Biarritz feels like a small village out of a movie and is said to be the birthplace of surfing in Europe. We visited on a cloudy day which didn’t seem to affect the number of surfers, but the beaches were pretty empty! The summer months of July and August tend to be the most busy, so this was a pleasant surprise to have so much space to ourselves.
1. Visit Grand Plage
This is the main beach of Biarritz and spans along the west coast between Hôtel du Palais and Casino Barrière. Here you can rent a beach tent and surf board for the day at the shops up the stairs before hitting the sand. You can check out their live webcams here!
2. Go Surfing!
During our stay, the waves were a little wild and only surfers were allowed in the water. The surf board rental was about $20 and an ID was required as collateral.
3. Plage du Port Vieux
This is a much smaller beach, but also better for swimmers as the horseshoe shape protects it from the rowdy waves.
4. Eat a Crepe
You will find crepe places all along the shore lines, and I’m not going to deny we got one at almost every stop. Hey, while in France!
5. Explore Rocher de la Vierge
This iconic rock formation is a great spot for photos. meaning “Rock of the Virgin,” juts out into the Bay of Biscay via a metal footbridge. The statue of the Virgin Mary was constructed in 1865, long after the rock was used as an anchor point for Napoléon III!
6. Visit the Lighthouse Le Phare
It’s about a 15 minute walk from the city center, and worth it for the views of the shoreline and city.
7. Biarritz Aquarium
This is a great place to keep the kids busy for a couple hours with engaging displays of colorful sea life. The best part is the rooftop bar!
8. Marché des Halles
This small local market is indoor and a great place to get an interesting range of fresh meat, vegetables, bread and local specialties.
9. Eat at Le Café du Commerce
Emerge yourself in French cuisine here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Duck confit, tartare, charcuterie & seasonal menus. Dine at the outdoor tables or inside the cute brasserie while taking in the authentic experience!
10. Sightsee Villa Belza & Churches
You can’t miss this dramatic castle on the rocks while strolling down the main road. Built in 1880, it’s been through 2 fires and neglected before turning into the luxury apartments it is now. After getting some pics of the iconic castle, stroll around to Sainte-Eugénie Church of Biarritz. As with the rest of Europe, the buildings and architecture are definitely picture worthy!
