Things to do in Biarritz
- The first thing to do is hit the waves. As you might expect, you can’t come to the South-West, and especially not Biarritz, without getting on a surfboard. There are plenty of clubs, and even small huts down by the water, offering lessons. If you’re a beginner and in town for a week, why not take a lesson every day?! The ideal time to venture out with your board is at sunrise. By the end of the week, you’re likely to be riding the waves with confidence!
- What is the ‘national’ sport of Biarritz? Basque pelota. Take a seat at a Cesta Punta match – an official Basque pelota competition. If you’ve never seen the game, it’s a must-watch. It’s a ball game in which the players wear a type of long wooden glove that’s used to catch and throw the ball. The goal is to hit the ball off a wall after it bounces. Points are awarded if the opposing team makes an error or fails to return the ball after it bounces.
- After all that sport, it’s time to relax and head to the Halles market in the centre of Biarritz. Here, you’ll find fresh, local produce every day until 2 pm. After browsing the aisles, take a seat in Chistera et Coquillages for a delicious, gourmet, seasonal meal, or simply enjoy a platter of oysters and a glass of white wine.
- Climb to the top of the Biarritz lighthouse if you feel like challenging yourself. You’ll need to make it up 248 steps to take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Staying with the climbing theme, why not go for a hike? A little to the south of Biarritz are Lake Ibardin and the hill of the same name (Col d’Ibardin). With about 500 metres of elevation gain, you’ll enjoy amazing landscapes. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs and a nice introduction to the Pyrenees.
- Take a trip to Saint-Jean de Luz! Not far from Biarritz, Saint-Jean de Luz is well worth visiting for its architecture, red and white houses, macarons, old port and big beach loved by surfers. In other words, there’s more than one reason to go there. We recommend exploring the town on foot and setting aside a full day to discover all it has to offer. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
📆 When to go to Biarritz ?
🗓 Events to attend
- July/August – Fishing Port Festival, barbecues, sardines, music – who could ask for more?
- April – the Bibi-Beaurivage festivals, traditional Basque festivals, with costumes!
- June – Les Casetas, whereby a Hispano-Basque village is recreated on the beaches of Biarritz.
⛅ Biarritz’s climate
As you have gathered, we love summer in Biarritz. That being said, the climate is ideal from April to October, and the town is also less busy at times. On the other hand, the wind can also be more of an issue outside of the summer period. It might seem obvious to say so, but the wind by the ocean can be cooler than it seems!
💡 Did you know?
- The surfboard leash was invented in Biarritz
- Biarritz owes its fame to the wife of Napoleon III, who transformed the town into a seaside resort
- Picasso is said to have painted frescoes in Biarritz that have now disappeared.
Biarritz in Figures
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metres is the height of one of the biggest waves ever recorded in Saint-Jean de Luz | palace in Biarritz, which is now the Hôtel du Palais |
Join Biarritz in two trains
The first step of your getaway