As surf lovers, ever since we found out about Biarritz, we have been really looking forward to going. Based on my friend's comments and pictures about this cute little town in the french basque country, we decided that this was a great place to try out and thrive.
After spending two weeks in Biarritz, I can confidently answer the question, “Is Biarritz worth visiting?
Yes, Biarritz is definitely worth visiting. Known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels and gourmet food, it's a popular destination for tourists looking for a sophisticated and relaxing holiday experience.The town also has a rich history and culture and is known for being a favourite spot for European royalty and celebrities.
What is Biarritz, France known for?
Biarritz is not only worth the visit for the outstanding surfing, beach scenery and exquisite French patisseries, but also, because of its history that translates until today.
The history of Biarritz comes backwards in time as being famous for the whaling market in the 17th century, due to its location it was easy to get the whales trapped and stranded in the beaches.
They used to commercialise all the products from these animals, such as oil, bones and meat. After the 17th century, it became famous for being a tiny and relaxing fishing village, known to the aristocracy (Victor Hugo and Napoleon III, among others) for its sea baths, weather and gastronomy.
Biarritz then grew over the centuries and attracted more politicians, artists, musicians and visitors from all over Europe giving its hallmark of a novel city.
Nowadays, Biarritz is famous for its wide range of activities, such as kayaking, concerts, city markets, gastronomy, sidrerias, crazy nights, authentic French scenery and incredible surf culture.
Biarritz's strength resides in the exceptionally well-preserved landscape and the display of a unique lifestyle, that keeps its tradition from the origins of the Basque country, where villages are surrounded by mountains, beaches lost forests and open ocean.
Where is Biarritz on the map of France?
Biarritz is a French community belonging to the province of Labourd, geographically straddled between two nations, Spanish- basque and French.
This charming and beautiful place, as it was once described by Victor Hugo sometime in the 1800s, is situated in the southern part of France on the border with The Basque Country, Spain.
Due to its history, Biarritz belongs to the territory of the French Basque country, which keeps its tradition of the land and French influence with an incredible countryside landscape and bordered by an epic coastline.
Biarritz-French Basque Country is a gorgeous place, that has its own vibe, perfectly combining heritage and sophistication that results in lush, endless hills, breathtaking mountain views and surfers thriving around unique waves.
Which coast is Biarritz on?
Biarritz is located in the heart of the Bay of Biscay is nestled and bordered by the Atlantic coast and also flanks with the Pyrenees range mountains.
Whether you are looking for some quiet time to just relax, chill and enjoy some great views or whether you are after some surfing fun, Biarritz fulfils your expectations offering a range of 6 beaches in total in its almost 4 km of coastland.
The beaches in Biarritz are (and each one more beautiful than the previous one!) Miramar Beach, The Grande Plage, Port-Vieux, The Côte des Basques, Marbella Beach and Milady Beach.
Why Biarritz is worth visiting. Top reasons
Places like Biarritz have been for a long time considered a paradise only for the rich, famous, cashed up visitors and temporal residents.
However, in the last couple of years has been flourishing as the surf capital of Europe and becoming quite an international destination, not only for the wealthier tourists but also, for hipsters, hippies and everyone with a love for the food, the ocean and the views.
-
Beaches
The beaches are in the centre of the town. Who doesn't like a stunning beach close by on a 5 minutes walk?
Biarritz offers not one, but six!
All those six beaches are located close to the centre of the village and they are optimal for surfing, sunbathing, swimming, dipping and relaxing on mindful walks on the sand.
One of the things that I found fascinating is that every morning the beaches in Biarritz are meticulously cared for and this maintenance happens all year round.
Particularly, during the summertime, the maintenance team will collect all the seagrass and ocean waste dragged out by the sea currents, as well as all the rubbish that people might have littered.
Here are the five beaches in Biarritz:
-
Port Old Beach. Plage du Port-Vieux
This small beach is one of the most beautiful around the French Basque country and it is really visited by pro surfers, youngsters and families all year round, due to the long sand display when the tide is low and the outstanding views to the Spanish coast on the horizon.
You will be able to find this beautiful spot right in the heart of the village between, the Casino, the Hôtel du Palais and the Bellevue. -
Miramar Beach. Miramar
If you wish to find a peaceful and tranquil place, Miramar beach is the spot that you are after.
Especially, in the early mornings, it is pretty much empty of tourists and regulars and it is absolutely delightful to swim. However, watch out for the strong currents and huge waves when the tide is dragging offshores. You can find this charming spot between the Lighthouse and the Hotel du Palais. -
The Big Beach. La Grande Plage
This is the main, central beach in Biarritz that crosses the bay from north to south. La Grande Plage is by far the largest beach in Biarritz and it is located between the Hôtel du Palais and the Bellevue in the centre of the village.
It is the most popular beach, where families gather and surfers share the water with the regular swimmers. -
The Basque Coast. La Cote des Basques
This beach is not named the Basque coast for nothing. It offers a phenomenal view of the Basque Country with a perfect picture frame of cliffs.
