📝 About the Author: Matthias
Biarritz is a place of contrasts: here, the wild roar of the Atlantic meets the chic glamour of days gone by. Did you know that surfing was invented here in Europe in the 1950s? You can still feel that cool surfer vibe on every corner today. But Biarritz also has a glamorous side: Empress Eugénie once transformed the small fishing village into a hotspot for European nobility. Yet despite its opulent history, Biarritz has retained the cozy soul of the Basque Country. In this article, you’ll discover which Biarritz sights you absolutely must see, along with many more tips.
Biarritz is absolutely stunning. Architecturally, you’ll find a wonderful mix of grand Belle Époque villas, Art Deco buildings, and traditional Basque half-timbered houses. But Biarritz also has a wild side—namely, its beaches and surfers. For me, it was this contrast between laid-back surf chic and luxurious high society that made Biarritz so special.
Accommodation tips for Biarritz
Hotel recommendations in Biarritz
The absolute highlight among Biarritz’s hotels is the Hôtel du Palais Biarritz – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. It’s not just a hotel—it’s a palace. And one steeped in history, as the building was originally constructed around 1854 by Napoleon III as a summer residence for his wife, Empress Eugénie.
Admittedly, staying here isn’t exactly cheap, but if you want to experience Biarritz’s imperial past, this is the place to be. The building’s floor plan is shaped like an “E,” an architectural tribute to the empress’s name.
If you’re looking for a hotel in a beautiful location right by the sea, La Chambre d’Amour—with its seasonal outdoor pool, garden, and communal lounge—is a great option.
Camping in Biarritz
Camping Le Pavillon Royal, located right on Plage du Pavillon Royal, just south of Biarritz, has 74 beautiful campsites with a direct view of the ocean (you’ll need to book in the blue section for this). While they aren’t exactly cheap, you’ll get to wake up every morning to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean.
The campground also offers cabins, a large swimming pool, and plenty of entertainment options, making it a great summer destination for families.
Surfing in Biarritz
Biarritz is considered the birthplace of the European surfing scene. When American surfer and screenwriter Peter Viertel visited in 1957 to adapt a novel for the screen, he saw the local waves and had his surfboard shipped in from California specifically for that reason. Fascinated by this, local pioneers (the so-called “Tontons Surfeurs”) began building their own boards, turning the city into the continent’s first surfing hotspot.
You can read more about it here or in person at the Cité de l’Océan, another museum featuring virtual reality experiences and surf simulators.
I really enjoyed just watching the surfers at the different spots. But of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to take on the Atlantic yourself and ride the waves.
There are plenty of surfing lessons available, especially at the legendary Côte des Basques beach, but the other beaches around Biarritz are also teeming with surfers:
- Surfing lessons on the beach at Côte des Basques
- Half-day private surfing lesson with a private instructor!
- 1.5-hour group surfing lesson
Since Biarritz is a magical place for surfers, there are events and surf competitions held here all year round, such as
- Quiksilver Maider Arosteguy – Europe’s oldest surfing competition (in May)
- Wheels and Waves – A mix of surfing, motorcycles, and skateboarding (in June)
- Queen Classic Surf Festival – Focus on Women and Surfing (in September)
1. Rocher de la Vierge
The Rocher de la Vierge is a striking rock formation that you can visit from the mainland via a metal bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. A statue of the Virgin Mary stands atop it. The dramatic view of the coast off Biarritz is truly spectacular.
2. Villa Belza
This villa is probably one of the most photographed in the city. No wonder, since it stands dramatically close to the edge of a cliff in a prominent location. It seems as though it stands alone, defying the overwhelming power of the Atlantic.
Unfortunately, you can’t tour the villa from the inside, as it is privately owned. The best photos can be taken at sunset from the Jardin Public across the street or from the Boulevard du Prince de Galles.
3. Biarritz Aquarium
The Biarritz Aquarium is located in a beautiful Art Deco building dating from 1933, right across from the Rocher de la Vierge. It’s a great option for families with children, but it’s also worth a visit even if you don’t have kids. Even on a rainy day, the aquarium offers a great activity.
I thought the huge shark tank was really cool—you can even watch different species, like the hammerhead shark, across two levels. The seal tank was great, too. You can watch the seals underwater here, but there are also daily feedings on the terrace (10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.). It takes about two hours to see everything.
4. Rocher du Basta
Just a few hundred meters north of the Rocher de la Vierge lies this smaller, generally less-visited rock formation. It, too, is accessible via a bridge, and its winding paths through the greenery create a somewhat more intimate atmosphere.
5. La Grande Plage
La Grande Plage is the most famous beach right in the heart of Biarritz. There’s always plenty going on here—not just in the water, but especially along the promenade. Many cafés and shops invite you to linger. Or you can simply sit down on a bench on the beach and watch the hustle and bustle.
6. Casino Barrière Biarritz
It’s easy to spend money in Biarritz, and nowhere is that easier than at a casino. The Casino Barrière in Biarritz is also a temple of false hope—but a particularly beautiful one, built in the Art Deco style of the 1920s, with its striking white façade and large windows. Its unbeatable location on La Grande Plage is also a real highlight.
If you’d like to get a taste of the casino atmosphere without breaking the bank, head over to Café de la Grande Plage, which is part of the casino restaurant, and order a drink and something to eat.
7. The Fishing Harbor (Port des Pêcheurs)
Nestled between the imperial Grand Plage and the laid-back surfer beaches lies the rather rustic fishing port of Biarritz. Here, the air is filled with the scent of grilled sardines, sea salt, and old wooden boats. The Port des Pêcheurs is the best place for fresh-caught fish. It comes straight from the source here. Try one of the seafood restaurants, such as Chez Albert or Harremanak.
8. Biarritz Lighthouse
The Biarritz Lighthouse is the town’s unmistakable landmark. For €5, you can climb the roughly 250 steps to the top to enjoy the view from 73 meters above sea level. But you can also get a great view from the lookout point on the peninsula where the lighthouse stands. The sunsets here are also amazing.
The Biarritz Lighthouse marks the exact boundary between two completely different coastal landscapes.
- The Landes region in the north, with its long, flat sandy beaches.
- The Basque Country to the south, with its rugged, rocky cliffs.
9. Plage de la Côte des Basques
Plage de la Côte des Basques is the beach where Peter Viertel caught his first wave. It is still considered the “spiritual” surfing beach of Biarritz. Many surf schools have set up shop along Boulevard du Prince de Galles at the foot of the steep cliffs. There are also a few bars and restaurants. Grab a drink there and enjoy the spectacular sunset.
🌊 Check the tide schedule before you visit: At high tide, the beach disappears completely. The water then reaches all the way up to the rocks and the seawall.
10. Plage du Port Vieux
The horseshoe-shaped Plage du Port Vieux beach is also quite centrally located in Biarritz, but it is much smaller and more intimate than the large main beach. Thanks to its calm waters, it is popular with families. There are also several restaurants, cafés, and hotels around the beach.
11. Plage Marbella & Milady
These two stretches of beach, separated by a stone pier, are located south of Plage de la Côte des Basques, near the Cité de l’Océan. Both are a bit more rugged and less crowded, and are mostly frequented by locals.
12. Sainte-Eugénie Church
Like so much else in Biarritz, this Neo-Gothic church also owes its name to Empress Eugénie. It towers directly above the fishing harbor and was likely particularly important to the fishermen. Inside the church, a model ship hangs from the ceiling.
Biarritz is a wonderful place full of contrasts. Have you ever been here? Which of Biarritz’s sights are your favorites? Or are there any that are missing from the list? Let us know in the comments.
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