Discover Biarritz
Located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, Biarritz's geographical setting attracts many tourists. Indeed, sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean and near the Pyrenees, it offers lots of different activities in its 11,66 km² of surface area. Taking a little more than 10 hours, your Air France flight will land at the Biarritz-Pays Basque airport. You can then enjoy local specialities and the city's rich architectural heritage, in its six different neighbourhoods. Biarritz is the symbol of the French Basque Country.
The best tour of Biarritz
Biarritz is a city like no other. It is first and foremost proud of its origins and of belonging to the French Basque Country. To start off your discovery of Biarritz, head to the History museum located in the old Anglican church. That way, you may get a better idea of its specificities and appreciate your visit even more.
Start with the lighthouse, located at the Saint-Martin point. This symbol was built in 1834, and built of local stones. It offers a singular view of the ocean. Another site with a panoramic view over the Atlantic is the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin Rock). It can be reached on foot if the weather of good: cross the footbridge built in Gustave Eiffel's workshops to reach the sculpture of the Virgin Mary set up there in 1865.
Several villas have also made the town famous. The Belza villa is located on top of the Cachaous rock. It was built in 1895 and is now a classified historical monument. It towers over the ocean with its square turret and bartizan. Built in the same Art Deco style, the Casino stands near the main beach.
Another civilian monument worth seeing is the Hôtel du Palais - one of Biarritz's riches. Built by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie, this Louis13th-style edifice was destroyed by a fire over 15 years ago. Now fully re-built, it currently has a less austere vibe to it. It is home to one of France's most beautiful restaurants - set in a rotunda with an amazing view of the ocean. You will also be able to taste de region's many delicacies.
The town's religious heritage is also extremely present in Biarritz. The imperial chapel, Saint-Martin's church or even Sainte-Eugénie's church are all vastly visited monuments. The imperial chapel was built as a tribute to the Empire's victories in Mexico. It boasts a vast number of azulejos and a coffered ceiling of Hispano-Moorish style.
Saint-Martin's church is the oldest. It was built before 1540 and its Gothic style now appears very elegant.
Biarritz is also a great place for sporting activities. If you enjoy surfing, you may know the many world-renowned spots - such as the Grande Plage and Côte des Basques, etc. You can make the most of your trip to Biarritz to relax in a thalassotherapy spa, or play some golf.
But that is not all, you can add to your discovery of Biarritz by exploring the surroundings. Indeed, Bayonne is only 10 km away. There, you can admire its ramparts and citadel. The Sare grottos are 45 km away, and can be visited at night with a sound & light show focusing on geology and history.
If you want to head out to the mountains, the Pyrenees are nearby; you could stop off in Sainte-Engrâce. From there, you can take the little Rhune train to explore the area in just 35 minutes. It will take you to the top of the Rhune mountain, where a beautiful panoramic view of the French and Spanish Pyrenees sprawls out in front of you.
Lastly, if you are planning a summer trip to Biarritz, do not miss out on the famous royal cow races, held in Bidart and Saint Pée-sur-Nivelles, just a few minutes away from Biarritz. You could even rent a car to travel around more freely.offers many direct flights to Paris departing from major US airports.
When you arrive at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airportyou can easily reach your hotel with the Super Shuttle, Air France buses, Citybird taxis or the Paris public transportation network (RER, metro, etc.).
You may reserve a flight for Paris or you may also reserve your flight + hotel and/or car rental when you reserve your ticket.
A successful stay in Biarritz
For an amazing time in this lovely city, preparing your trip properly is essential. The weather obviously plays a major role in this. Although the town in is the South of France, you will see that temperatures are often cooler because of how close it is to the ocean. In the summer, the sun will often be shining with temperatures close to 25°C. The best period for discovering the town and its region is no doubt from May to October - when there is much less rain.
To prepare your trip, you should also have a look at the local Tourist Office's website as well as our advice pages. Once you have all the necessary information, you can book your flight to Biarritz and enjoy a great holiday in the French Basque Country.