9 Best Things to Do in Biarritz

Poised high above sea level, Place Bellevue – as the name suggests – 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.

Otherwise known as the ‘Rock of the Virgin’, this rugged rock formation is one of Biarritz’s must-see attractions. Local fishermen 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.

Just as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside, the Eglise Sainte-Eugénie is a beautiful, Romanesque-Byzantine church that started and ended its construction in 1898 and 1903, respectively. 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.

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

Hire 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 hire one of the traditional, yet quirky-looking, striped beach tents.

When visiting Biarritz – a town in the heart of the Basque Country – it’s only right to indulge in some of the best local food you can get your hands on. Basque food typically consists of succulent meat and freshly-caught fish cooked over hot coals, as well as meaty skewers, Tolosa bean specialities, and the perfect-for-sharing pintxos – the country’s answer to tapas.

For some of the best Basque food in Biarritz, during the day head to the spectacular Les Halles food market and sample various picnic-style foods from the stalls. Then at night, seek out some of the top restaurants in town, such as LTB-La Table Basque or La Humade.

No trip to this seaside town would be complete without a visit to the remarkable Casino Barrière. 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 Casino Barrière 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.

Biarritz has a vibrant and varied nightlife scene, though you can find one of the highest concentration of bars in and around the lively streets of Port Vieux. Le Bar Jean, La Tireuse and Ventilo Caffé are definitely worth checking out when you’re in this part of town.

If you want to explore the wider area, there’s a great selection of bars around Rue Gambetta and Place Georges Clemenceau. For those of you who want to carry the party on into the early hours, some of Biarritz’s top nightclubs can be found along the waterfront – just follow the beat!