Biarritz
City

Biarritz

Elegant French Basque surfing capital with royal heritage

Biarritz isn't your typical French beach town. This Basque coast beauty has been pulling in royalty since Napoleon III built his summer palace here in the 1850s. Today, you'll find surfers catching waves at Grande Plage while couples sip champagne at the Hotel du Palais. The city manages to be both laid-back and luxurious — think Saint-Tropez with better waves and Basque pintxos instead of overpriced rosé. Sure, it's pricey, especially in summer when Parisians descend en masse. But there's something magnetic about watching the sunset from Rocher de la Vierge while the Atlantic crashes below.

Itineraries coming soon

We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Biarritz. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!

Centre Ville puts you walking distance from Grande Plage and the main shopping streets around Place Clemenceau. The Hotel du Palais dominates the waterfront here — expect to pay €400+ per night for that imperial grandeur. More budget-friendly options cluster around Rue Mazagran. Saint-Charles neighborhood, just south of the center, offers calmer vibes and better value. Look for family-run hotels near the Halles market. Avoid the Port des Pêcheurs area unless you're staying at one of the high-end properties — it's charming but gets loud with restaurant crowds. Milady and Marbella beaches to the south have newer apartment rentals, perfect if you want space and don't mind a 15-minute walk to the action.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Visit in June or September for 40% lower hotel rates than peak summer
  • 2.Shop at Halles market before 1 PM for fresh local products at fair prices
  • 3.Take the free Navette shuttle instead of €15 taxi rides between beaches
  • 4.Picnic on the beach with market ingredients rather than paying €25+ for waterfront restaurant meals
  • 5.Book accommodation in Saint-Charles neighborhood for better value than Centre Ville
  • 6.Use the €18 all-day Bellevue parking garage instead of hourly street meters
  • 7.Buy wine directly from Irouléguy producers for half the restaurant markup

Travel Tips

  • •Avoid Port des Pêcheurs restaurants during lunch rush — they prioritize turnover over quality
  • •Check surf conditions at Grande Plage before 9 AM when winds are calmest
  • •Book dinner reservations 2-3 days ahead in summer, especially for weekend nights
  • •Wear comfortable walking shoes — the coastal paths have uneven stone surfaces
  • •Learn basic Basque greetings like 'Kaixo' — locals appreciate the effort
  • •Visit Rocher de la Vierge at sunset for the best photos without crowds
  • •Pack layers even in summer — Atlantic winds can drop temperatures 10 degrees
  • •Download the Biarritz city app for real-time bus schedules and beach conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Biarritz ranks among France's priciest beach destinations. Summer hotel rates often exceed €200 per night, and waterfront dining averages €35 per person. However, shopping at local markets and staying in Saint-Charles neighborhood can cut costs significantly.

Explore Biarritz

Things to Do in BiarritzWhen to Visit Biarritz3 Days in Biarritz7 Days in Biarritz

Ready to explore Biarritz?

Get a personalized itinerary in seconds with Takeoff.

Free on iOS. No credit card required.