10 Best Things to Do in Biarritz

Poised high above sea level, Place Bellevue boasts beautiful views out to the mighty Atlantic Ocean and across the golden sands of La Grande Plage. With such a good vantage point to find your bearings, it makes for the ideal spot to start exploring this popular seaside town.

Place Bellevue can be reached by foot, either from Passage Bellevue or from the winding path that climbs up from La Grand Plage. Make the most of the views by enjoying a coffee sat outside Le Café de Paris while you’re there.

Once the focal point of Biarritz, Port Vieux (or the Old Port) is now a charming mini-village, frequented by locals and visitors alike. Take a wander around its quaint and narrow streets and discover the fishermen’s old crampottes, the name given to the small cottages that they once lived in.

If you’re visiting Biarritz with the family, head down to the quiet and secluded Port Vieux Beach. This little cove is sheltered by the rocks, providing the ideal spot to paddle in the calm waters. If you want to grab a bite to eat, you’re then only a stone’s throw away from the bustling Rue du Port-Vieux.

It’ll come as no surprise that La Grande Plage, translated as 'The Big Beach', is the largest and most popular beach in Biarritz with its vast stretch of golden sand. Despite its size, it still always gets packed in the summer months, when travellers and locals are itching to cool off beneath the breaking waves of the Atlantic.

Rent your own board for the day and join the rest of those who come from far and wide to experience La Grande Plage’s magnificent surf. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry sand, you can pay to rent one of the traditional, yet quirky-looking, striped beach tents.

Rocher de la Vierge, or the 'Rock of the Virgin', is a rugged rock formation that is one of Biarritz’s must-see attractions. Local fishers decided to erect the white Virgin statue back in 1865 after a mysterious bright light guided a ship to safety during a storm.

To get to Rocher de la Vierge, you must cross the Eiffel Bridge, a footbridge over the water designed by, you’ve guessed it, Gustave Eiffel, the same man behind Paris’ iconic tower. You might get a little spray from the ocean while you’re over there, but it’s worth it for the views back across to Biarritz and as far as the mountains of the Spanish Basque Country.

Head to the town’s northernmost point and visit the towering Phare de Biarritz. This 74-metre-tall lighthouse is in a prime position on a clifftop, boasting unrivalled views in every direction, from out to sea, to across Biarritz, Anglet and the never-ending coastline.

Built in 1834, the lighthouse is still functioning today and is open to the public, so all can experience the privileged vistas. Just bear in mind that if you want to get to the top, the only way you can do so is by climbing all 248 steps yourself. Time your visit for sunset to really enhance the whole experience.

La Côte des Basques beach is an absolute must during your time in Biarritz. This vast stretch of fine, golden sand borders the Atlantic Ocean, and the rolling waves that come in from the sea make it a true surfers' paradise. The show never ends here, much to the delight of the kids who marvel at the surfers' skills. They can also make the most of the water in complete safety, due to its lifeguard station geared up for children's safety.

The many surf schools available here mean that the older ones can also give it a go. In the evening, the whole family can enjoy the magnificent sunsets offering views across to the Spanish coastline surrounded by impressive cliffs.

City of the Ocean (Cité de l’Océan) has several different universes that allow you to delve deep into all the secrets of the ocean. Located in the friendly area of Côte des Basques, this strange, wave-shaped building is home to an interactive museum showing a number of family-friendly movies.

You can climb aboard a diving vessel before riding the perfect tube. Next, you can tease Archie, the giant squid, and listen to the secrets of Christopher Columbus. Then, get in the Seaborg to do some diving (without getting wet), before finally entering a replica of a polar base. In short, young and old alike can enjoy a host of educational experiences that are often interactive and always interesting and fun.

With an exterior as captivating as its interior, Eglise Sainte-Eugénie is a stunning Romanesque-Byzantine church whose construction spanned from 1898 to 1903. The big appeal that draws crowds to this neo-Gothic structure is its prominent coastal location, overlooking Port des Pêcheurs in the picturesque Port Vieux area of town.

Soak up the sights from the outside, then step inside and admire the kaleidoscope of colours that form the breathtaking stained glass windows. There are often many concerts that take place in the church during the summer, along with regular exhibitions held in the crypt.

Biarritz Markets (Les Halles) is a friendly and lively shopping area and an essential venue for locals. Here, you can fill up on good things and let yourself be guided by the enticing aromas escaping from the brightly coloured stalls. In addition to showcasing local products, Les Halles is also a good place to eat and socialise, making it the perfect location for a romantic stroll, as evidenced by the large number of restaurants and bars in the vicinity.

Open year-round from the early hours, Les Halles de Biarritz is the city's pride and joy, where the traders strive to preserve the tradition of good service and quality of life.

No trip to this seaside town would be complete without a visit to the remarkable Casino Barrière Biarritz. It's one of Biarritz’s examples of standout Art Deco architecture. Whether you fancy a flutter on one of the roulette tables or you’re happy just watching the experts (and the daring) place their bets, you’ll love experiencing the glitz, glam and neon lights of this fun-filled casino that dominates the town’s shoreline.

If you’d rather not risk losing any of your hard-earned cash, there’s more to this casino than just slot machines and poker. The venue has a restaurant and bar, as well as live concerts that often take place on special occasions.