Tourism
Visit Biarritz,
from surf spots to Belle Époque villas
On the Atlantic coast, Biarritz brings together what made it world-famous : the Côte des Basques, where surfing first appeared in France, the Rocher de la Vierge linked to the shore by a metal footbridge, a panoramic lighthouse, and the legacy of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.
About a 30-minute drive from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the city is easy to explore in a day, ideally from late spring to early autumn.
With so many indoor and outdoor things to do in Biarritz, are you struggling to know where to start? And above all, are you wondering what’s really worth seeing beyond the beaches? Don’t worry—our 3-star campsite in the Basque Country breaks it down for you!
Biarritz highlights
- The Côte des Basques is considered the birthplace of surfing in France, since the first waves were ridden here in 1957.
- The Rocher de la Vierge, pierced through under Napoleon III, is reached via a metal footbridge built in 1887.
- The Biarritz Lighthouse towers over Pointe Saint-Martin, 73 m above sea level, after 248 steps.
- At the Musée de la Mer, the aquarium features 8 shark species as well as seals.
- In summer, Biarritz’s main beaches are supervised, with designated swimming areas.
- From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the TER train reaches Biarritz in about 15 minutes.
Miarritze
Biarritz
Biarritz, the birthplace of surfing, from the Grande Plage to the Côte des Basques
Biarritz owes part of its fame to its beaches and its surfing history. In fact, the Côte des Basques is considered the birthplace of surfing in France: according to the Biarritz tourist office, this is where surfing took its first steps in France in 1957, in the wake of a film shoot. Two years later, the first French surf club, the Waïkiki Surf Club, was founded.
Beyond this historical legacy, the Grande Plage, at the foot of the grand hotels, remains the city’s busiest beach. The Port Vieux, meanwhile, forms a small sheltered cove that’s ideal for family swimming, while beginners find a long, accessible wave at the Côte des Basques.
A tip from the Merko Lacarra campsite team
« For a first lesson, we often steer families towards the Côte des Basques rather than the beaches that are more exposed to currents. The wave there stays long and gentle—ideal for standing up without getting discouraged. What’s more, at low tide the sandy area widens noticeably, making it easier to set up equipment and keep an eye on the children. »
The Rocher de la Vierge and the imperial legacy
Biarritz’s heritage still bears the mark of the Second Empire, from its most photographed rock to the palace on the Grande Plage.
The Rocher de la Vierge, a peninsula pierced through facing the ocean
The Rocher de la Vierge juts out into the ocean, opposite the town. It was Napoleon III who had it pierced through to create a refuge harbour, before linking it to the shore. The footbridge, in its current form, dates from 1887: despite a common belief, it did not come from Gustave Eiffel’s workshops, but from the Schryver company.
Today, access is free all year round, although the footbridge closes when the swell is heavy.
As for the statue of the Virgin installed at the top and blessed in 1865, it commemorates the rescue of Biarritz whalers caught in a storm.
From Villa Eugénie to the Hôtel du Palais
Nearby, the Grande Plage owes a lot to Empress Eugénie. In 1855, Napoleon III had the Villa Eugénie built for her, facing the ocean. Later turned into a palace hotel, it is now home to the Hôtel du Palais, recognisable by its E-shaped floor plan—E for Eugénie.
What to do in Biarritz beyond the beaches?
Beyond the beaches, Biarritz can also be explored through its cultural sites and its covered market. With a renowned aquarium, a lighthouse and a food hall, the city easily fills a rainy afternoon as well as a beautiful summer day. Here are three places to add to your itinerary during your stay at a
- The Biarritz Aquarium, also known as the Musée de la Mer, housed in an Art Deco building, features 8 shark species, including a hammerhead presented as a rare species in European aquariums, as well as seals that are fed in public every day.
- The Biarritz Lighthouse, on Pointe Saint-Martin, can be climbed via 248 steps for a 360° panorama of the coast and, on a clear day, as far as the Pyrenees.
- Les Halles de Biarritz, open since 1885, bring together around forty traders offering Basque local produce, every morning from 7:30 AM.
The Merko Lacarra campsite team’s favourite
« Make your way to the very top of the Biarritz lighthouse at the end of the day. The 248 steps go by quickly, and the view stretches from the beaches of Les Landes to the Basque cliffs. Many visitors stop at the bottom of the lighthouse, but we recommend continuing on foot towards Pointe Saint-Martin for a calmer atmosphere. »
Antton, Campsite Manager
Getting to Biarritz from Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Getting to Biarritz from Saint-Jean-de-Luz is easy. Here are the main ways to get there:
- By train, the TER line connects the two stations in about 15 minutes, most often without changes.
- By car, allow around 30 minutes via the A63 motorway, then park outdoors or in an underground car park near the Grande Plage.
- By bus, the Txik Txak network serves Biarritz regularly from all along the Basque coast.
- By bike, the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) follows a coastal route to Biarritz, letting you ride between beaches and the coastal road.
A tip from Merko Lacarra campsite
« A Txik Txak stop is right at the entrance to our campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It’s a handy way to connect to Basque coast routes without taking the car again or hunting for a parking space by the beach in Biarritz. »
Antton, Campsite Manager
Want to discover Biarritz without parking hassles or a long drive? From Merko Lacarra campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can reach the surfing capital in just a few minutes. Book your stay now and plan your perfect day between beaches, surfing and Basque heritage!
Sources:
- Biarritz Tourist Office (Destination Biarritz)
- Biarritz Aquarium, Musée de la Mer
- Biarritz Lighthouse, Phares de France
- Les Halles de Biarritz
- Txik Txak, Basque Country transport network
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