coast! Guided tours are available to learn more about its architecture and history. Today, it is one of the oldest lighthouses still in service.
6. Stroll along the Port des Pêcheurs
Biarritz's Port des Pêcheurs is like a village within the city. You'll discover picturesque streets and houses, local traditions and culture, pretty boats and intimate coves. One of the local attractions are the crampottes! These are small fishermen's huts with colorful shutters. They're great for taking souvenir photos of Biarritz! There are also restaurants serving succulent fish dishes. The Port des Pêcheurs can be visited day or evening. You'll never cease to be amazed.
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7. Family fun at the Biarritz Aquarium
TheBiarritz Aquarium is located near the Rocher de la Vierge in Biarritz. A veritable marine museum, it is home to a multitude of marine species. It offers a fascinating journey through the Bay of Biscay, the North Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea and the Indo-Pacific Basin. You can admire different kinds of sharks, turtles and colorful fish. The Biarritz Aquarium also features temporary exhibitions and events. In particular, you can watch seals feeding twice a day. The Aquarium is also involved in the conservation of endangered species.
8. Enjoy the view from the Plateau de l'Atalaye
The Plateau de l'Atalaye is probably the most beautiful promontory on the Biarritz coast. A must for nature lovers, it offers breathtaking views of the Grande Plage, the fishermen's port, the Rocher de la Vierge and the Port Vieux. This is another place in Biarritz where you shouldn't forget your camera. It'sa real geological curiosity, the result of the ocean's movements against the cliffs. It's one of Biarritz's special features, with its magnificent natural surroundings just a stone's throw from the city. Atalaye means promontory in Basque!
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9. Take a tour of the Casino Barrière de Biarritz
For gambling enthusiasts, the Casino Barrière in Biarritz is the place to be. The venue features slot machines, table games and other electronic games. Those not interested in this type of outing can simply come and admire the building. It's a magnificent Art Deco building designed in 1929 by architect Alfred Laulhé. It also faces the ocean. The casino features a restaurant and year-round entertainment. Don't hesitate to take a look at the program.
10. Surfing again and again in Biarritz
You can feel it very quickly when you arrive in Biarritz: the surfing culture is omnipresent. During the summer months, several surf schools offer courses and workshops. They welcome beginners as well as those who have been surfing for some time and wish to perfect their skills. In fact, most of the city's surf brands are here, with a multitude of stores where you can buy or hire equipment. Surfers have several options for tackling the waves. They can go to the Grande Plage, the Côte des Basques, the Milady beach or the Marbella beach, making Biarritz one of the 13 best destinations for an evjf with sporting activities on the agenda.
11. Rent a boat in Biarritz
There are many ways to enjoy the Biarritz coastline. Renting a boat allows you to see some of the wonders of the Basque coast and the Bay of Biscay. You can also take part in excursions to deserted coves with turquoise waters, beaches only accessible by boat, picnics and aperitifs. Dolphin sightings are not uncommon. Boat rental with or without skipper, it's up to you to choose the formula that best suits your needs and budget.
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12. Admire our religious heritage
In France, as in many other countries, discovering a city often involves contemplating its most beautiful religious buildings. In Biarritz, the Russian Orthodox Church boasts magnificent Byzantine architecture. It has been listed as a Monument Historique since 2015. Not far away is the Chapelle Impériale. It harmoniously blends Romanesque-Byzantine and Hispano-Moorish styles. Its interior is sublime. You should also take the time to visit thesainte-Eugénie church. Built between 1898 and 1903, this neo-Gothic church overlooks the Port Vieux.
13. Hike to Col d'Ivardin
Want to escape the city center for a while? A stay in Biarritz is the perfect opportunity to hike to the Col d'Ibardin. The hike starts from Biarritz and takes between one and two hours. You'll find yourself in the heart of lush, green countryside, with a stopover at Xoldokogaïna lake. The charm of the lake, the vegetation and the surrounding landscape is immediately apparent. Another advantage of a Biarritz vacation is that you can switch from the seafront to the beautiful mountain scenery.
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14. Photograph Villa Belza
Perched at the tip of the Côte des Basques on the rocky outcrop of Le Halde, Villa Belza is a superb neo-medieval house built in the late 19th century. Although this remarkable residence has seen many ups and downs in the course of its history, it is now part of Biarritz's "Zone de Protection du Patrimoine Architectural Urbain et Paysager" (Urban and Landscape Architectural Heritage Protection Zone). It is one of the many symbols of the Basque town, and it would be a shame not to take the time to admire it. Even to the point of finding the best angle to photograph it, and the coastline it proudly dominates.
15. Marvel at Biarritz's varied architecture
In Biarritz, it's worth taking the time to stroll through the city center to admire the different styles of architecture by booking this private 2-hour walking tour , for example! You'll come across some magnificent typical Basque houses, as well as buildings in Art Deco, Belle Epoque and neo-Renaissance styles. Some of the façades are so beautiful that you can't help but dream of their interior decoration. You can also take advantage of this contemplative stroll to do a little shopping. Numerous shops await those who want to treat themselves during a weekend or vacation in the city. They range from trendy boutiques to luxury brands.
What to do in Biarritz when it rains?
Is it raining while you're in Biarritz? It's time to test your luck at the casino, stroll through the historical museum to learn more about the town's history over the centuries, or visit the main religious monuments. Gourmets can go to Les Halles to stock up on good food and drink. Biarritz also boasts a number ofexcellent thalasso establishments where you can enjoy spa treatments and treatments.
Family activities in Biarritz
Biarritz offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. The Aquarium reveals species from the four corners of the globe. The Cité de l'Océan offers a multitude of immersive ocean-related experiences. Children will love climbing up the Biarritz lighthouse to enjoy its breathtaking panorama. But they'll also enjoy learning to surf, swimming in summer and playing on the sandy beaches in and around the city center.
What to do in Biarritz for lovers?
Biarritz welcomes lovers with open arms! Couples can enjoy several beautiful walks hand in hand. From the plateau de l'Atalaye, along the beaches of the city center and towards Villa Belza. There's romance in all these panoramic views! You'll also want to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a romantic gourmet break, at Les Halles for example. You can also go in search of a restaurant where you can sample some local specialties with a view of the ocean. Looking for a moment of well-being? The Thelmar spa offers a pure moment of escape for two. Biarritz is one of the top 5 thalasso destinations in south-west France.
What to do in Biarritz in the evening?
Going out at night in Biarritz is no problem. Keep an eye on the cultural program at the Gare du Midi, a former railway station that now hosts a number of shows. Lovers of contemporary music can take a trip to the Atabal Biarritz, a must-see concert venue. In the Port Vieux district, around Rue Gambetta and Place Georges Clemenceau, numerous bars await visitors for a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. And then there's the Casino Barrière, the place to be for gambling enthusiasts.
