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Top Spots to Visit in Biarritz: Unmissable Attractions in the French Coastal Town

Coastal Biarritz, nestled along the French Basque region and the Atlantic Ocean, sits just a stone's throw from the Spanish frontier. In the 19th century, it served as a popular getaway for Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III. Nowadays, this chic beach town attracts surf enthusiasts from across...

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Top Spots to Visit in Biarritz: Unmissable Attractions in the French Coastal Town

Biarritz: A Pristine, Atlantic Gem

Nestled on the French Basque coast, overlooking the prodigious Atlantic Ocean, lies the alluring village of Biarritz. Once a humble fishing hamlet, it morphed into an opulent vacation spot for Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III centuries ago, and today, it's a hip, surfer-friendly seaside getaway.

Savor the pleasant atmosphere that envelops Biarritz, with its virtually year-round balmy climate. Walking becomes your main mode of transportation, as the village's key attractions are within effortless reach. Stroll along the extensive sandy shoreline, browse the bustling Gambetta shopping street, and immerse yourself in the vibrant vibe of the lively covered market called Halles. You might even bump into a surf enthusiast packing their board, rain or shine. We visited in May, when the village was less crowded, but in summer, the population swells from 25,000 to over 100,000.

The Virgin's Stronghold

The iconic Rock of the Virgin has become synonymous with Biarritz. It offers a magnificent vista of the Atlantic and the summit houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, erected in 1865. Accessible by a pedestrian metal bridge, this rock is best admired on a bright, sunny day. Local legends suggest that surfers in times of stormy weather were guided safely to the port by a divine light. Close by, immerse yourself in aquatic wonders at the aquarium housed in an impressive Art Deco building. Discover turtles, seals, hammerhead sharks, and a mesmerizing area dedicated to jellyfish.

The Pulchritudinous Basque Coastline

Picturesque cliffs and breathtaking scenery define the Basque Coast, which also holds a special appeal for surfers. The beach here was instrumental in spreading surf culture throughout Europe since the 1950s. If you're a beginner, there are numerous surf schools to help you catch your first wave (just beware of the deceptively strong waves). The beach is closely monitored from June 8 to September 22, between 11 am and 7:30 pm. Keep in mind that the sand disappears when the tide rolls in. For local fare or a drink, Bar de la Côte, Surfing, or Carlos are popular hangouts. For panoramic views of the coastline, drop by the Etxola Bibi hut—picture-perfect objectives for your Biarritz sojourn.

At the Core of the City

At the heart of Biarritz, a lively covered market showcases the freshest, tastiest local produce. Chat with fishmongers, butchers, cheese vendors, bakers, and artisans as you shop. The lively ambiance beckons passersby to sample Bayonne ham or try a glass of local Basque Txakoli wine. Biarritz is also home to distinguished bakeries like Maison Adam, a family tradition since 1660. Its irresistible almond macarons and sumptuous Basque cakes are small pleasures that you won't forget. A box of 36 macarons, which was promptly devoured in our house, is a souvenir worth bringing home. Espelette pepper powder, a regional pride and designation of origin, tastes superlative sprinkled on meat, fish, vegetables—so don't forget to grab some at the market.

The Imperial Palace

Situated on the oceanfront, the majestic and historic Palace Hotel, initially built by Napoleon III in 1854 as a summer home for Empress Eugénie, has a long and illustrious history. In 1893, it became a hotel, the original Palais Biarritz. A catastrophic fire in 1903 destroyed the hotel, but it was eventually rebuilt and extended, becoming the lavish Hôtel du Palais. Luminaries such as Coco Chanel, Frank Sinatra, Ernest Hemingway, and Charlie Chaplin all graced its halls. Today, the luxurious haven is under the watch of the Hyatt group, and it's always worth stopping by for a cocktail at the Napoleon III bar, or tea in the formal parlors or on the terrace with a side of captivating sea views.

The Beacon on the Cliff

The iconic Biarritz lighthouse stands tall on a steep 73-meter cliff at St. Martin point, to guide sailors safely to the shore since 1834. Climbing its 248 ornate, spiraling steps reveals an awe-inspiring view of the main beach. The lighthouse's café, named Phare Pavilion, offers a delightful terrace, where you can savor local delicacies like oysters while taking in the panorama or enjoying the breath-snatching beauty of a sunset.

  1. Biarritz, like the Statue of the Virgin on its Rock, has its roots in the Basque region's history and culture, serving as a divine beacon for surfers amid the stormy weather.
  2. In the city's core, the lively covered market is a hub of local lifestyle, offering freshest produce and a taste of Basque culinary delights, from Ham Bayonne to Basque Txakoli.
  3. Home to surf culture since the 1950s, the picturesque beaches along the Basque Coast, including Biarritz, present an idyllic lifestyle for visitors seeking sun, sand, and waves.
  4. The Imperial Palace, once home to Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III, continues to draw visitors who appreciate its opulent lifestyle, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of royal vacations, now under the Hyatt group.
Fishing village Biarritz, nestled along the French Basque coast on the Atlantic Ocean, boasts proximity to the Spanish border. Transformed into a favored resort by Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III in the 19th century, it now attracts trendsetting surfers globally, cementing its status as a chic seaside destination.
Famed fishing village Biarritz, nestled along the French Basque coast and Atlantic Ocean, enjoys proximity to the Spanish border. Transformed into a fashionable getaway in the 19th century for Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III, it now draws trendsetting tourists worldwide, including avid surfers.
Coastal Town Biarritz, nestled on the French Basque shore of the Atlantic Ocean, lies close to the Spanish frontier. Originally a humble fishing hamlet, it transformed into an upscale vacation spot for Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III during the 19th century. Nowadays, it attracts surf enthusiasts from the global community.

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