Around Town
Favourites
Restaurants
With a huge number of bars and restaurants these suggestions are only intended as a starting point. Note the source has young family so potential bias towards the lower end of the dining spectrum.
Over the summer the restaurants spill out into the road. Recommend as a friendly local option. ££
One for the kids. This Italian is hidden away in a small alleyway behind the Grand Plage.
Good honest Italian. A great option after a hard day in the surf. ££
Located in the fishing port, if seafood is your thing then a visit here is a must. £££
Local cuisine. Recently awarded a michelin star. A firm favourite. £££
A bit of a wild card. More of a cafe than restaurant this one is in for the breakfasts alone. Small, local. These guys take their coffee seriously. £
Beaches
Grand Plage and Cote des Basques are the two main beaches in town with the little Port Vieux sandwiched inbetween. All very different in character and all well worth a visit.
Biarritz is really built around Le Grand Plage. Flanked by the Casino, Quiksilver surf school and Cafe de Grand Plage it can get busy in mid summer.
At high tide the sea comes up to the rocks. When the tide goes out the long sandy beach stretches southwards for miles. As a beginner/intermediate surfer this is probably the beach for you.
Little sheltered cove great for swimming. Rocher de la Vierge stretches out on one side of cove. Swim out past the rocks and enjoy the view down to Spain / Pyrenees.
Head up past the lighthouse to the seafront promenade of Anglet. Much more space to surf than le Grand Plage and a number of bars, restaurants and surf schools.
Stroll south from Cotes des Basques and you'll find Plage d'Ilbarritz. Great cafe & restaurant options for lunch as well as beach bars in the dunes.
Bidart is a small village on the road to Saint Jean de Luz. Beaches are large and less busy in the summer months. A 10 to 15 minute drive south of town.
Bars
For a view of the sea the top terrace at Les Baigneuse de Biarritz is a firm favourite. To mix it with the locals head to the market area of Les Halles which is always busy. Outside of these Etxola Bibi above Cotes des Basques is fun in the summer months.
Tapas bar next to market. Popular with locals. For the liveliest area in town head to the market and for the liveliest bar around the market head to Bar Jean. Open late at weekends.
If you like your wine then this is a very easy place to lose yourself for an evening.
The go to bar for an early evening drink. Head up to the very top terrace for best views of the sunset over Port Vieux.
Great spot to sit and watch the surfers on Cote des Basques as the sun disappears over the horizon.
A 40 minute stroll south along the beach from Cote des Basques. This one covers beach bar, restaurant and in the summer a night club which spills over on to the beach.
This one's in the mix for the view alone. Take the lift to the top of the hotel and relax in the sofas on the roof terrace.
Day Trips
Less than an hour from Spain and with the Pyrenees in sight, plenty of opportunities to head out and explore. Regular buses go from the town centre to Bayonne and St Jean de Luz and from the airport to San Sebastian.
Visit the botannical gardens, the cathedral, take in a bull fight or just wander the cobbled streets. Frequent buses from the tourist office in the centre of town.
Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees the village lies at the foot of an ancient pass through the Pyrenees between France and Spain.
A 2.5 to 3 hour walk is well rewarded by panoramic views of the Pyrenees across to the Atlantic. A mini train takes you to the peak if you dont fancy the ascent or descent. Or both.
Small medieval village on the Gave d'Oloron river. Full of character and some great walks.
Narrow cobbled streets filled with Basque architecture. Fantastic sheltered beach for swimming. 30 min drive.
Considered by many as the food capital of Spain. Easy day trip. Only an hour from Biarritz but would also recommend at least an overnight stay.
Sports / Activities
As a spectator an evening at Stade d'Aguilera for the rugby or Parc Mazon or Plaza Berri for some Pelotte is a must. As a participant, there are numerous very good golfing options within an hours drive, some top surfing in and around town as well as swimming.
With a range of surf schools and board hire on all the larger beaches there's no excuse not to get your feet wet and enjoy some of Europe's finest surfing. All beaches are life guarded throughout the summer.
Some course suggestions (in no particular order): Biarritz - Le Phare Seignosse Arcangues Hossegor (personal favourite) Makila (Bassusary) Moliets
Wherever you go in town you'll notice the Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque colours where the locals are fiercely proud of their team. The Parc des Sports Aguiléra is a 10 minute bus ride from the town centre.
The Port Vieux beach is popular all year round with locals with swimming and diving clubs based at the beach.
A highly popular game in the Basque region of south-west France. Take an evening stroll up to Parc Mazon where there is generally a game being played. A fast paced game with a hard leather ball, and often played in teams.
Just over two hours drive gets you to the resorts of La Mongie / Bareges. While not as extensive as the French Alps this can be a great cheaper option for the family, especially for younger kids.