Biarritz Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore on France’s Basque Coast

Walk the enchanting cliffside path to the Biarritz Lighthouse, which has stood tall and provided light for sailors since 1834. You can pay the five euros (per adult), three euros (per kid) to climb the 248 steps up for the most incredible views of Biarritz and beyond.

Before or after your climb, you can enjoy breakfast or lunch at the lighthouse cafe overlooking the sea. Biarritz is considered the birthplace of surfing in Europe, and it’s the perfect place to catch your first wave (or improve your skills). The town offers a variety of excellent surf schools, catering to all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, there’s something for everyone—as long as you’re a confident swimmer.

If surfing isn’t your thing, but you still want a little excitement, you can rent bodyboards from Takamaka for 10 euros a day. You can also rent bikes, surfboards, and more!

Walk along the boardwalk and make your way to the Rocher de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin).

One of Biarritz’s most iconic landmarks, this rocky outcrop crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary offers stunning panoramic views of the Biarritz coast. Originally installed by grateful fishermen in 1865, the site is reached via a dramatic footbridge and is a must-visit at sunset. It’s free to access and a perfect spot for photos or quiet reflection.

Take a day trip, about an hour train ride away, is the seaside Basque town of San Sebastian. The shopping is great, but the food is where it is at. Do a pinxtos crawl, trying all the goodness the Basque cuisine has to offer.

• Jack the Cockerel: With amazing views over the sea, every bite here is amazing. From the very fresh fish and chips, to the tuna taki and the Lost Brioche, which is a local treat with homemade caramel & chantilly sauce with a few almonds, you will be happy you went.

• Le Palmito: An eco-conscious food market with 6 street food stalls and a tiki bar. Stalls include Mexican tacos, Indonesian curries, French street food, pancakes, sushi, poke bowls, and Hawaiian pallea. The avocado toast for brunch is also amazing!

• Olatua Biarritz is a rooftop bar perched above Musée de la Mer, open for lunch and dinner, offering ocean panoramas including the Rocher de la Vierge. This tapas-inspired restaurant features the freshest seafood. The tuna tartar and ceviche are a must! Hint: The sunset dinner here is magical!

• La Trattoria: Pizzeria des Arceaux: Every pizza here is amazing. Loved by locals and travelers alike. You can dine in or, like we did, pick it up with a bottle of wine and picnic on the beach at sunset, watching the local surfers brave the massive waves as the tide goes out.

• Le Bar Basque: Loved by locals, it gets busy fast. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant. The crab rolls, smoked salmon tartare, and foie gras on figs are mouth-watering!