Les Halles and the town centre
The market, shops, wine bars and restaurants come together in a lively central quarter.
Ideal for food lovers and shorter stays.
Atlantic Ocean · Surfing and Basque coastal life
An elegant seaside resort, Basque food culture and a vibrant surfing scene – all set along a dramatic coastline where the Atlantic is always part of the experience.
Biarritz lies in the French Basque Country, close to the Spanish border. The town first became famous as a fashionable seaside resort, yet it has retained an easy-going rhythm where historic hotels, markets and cafés sit comfortably alongside surfboards and wetsuits.
Follow the coast between the town’s classic beach, surf scene, historic harbour and market. The cards open concise English-language guides based on official local sources.
Start the day among fish, cheese, cured ham, pastries and small places to eat around the market.
Cross the footbridge to the town’s best-known landmark and take in the Basque coastline.
Discover the small fishing harbour, its traditional crampottes and the town’s maritime history.
Meet seals, sharks, sea turtles and marine life from the Bay of Biscay to tropical seas.
Choose the length of your stay and follow a relaxed plan combining the coast, market, food, surfing and excursions in the French Basque Country.
You can see the town’s main highlights without overloading the day. Leave time for the views, lunch and a relaxed evening.
A long weekend gives you time for the classic sights and an excursion. The itinerary works without a car.
With five days, you can use Biarritz as a base and combine French and Spanish experiences without changing hotels.
Choose between market life and restaurants, classic beach views, small harbours or quieter residential districts within easy reach of the centre.
The market, shops, wine bars and restaurants come together in a lively central quarter.
Ideal for food lovers and shorter stays.A central location close to the beach, promenade, casino and the town’s elegant façades.
A good choice for a first visit.A small beach, aquarium, fishing harbour and Rocher de la Vierge are all within a short walk.
Ideal for couples and coastal walks.A local feel, cafés and easy access to Côte des Basques and the surfing scene.
Best for active travellers and relaxed beach days.A residential feel, local shops and easy access to Miramar, the lighthouse and the northern coastline.
Ideal for a quieter, slightly longer stay.Here are all the hotels we have selected in Biarritz, across categories and price levels. Use the map to compare locations and distances from beaches and major sights.
★★★★★5-star hotel in Biarritz with spa, restaurant options and beach access and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★★4-star hotel in Biarritz with spa, restaurant options and beach access and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★★4-star hotel in Biarritz with casino, beach access and boutique feel and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star hotel in Biarritz with restaurant options, beach access and harbour access and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star hotel in Biarritz with restaurant options, terrace and beach access and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star hotel in Biarritz with restaurant options, beach access and old town and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star aparthotel in Biarritz with terrace, beach access and family-friendly room options and a comfortable, well-located feel.
★★★3-star hotel in Biarritz with restaurant options, beach access and old town and a comfortable, well-located feel.
The map finds campsites around Biarritz, Bidart, Anglet and the southern Landes, sorted by distance from the town centre. Select a marker for an image, practical details and the campsite’s official website.
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Camping guideDiscover good camping areas, practical advice and inspiration for camping holidays throughout France. The guide covers seasons, equipment and choosing the right region.
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Motorhome guidePlan a motorhome holiday with advice on overnight stops, driving routes, rules and useful places to pause along the way. Find inspiration for a flexible journey through France.
Read the motorhome guide →The most central and iconic beach, with cafés, shops and historic hotels close at hand.
A symbol of the town’s surfing culture and a superb place for views and sunsets. Access is affected by the tide.
An intimate beach between the rocks, close to the aquarium and Rocher de la Vierge, with a very different atmosphere from the open surfing beaches.
Biarritz combines seafood, Basque produce, modern gastronomy and lively bistros. The cards below link to the restaurants’ official websites or an up-to-date official listing.
A creative, personal restaurant in Saint-Charles, offering both informal dishes and a more ambitious evening menu.
La Table d'Aurélien LargeauModern cooking with a clear connection to the sea, local producers and ingredients from the Basque Country.
Chez AlbertA classic seafood address at Port des Pêcheurs, known for fish, shellfish and its maritime atmosphere.
MiremontA historic pâtisserie and tearoom known for pastries, chocolate and an important place in Biarritz’s café culture.
Chistera et CoquillagesA lively bistro beside Les Halles, serving local flavours and seafood in an informal Basque atmosphere.
Les RosiersA fine-dining restaurant in a quieter part of town, with refined cooking and Basque influences.
Bar JeanA lively institution beside the market, with tapas, Basque specialities and a sociable bistro atmosphere.
LéonieSeasonal, elegant and unpretentious cooking in a welcoming setting north-east of the centre.
Local trains and buses make several excursions possible without a car. For the inland villages, driving or joining an organised tour gives you greater freedom.
Historic streets, rivers, a market and a strong Basque identity offer an appealing contrast to coastal life.
Best for: history, culture and food South along the coastAn atmospheric harbour town with a beach, fishing heritage and a compact centre that is perfect for a relaxed day.
Best for: harbour life, beaches and coastal charm Train, bus or carCombine a broad beach with views towards Spain and stops in small coastal towns between Biarritz and the border.
Best for: beaches and a road trip A full day across the borderThe old town, La Concha and pintxos make for a rewarding day trip into the Spanish Basque Country.
Best for: city life, beaches and gastronomyRead the in-depth town guide, find the best places for a surfing holiday or plan a longer journey along the Atlantic coast.
Read the comprehensive guide with sights, a four-day itinerary, food experiences, maps and practical advice.
Read the Biarritz guide →
Discover surfing spots, advice for beginners and tips for combining waves with town life and a coastal holiday.
Read the surfing guide →
Compare the Atlantic’s surfing beaches with the Riviera, Corsica and other coastal regions of France.
Read the beach guide →Find inspiration in travel guides, road trips, food, wine, nature and new destinations across France.