Biarritz is a seaside resort town on the Bay of Biscay in France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, part of the French Basque Country (Pays Basque) close to the Spanish border. It grew into a fashionable playground for European high society after Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie built their summer villa here in the 1850s (today the Hôtel du Palais), and it is celebrated for its Belle Époque architecture and as the 'surfing capital of Europe,' where European surfing began in 1957. As of 2026 it remains a leading resort that blends world-class waves with genteel seaside glamour; summer brings events such as the Biarritz Piano Festival (Jul 27–Aug 7) and the August 15 fireworks, though some indoor sites close in winter. It suits travelers who want dramatic clifftop promenades, Atlantic surf, and Basque gastronomy in one trip.
Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin's Rock): a rocky promontory reached by an iron footbridge (widely attributed to Gustave Eiffel), offering Biarritz's signature Bay of Biscay panorama; access is free.
Grande Plage and the Belle Époque skyline: the central town beach, lined in July and August with the striped bathing tents famous from Basque postcards.
Côte des Basques: regarded as the birthplace of European surfing, a prime surf spot and sunset viewpoint linked by clifftop paths.
Phare de Biarritz (lighthouse) at Pointe Saint-Martin: 248 steps reward you with a 360-degree view over the bay, the town, and the Pyrenees on clear days.
Biarritz Océan: the 1930s Art Deco Aquarium (Musée de la Mer, with about 50 tanks and some 5,000 specimens) plus the interactive science museum Cité de l'Océan.
Hôtel du Palais (former Villa Eugénie) and Les Halles market: imperial Belle Époque heritage, and pintxos and Basque produce at the covered market built in 1885.
Good to know
SafetyAtlantic rip currents (baïnes) and heavy swell are dangerous. Swim only between the green flags in lifeguard-supervised zones, and if caught in a current do not fight it — swim parallel to the shore to escape, then raise an arm for help.
SafetyThe footbridge at Rocher de la Vierge and the clifftop promenades can be flooded and slippery during big swells or high winds. Keep back from the rocks when waves are breaking.
SeasonJuly and August are extremely busy and expensive, so book accommodation early. The Atlantic stays cool even in summer (around 20°C) with strong wind and surf, and some indoor sites close in winter (e.g., Cité de l'Océan closed Jan 5–30, 2026).
RulesObey the beach flag system (green = swimming allowed, yellow = caution, red = swimming prohibited, purple = water-quality issue). Surfing and swimming areas are separated, so surfing is restricted outside designated zones, and the striped tents and parasols on the Grande Plage are paid rentals.
MannersThis is the French Basque Country, with strong regional pride. Open interactions in shops and pintxos bars with a 'Bonjour,' and note that at pintxos bars you typically pick items at the counter and settle up afterward.
CautionWatch for pickpockets in the busy Les Halles market, on the beaches, and along the crowded promenade in high season, and guard against unofficial parking touts, steep beach parking fees, and tourist-trap pricing by checking menus and rates in advance.
Practical info
Biarritz is about 4 hours from Paris-Montparnasse by TGV INOUI (to Biarritz station) and roughly 2 hours from Bordeaux, while Biarritz-Pays Basque Airport sits very close to town and connects via Txik Txak buses. Most headline sights — Rocher de la Vierge, the beaches, and the promenades — are free, but the Aquarium, Cité de l'Océan, and the lighthouse are ticketed, so confirm the latest prices, hours, and winter closures on the official sites before you go.
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