Tourism
Visit Bidart:
6 beaches and a hilltop village
Perched on one of the highest points of the Basque coast, between Biarritz and Guéthary, Bidart charms with its beaches, fronton, and white houses with red shutters.
Its sailors’ chapel, facing the ocean, makes it a distinctive stop in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
To visit Bidart at your own pace, here are the village highlights, about fifteen minutes from our campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Key Takeaways
- Bidart is a Basque village perched on the cliffs, between Biarritz and Guéthary.
- The Sainte-Madeleine chapel, dedicated to sailors, offers a 180° view of the ocean and the Pyrenees.
- The village has 6 beaches supervised in summer, along nearly 5 kilometers of coastline.
- Parlementia, in Bidart, is a renowned surf spot on the Basque coast.
- The center brings together Place Sauveur Atchoarena, the church, and the Grand Fronton for pelota.
Bidarte
Bidart
The village center and the Sainte-Madeleine chapel
The heart of Bidart charms with its Basque authenticity. Around Place Sauveur Atchoarena stand the church, town hall, and Grand Fronton, where pelota basque matches take place. The white houses with red shutters set the tone of the village.
A bit farther, the Sainte-Madeleine chapel watches over the cliff: dedicated to sailors and rebuilt in 1820 after a hurricane, it opens on clear days to a 180° view of the Atlantic and the Pyrenees mountain range.
Good to know
This sailors’ chapel can be reached on foot along the coast, starting from the beaches. Go up at the end of the day, when golden light bathes the ocean and the sun sets behind the Pyrenees. A bench facing the sea invites you to pause, away from the bustle of the village center.
Beaches and surfing in Bidart
Bidart has 6 beaches supervised in summer, spread over nearly 5 kilometers of coastline. According to the Bidart Tourist Office, they range from family-friendly Ilbarritz, with its promenade and playground, to wild Pavillon Royal, including Erretegia, nestled in a preserved natural area.
Centre beach and Uhabia, which has an accessibility label, round out the options, while Parlementia, a renowned surf spot, attracts surfers from all along the Basque coast.
Walks: Uhabia greenway and coastal path
Bidart can also be discovered on foot or by bike. The Uhabia greenway crosses the town from west to east over 6 kilometers, accessible to everyone, on foot, by bike, or by scooter.
Walkers also take the Heritage Walk, a 6.5-kilometer loop that connects the center, its viewpoints, and more hidden neighborhoods, like the Ur Onea chapel and the banks of the Uhabia. The coastal path runs along the coast toward Guéthary and Biarritz.
Feedback from the Merko Lacarra campsite team
“From our campsite in Acotz, we reach Bidart on foot via the coastal path, from cove to cove. It’s our favorite walk at sunset, between Cenitz and Parlementia. Bring good shoes and a water bottle: the path climbs and descends, but each cove rewards the effort!“
Antton, Campsite Manager
Looking for a starting point to visit Bidart and the Basque coast? Book your stay at our campsite near Bidart, about fifteen minutes from Bidart and right by the water.
frequently asked questions
FAQ – Visiting Bidart
Where is Bidart located?
Bidart is located on the Basque coast, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, between Biarritz to the north and Guéthary to the south. This village perched on the cliffs overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It can be reached in about fifteen minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, along the coast.
What to see in Bidart in one day?
To visit Bidart in one day, start with the center and Place Sauveur Atchoarena, with its church and Grand Fronton. Then head to the sailors’ chapel on the cliff for the panoramic view, and finish with a swim or a walk along the Uhabia greenway.
Is Bidart suitable for surfing?
Yes, Bidart is a renowned destination for surfing. The Parlementia spot attracts experienced riders from all along the Basque coast, while Ilbarritz and Centre beach welcome beginners and surf schools, with supervision in summer.
What specialties to try in Bidart?
In Bidart, don’t leave without tasting the gâteau basque! The Bassilour mill, a former water mill, prepares it in a traditional way, along with galette basque. The village also has great restaurants facing the ocean, where you can enjoy grilled fish and Basque regional cuisine.
How far is Bidart from Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
Bidart is about fifteen minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, along the Basque coast. From our Merko Lacarra campsite, in the Acotz neighborhood, you can even walk there along the coast, from cove to cove.
Sources: Bidart Tourist Office / Town of Bidart, official website
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