8 cool things to do in biarritz
Once a 19th-century seaside retreat favored by Empress Eugénie, Biarritz transformed from a royal hideaway into a surf and spa destination that draws visitors year-round. That history still shapes the town: Belle Époque villas sit above broad promenades, while surfboards and thalassotherapy baths belong to the same shoreline.
With a compact population of roughly 25,000, Biarritz packs beaches, Basque culture, excellent food and outdoor options into a walkable center. Whether you’ll spend a weekend or a week, this list of eight curated experiences balances water-based activity, local culture and easy day trips (most within a 20–40 km radius).
If you’re compiling a list of cool things to do in biarritz, these picks focus on authenticity, accessibility and local flavor—so you get surf and spa, markets and museums, and coastal walks without wasting time.
Beaches, Surfing and Seaside Wellness
The sea defines Biarritz. From its central sandy shore to legendary surf breaks and a long thalassotherapy tradition, coastal life shapes most visitor days. Below are three ways to enjoy the shoreline: a classic beach day, learning to surf where European surfing began, and restoring sore muscles with seawater-based spa treatments. Season and swell matter—plan surf lessons spring–autumn and book thalasso sessions ahead in summer.
1. Stroll and sunbathe on Grande Plage
Grande Plage is Biarritz’s main sandy beach, sitting right in front of the town center and its palm-lined promenade. It’s been the town’s social hub since the 1800s, with cafés and terraces where locals and visitors people-watch over coffee or an apéritif.
The beach is ideal for families—shallow stretches and quick access to amenities make it an easy half-day spot. At sunset you get sweeping views toward Rocher de la Vierge, and you can walk from the promenade to the old port in 10–15 minutes.
Quick tip: Grande Plage gets busiest in July–August, so arrive early for a good spot and keep an eye on posted swim-safety flags when conditions change.
2. Learn to surf at Côte des Basques
Côte des Basques is Biarritz’s most famous surf spot and a birthplace of European surfing culture. The beach break offers mellow waves at lower swell, which is why several surf schools cluster here and why the area hosts events that attract thousands.
Beginners should book a lesson with a local instructor; many packages include 1–2 hours of instruction plus wetsuit and board rental. Schools such as Biarritz Surf School and other local outfits run group and private lessons, typically best from spring through early autumn when water temperatures and swell are more consistent.
Experienced surfers come for varied beach breaks and nearby reef sections when the swell picks up—check tide and swell forecasts before you head out.
3. Recharge with a thalassotherapy treatment
Biarritz has a long thalassotherapy tradition: seawater-based wellness treatments developed here decades ago. Centers combine heated seawater pools, marine wraps, jet showers and massages to exploit the sea’s restorative properties.
Thalasso Serge Blanco is a well-known example offering signature treatments (many last 60–90 minutes). These sessions help with muscle recovery after surfing, reduce travel fatigue, and are fully accessible to non-sport visitors seeking relaxation.
Practical tip: popular treatments can book out in summer, so reserve at least a week ahead during July–August and expect typical sessions to run 60–120 minutes depending on the package.
Culture, Markets and Sea-Life Experiences
Step away from the sand and you’ll find Biarritz’s cultural heartbeat: a lively covered market, a compact maritime museum, and dramatic viewpoints that define the town’s identity. These options are centrally located and walking-friendly, so you can mix a market visit with a short museum stop or an evening viewpoint stroll.
Allocate a half-day for Les Halles and a quick museum visit, or a full day if you pair shopping with a relaxed lunch and a coastal walk. The three highlights below give a good spread of flavors—literal and figurative—of Basque seaside life.
4. Browse Les Halles de Biarritz and taste Basque flavors
Les Halles is the town’s lively covered market, packed with stalls selling Basque cheeses, Espelette pepper products, cured meats and fresh Atlantic seafood. Vendors set up early—mornings are the busiest time—so plan to arrive with a light appetite.
Try a tasting itinerary: start with coffee and a pastry, pick up a couple of pintxos to nibble, then shop for picnic supplies (local cheeses and a fresh baguette are easy wins). You’ll find named regional items—Basque sheep cheeses, charcuterie and jars of piment d’Espelette—to bring home.
Practical tip: markets peak midweek mornings; aim for an early slot to avoid crowds and to snag the best fish at the stalls.
5. Visit Musée de la Mer (aquarium and marine exhibits)
Musée de la Mer is a compact aquarium and maritime museum near the old port. It focuses on Atlantic marine life and local fishing history, with tanks of regional fish and often a seal exhibit or feeding demonstration.
The museum works well for families or as an indoor option on rainy days. Plan about 1–2 hours for a visit, and check ticket times for any scheduled shows. Displays combine live species with historical panels about whaling and local fisheries.
Buy tickets on-site or online when it’s peak season to skip a short line; younger visitors usually respond best to the tactile or feeding elements of the aquarium.
6. Snap photos at Rocher de la Vierge and the port
Rocher de la Vierge is an iconic rock formation joined to shore by a pedestrian bridge. The panorama—rock, chapel-like shrine, and waves crashing below—makes it one of the town’s most photographed spots.
The viewpoint sits about a 10–15 minute walk from Grande Plage and overlooks the old port with its colorful fishing boats. Golden hour delivers the best light, though the bridge and surrounding paths can be busy then.
Accessibility note: the route includes steps, so allow extra time if you’re traveling with strollers or limited mobility. A safe walking route from the town center keeps things simple and scenic.
Day Trips, Hiking and Local Culture Beyond the Promenade
Biarritz is an excellent base for short excursions to neighboring towns and for coastal or foothill walks. Many worthwhile destinations lie within 20–40 km, so half-day or full-day trips by car or regional train are easy and rewarding.
Below are two classic options: hopping to nearby Bayonne or Saint-Jean-de-Luz for history and cafés, and exploring the coastal GR paths or short foothill hikes for sweeping Bay of Biscay views.
7. Take a short trip to Bayonne or Saint-Jean-de-Luz
A short hop to Bayonne (roughly 6–8 km) or Saint-Jean-de-Luz (about 20 km) gives you more Basque architecture, shopping and food. Bayonne is known for its cathedral and a chocolate-making tradition; Saint-Jean-de-Luz charms with a working port, sandy beach and port-side cafés.
Both towns are reachable by regional train in 10–30 minutes depending on your destination, making them suitable for a half-day or full-day outing. In Bayonne wander the medieval center and sample local chocolate; in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, linger at a seaside café and stroll the harbor.
Logistics tip: trains run frequently but parking in peak season can be tight; if you drive, arrive early or plan to use one of the town park-and-walk lots.
8. Walk coastal paths or short hikes into the foothills
Short coastal walks and foothill hikes reveal dramatic scenery and are a great active option. Local stretches of the GR coastal path connect beaches, cliffs and viewpoints, while nearby foothill trails offer panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay.
Expect typical local walks to take 1–3 hours and to be easy–moderate in difficulty. Pack water, sturdy shoes and a wind layer; coastal paths can be exposed and tides affect some sections. One popular short route follows the headland from Côte des Basques toward the lighthouse and returns along the promenade.
Safety note: check tide schedules for cliffside stretches and avoid narrow paths at high tide.
Summary
- Biarritz is compact (town population ~25,000) yet diverse—surf, spa, markets and hikes are all within easy reach.
- Pair active and relaxed: try a surf lesson in the morning and a 60–90 minute thalasso session in the afternoon.
- Make time for local tastes—visit Les Halles in the morning and catch Rocher de la Vierge at sunset for the best photos.
Pick two contrasting activities—one active, one relaxed—and use them as anchors for your trip itinerary.