This one is particularly charming due to its fine sand when the tide is low, providing a great area for families and surfers alike. -
Marbella Beach
Marbella beach is a gorgeous sandy beach that stretches from the previous one and it is mega popular with surfers and bodysurfers due to its wild waves. -
The Milady. La Milady
This is the perfect beach for a family with children, as it offers a perfect entrance and easy park sites.
When the tide is high, the currents and waves can be quite wild so it is not recommended to swim then.
It is a very large beach that contains a promenade made by the sea and it is located at the exit of the city centre.
-
The People On The french basque country, Biarritz
Another reason why you should visit Biarritz is to get to know the french basque style of the locals. They have a really good mix between the French character and the basque rural yet bohemian touch.
Some people consider Biarrots a bit rude and not very friendly, but the truth is that French people in Biarritz do keep their distance from strangers but they don't mean to be rude and also they respect your privacy by leaving you alone and not being too intrusive.
The same is true for commerce, coffee shops and restaurants, they will leave you alone to enjoy your coffee without approaching too much or engaging much in conversation.
Another really good reason why you should try to mingle with the people in Biarritz is to practice their language. Often times people have asked me, do they speak French in Biarritz?
And the answer is yes, they do, and it could be a great way to get to know new people by impressing them with a bit of effort in trying on some French. Biarritz doesn't have a snob culture of only French-speaking allowed like could be the case in other areas of France.
This is like this due to the proximity of Spain and the influence of the basque culture.
Do they speak Basque in Biarritz?
Yes. You will also find that some people also speak basque and overall you won't have much trouble if you don't know any French as most people also speak English. -
The Weather Biarritz
The weather in Biarritz is a pretty good reason why you should visit this little town. Although it is cold and wet in the winter months, it is hot and dry during the summer time, making it very comfortable to visit at that time of the year as the ocean breeze is always present refreshing the environment.
The clearest month would be July and the best when it is the warmest and the sea temperature is the highest. The optimal time to visit Biarritz would be from June to the end of September when the chill temperatures recommence.
Although it can be pretty warm during the summer months, this town is always a little bit windy and some days it can get a bit fresh but, is the sea warm in Biarritz?
Yes, the sea is warm in Biarritz, especially, during the months of May to September, being the highest peak in temperature in July when it is delightful to swim.
The sea temperature usually peaks at 24 degrees on average in the months of July and August making the water pretty warm and pleasant for those who love swimming. In contrast, the coldest temperature would be around March and they can get below 12 degrees.
In conclusion, if you travel to Biarritz in the summer months even in the springtime make sure you have a quick dip in the ocean and get some fresh air by sea.
Although it is a hot spot for tourism in the hot summer months, Biarritz is a great spot worth visiting all year round, especially, if you are after a quieter time to relax, meditate and get around without the crowds.
It will also be enjoyable and definitely cheaper. Don't forget to bring a winter jacket though! -
Food
Biarritz is by far, one the best places you can travel to if you are a foodie and enjoy fitting incredible food into your holiday and travel plans.
Unique foods, such as ardi gasna (sheep cheese), ttoro, espelette pepper, french basque cheesecake and pastries! try out the caneles in Biarritz) although originals from Bordeaux, the ones from Biarritz are just mind-blowing!)
As mentioned earlier, Biarritz is known for the food markets and festivals where fresh local produce, meats, cheese, fish, pastries, bread and all sorts of goodies come every week or twice a week.
For us, going to the food market to have a nice coffee and pastries, was one of the best things in our day when we were travelling Biarritz
If you love fresh oysters, don't miss the seafood market where you can sample the best ones before buying them!
-
Low-stress living
Despite being more crowded in the summer, still, Biarritz is a perfect place to just chill and do lazy activities, such as mindful walks, enjoying long meals and long coffee stops in the trendiest more charming places by the sea where the fresh ocean breeze transport you to the calmest state of mind.
It is the perfect place to reconnect with your body and soul with the iodine-rich ocean water, also known for its healing powers for muscle pain.
Another great idea is to reset your stress by having amazing walks around the Mouriscot and Marion lakes that offer an alternative to a beachside.
Not only that but also, the incredible historical sites that Biarritz offers, would fill your mind and soul like Anglet which provides outstanding spas and unique gastronomy and cheese specialties. -
Outdoors activities
If you are somewhat of an active and sporty person, Biarritz, is definitely the place for you, as it offers a wide range of outdoors activities.
Such activities include surfing, as Biarritz is the surfing mecca of excellence in Europe. Not only surfing but also, beach rugby, endless golf sessions, kitesurfing and a nice traditional basque ball matches, called chistera.
If you are more into getting to know other cities around, you have Spain right around the corner, being in San Sebastian in less than an hour's time.
Lastly, the party panorama in Biarritz is the reason why so many youngsters and tourists choose it as a holiday destination, providing plenty of cool pubs, bars and nightclubs, as well as, ferias or festivals to enjoy speaking to the locals, trying out exquisite foods and having an amazing time.
There you go! Now you know all the reasons to convince you to visit Biarritz! It is such a great spot and you will enjoy every minute of your trip!