Those choosing Biarritz as a destination will find striking differences between its central city beach, a coastline shaped by the tides and its viewpoints. There are also places where the city’s history can be seen in its buildings, collections and maritime heritage.
City Beach and a Tidal Coastline
Grande Plage lies at the heart of the city and is Biarritz’s central beach. You can reach it on Txik Txak buses, on foot or by bicycle from the city centre and the seafront promenade. If you are looking for a city beach as a point of reference when choosing a destination, its location and accessibility are practical considerations. It is worth checking the current timetable before travelling by bus.
The CĂ´te des Basques offers a different coastal scene: it lies at the foot of high cliffs and looks out towards the mountains of the Spanish coast. At high tide, it is completely covered by water. So check the current tides before your visit. This lets you take both its position by the cliffs and its particular tidal conditions into account when planning your day.
Views and Landmarks by the Water
A flight of 248 steps leads to the viewing platform of the Biarritz lighthouse. From there, the 360-degree view stretches over the beaches of the Landes, the Basque coast and the Pyrenees as far as Spain. The lighthouse has been listed as a historic monument since 2009 and is still in operation. The number of steps and the expansive panoramic view make a visit here different from a day at the beach.
The Rocher de la Vierge is a popular place for walks among locals and visitors. The statue at its summit explains the rock’s name. Opposite is the Aquarium de Biarritz, housed since 1933 in an Art Deco building. This spot brings together a distinctive coastal landmark and a building with its own architectural history.
The Sea, City History and the Port’s Past
The Cité de l’Océan focuses on the sea: its interactive exhibitions and educational activities explore marine biodiversity. There are also virtual reality experiences such as “Surf Sensation 5D” and “Virtual Surf”. These experiences may change, so check the current offerings before your visit. The focus ranges from learning about marine topics to interactive experiences.
The Musée Historique de Biarritz traces the city’s development through a collection of 4,000 objects, works of art and rare documents. The museum is housed in the former St Andrew’s Anglican Church, built in 1878. The building and collection offer two different points of connection to the city’s history: the church’s former use and the historical evidence brought together inside it.
The Port des Pêcheurs also tells of Biarritz’s maritime past. The small historic cove lies below the Plateau de l’Atalaye. The Crampottes there were established at the beginning of the 20th century to store fishing equipment and salt sardines. This place offers a tangible link to everyday fishing through its specific historical uses.
Another Side of Biarritz
Lac Marion offers a change of pace from beaches, viewpoints and historic sites. The recreational area covers 20 hectares, including five hectares of water, and is suitable for families. For those weighing up the range of things to do in Biarritz, it offers a place explicitly described as a recreational area alongside the coast and city history.
Discover more destinations: Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Saint-Étienne-De-Baïgorry, Barraute-Camu, Lestelle-Bétharram, Mourenx, Arcangues, Bérenx, Saint-Palais.
Return to the main travel overview: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
