Best Things to Do in Biarritz, France: Charming Beach Vacation
When we were planning our honeymoon as Americans living in France, Jalen and I had three criteria in mind. Firstly, we knew we wanted to spend the week somewhere in France that we had never visited before. Secondly, we had our hearts set on an idyllic beach vacation that would include taking long walks by the ocean, reading with our toes in the sand, and eating delicious seafood. Finally, we hoped to find a city with just the right amount of attractions to fill our time without needing to rush around to see everything.
Biarritz, a well-known seaside destination in the French Basque Country, was an obvious choice. Our September trip took place at the end of peak tourism season, meaning the city was pleasantly calm, we didn’t need a reservation at any restaurant, and we could spread out as much as we wanted on the beach. By the end of the week, we felt rested, relaxed, and satisfied with our visit to southwestern France.
We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the scenic spots, amazing restaurants, and entertaining activities you won’t want to miss on your holiday in Biarritz. Keep reading for a peek into our honeymoon and ideas for your own vacances!
What to see in Biarritz
Rocher de la Vierge ⸱ Grande Plage ⸱ Plage du Port-Vieux ⸱ Côte des Basques ⸱ Port des Pêcheurs ⸱ Villa Belza ⸱ Rocher du Basta ⸱ Place Bellevue ⸱ Fresque
Where to eat in Biarritz
La Québécoise Biarritz ⸱ Patati Patata ⸱ Cristal Kfé ⸱ Carlos ⸱ Chez Coco ⸱ Le Tandem ⸱ Milwaukee Café ⸱ La Trattoria ⸱ Local Club
Things to do in Biarritz
Casino Barrière ⸱ Quai de la Grande Plage ⸱ BTZ ⸱ Aquarium de Biarritz ⸱ Phare de Biarritz ⸱ Église Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz ⸱ Hôtel du Palais ⸱ Biarritz Souvenirs ⸱ Surfing
What to see in Biarritz
Rocher de la Vierge
Get a beautiful view of the Bay of Biscay by walking out to the famous Rocher de la Vierge.
Grande Plage
The Grande Plage, Biarritz’s central beach, is perfect for soaking up the sun and admiring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Plage du Port-Vieux
If you’re looking to go for a swim, the calm waters of the Plage du Port-Vieux are the place to be.
Côte des Basques
The Côte des Basques is the birthplace of the French surf scene, and the high-quality waves continue to attract professional and amateur surfers alike.
Port des Pêcheurs
Enjoy the quaint Port des Pêcheurs, known for its old-world ambiance and appetizing seafood.
Villa Belza
Villa Belza is a captivating example of neo-medieval architecture nestled on Biarritz’s coastline.
Rocher du Basta
Stroll out to the Rocher du Basta for a fairytale panorama where vegetation, rock, and sea meet.
Place Bellevue
Surrounded by restaurants and shops, the Place Bellevue offers an aerial view of the Grande Plage.
Fresque
Enjoy Nils Inne‘s colorful fresque that combines Picasso-inspired figures with Biarritz’s surfing culture.
Where to eat in Biarritz
La Québécoise Biarritz
La Québécoise Biarritz boasts a menu of succulent, elevated poutine and other québécois fare.
Patati Patata
Peckish after exploring downtown Biarritz? A cone of fries from Patati Patata is just what you need.
Cristal Kfé
Regional specialties and an eclectic interior wait for you at Cristal Kfé.
Carlos
Carlos is hands down the best place in Biarritz to enjoy cocktails and tapas with a gorgeous view of the ocean.
Chez Coco
Located in one of Coco Chanel’s old sewing workshops, Chez Coco serves up mouth-watering pizzas and pasta.
Le Tandem
Le Tandem is a brasserie that offers a wide array of dishes that accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan guests with ease.
Milwaukee Café
Founded by a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Milwaukee Café has American-style breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch menus that are sure to please.
La Trattoria
At La Trattoria, you’ll have a hard time deciding whether you’re more impressed by the decor or your meal.
Local Club
Local Club‘s homemade “dwichs” will satisfy your craving for a delectable, yet affordable, kebab.
Things to do in Biarritz
Casino Barrière
The Casino Barrière‘s art deco architecture, eight game tables, and hundreds of slot machines make it an enticing place to try your luck.
Quai de la Grande Plage
The Quai de la Grande Plage is ideal for eating, drinking, and being merry au bord de la mer (by the seashore).
BTZ
Shop at BTZ, an iconic clothing brand that describes its style as a mix of French-Californian cool and urban chic with soft punk heritage.
Aquarium de Biarritz
Visitors of all ages will enjoying learning about life under the sea at the Aquarium de Biarritz.
Phare de Biarritz
Climb the 248 steps to the top of the Phare de Biarritz for an unbeatable bird’s-eye view of the Basque coast.
Église Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz
Pop into the Église Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz to take in the lovely neo-Gothic construction and stained-glass windows.
Hôtel du Palais
Originally built for the Empress Eugénie, the imposing Hôtel du Palais can be admired from vantage points throughout the city.
Biarritz Souvenirs
If, like us, you consider visiting a gift shop a quintessential part of every beach vacation, Biarritz Souvenirs has the trinkets you need!
Surfing
Surfing, learning to surf, or watching other people surf is a must for anyone exploring Biarritz.
Ready to take your own trip to Biarritz, France? Tell us what you’d most like to see and do during your stay in the French Basque Country in a comment!
Come with us on our honeymoon to Biarritz, France!
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