Tourism
Discover Anglet:
an enchanting town with 11 beaches and a beautiful pine forest
Anglet unfolds along the northern Basque coast with a series of 11 beaches dedicated to swimming and surfing over nearly 4.5 km, backed by the vast Pignada forest and the Chambre d’Amour, home to a mysterious legend.
It takes about twenty minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to reach this town, which can easily be explored in a day.
Beaches and surf spots, walks in the pine forest, nature parks or heritage: wondering where to start and how to get to Anglet easily?
Our 3-star campsite in the Basque Country sheds light on the subject in the following article!
Anglet’s highlights
- Anglet has 11 beaches along nearly 4.5 km of Atlantic coastline.
- The town holds the Surf City label awarded by the French Surfing Federation.
- The Pignada forest covers nearly 220 hectares of maritime pines on the edge of town.
- The Izadia ecology park protects a wetland area integrated into the Natura 2000 network.
- The Chambre d’Amour owes its name to a cave and a legend of lovers caught by the tide.
- From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Anglet is easily reached by car, Txik Txak bus, or train via Biarritz.
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Anglet
Anglet, 11 beaches and just as many surf spots
Anglet owes its reputation to its ocean front and its board sports culture. The town boasts 11 sandy beaches over nearly 4.5 km, each with its own spot, to be discovered during your stay at our campsite near Anglet. This continuity, rare on the Basque coast, makes it a surfing hotspot, to the point that the town holds the
From one beach to another, conditions vary significantly, so that beginners and experienced surfers alike can find a suitable spot. It is around the Chambre d’Amour that several schools run their first lessons.
To find your way along the seafront, remember the names of these three beaches:
- La Barre beach, to the north near the mouth of the Adour, is next to a skate park popular with families.
- Les Cavaliers takes its name from the riders of a nearby equestrian center and is considered a benchmark spot for surfing.
- Over by the Chambre d’Amour, the beach is a hub for surf schools, bars, restaurants, and meeting places.
A tip from the Merko Lacarra campsite team
” To start safely, rely on the lifeguard flags. Swimming is allowed between the red and yellow flags, while surfing is practiced in the area marked by the black and white checkered flag. We direct families to the Petite Chambre d’Amour, supervised during the season: at low tide, its large expanse of sand makes those very first steps on the board easier. “
The Pignada forest and Izadia park, the other side of Anglet
Beyond its sandy beaches, Anglet preserves a large pine forest and a protected wetland right in the town, two rare spaces for a seaside resort. And since they can be explored on foot, often for free and just a stone’s throw from the seafront, they fit easily into a day trip.
The Pignada forest, a pine grove on the edge of town
First, the Pignada forest, also called the Chiberta forest, covers nearly 220 hectares of maritime pines between the ocean and the town, according to the City of Anglet. The reason these trees grow here today is that they were planted in the 19th century, under Napoleon III, to stabilize the dunes. The forest inherited its name from a Gascon term for a place planted with pines. As a result, its shaded paths are perfect for walking, running or cycling.
Izadia ecology park, a protected wetland
Nearby, the Izadia ecology park protects a wetland at the mouth of the Adour. Because it brings together lagoons, dunes, and salt meadows, this site has been classified as a Sensitive Natural Area and integrated into the Natura 2000 network. To make the most of it, follow the path marked by 10 stations that crosses it: over 15 hectares, it reveals varied wildlife, including many birds like the kingfisher.
The Merko Lacarra campsite team’s favourite
” After a surf session, swap the sand for the cool paths of the Pignada. The pine forest remains pleasant even in the height of summer, when the sun beats down on the seafront.
Many visitors don’t know about it and stay on the beach: instead, head to the paths of the Pignada or Izadia park for a quiet nature break, just minutes from the ocean. “
The Chambre d’Amour, legend and heritage of Anglet
The Chambre d’Amour is a district in the south of Anglet that takes its name from a cave at the foot of the cliffs of the Saint-Martin plateau. According to the City of Anglet, a legend places the story of two lovers caught by the rising tide here, who remained trapped in the cave. This story was popularized in the 19th century by the writer Étienne de Jouy.
Just to the south, the Saint-Martin plateau marks the border with Biarritz, whose lighthouse overlooks the point.
The site thus combines beach, cliff, and local history, making it one of the most popular walking spots in Anglet.
Getting to Anglet from Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Getting to Anglet from Saint-Jean-de-Luz takes about twenty minutes via the A63, but other options exist. Here is an overview of ways to reach the town:
- By car, the A63 motorway gets you to Anglet in about twenty minutes; then aim for parking near the beaches.
- By bus, a line from the Txik Txak network connects Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Anglet, which is practical to avoid wasting too much time looking for a space.
- By train, the TER line reaches Biarritz in about fifteen minutes, followed by a bus that continues to the Anglet districts.
- By bike, the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) runs along the coast and crosses Anglet via the beach promenade.
A tip from Merko Lacarra campsite
” A Txik Txak stop is located right in front of our entrance in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This allows you to reach the Basque coast lines, then Anglet, without getting back behind the wheel or driving around looking for parking by the beach. “
Antton, Campsite Manager
Want to visit several spots in Anglet without the hassle of driving or parking? Located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, our Merko Lacarra campsite puts you about twenty minutes from Anglet’s 11 beaches. Book your stay now and enjoy your days between surfing, the forest, and Basque heritage!
Sources:
- Anglet Tourist Office
- City of Anglet, Pignada natural area
- Izadia ecology park, City of Anglet
- French Surfing Federation
- Txik Txak, Basque Country urban area public transport
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