Things to do in Biarritz: our guide to must-see sights by the ocean

To visit Biarritz, the best starting point is the Pointe Saint-Martin. Built in 1834 and listed as a historic monument, the Phare de Biarritz overlooks the Cap Hainsart, which has long marked the natural boundary between the sandy coast to the north and the cliffs of the Pays Basque. Still active, it guides sailors at night. After 248 steps, its walkway, perched 73 meters above the waves, offers sweeping views of the ocean, the stunning beaches of Anglet and, on a clear day, the Pyrenees as far as Spain. Look up before heading back down: the copper dome is decorated with twelve bronze lion heads, each one different. The Biarritz lighthouse welcomes visitors year-round, with tickets sold on site or online through the tourist office.

Plage Miramar, at the foot of the lighthouse, opens onto a promenade along the bay to the Grande Plage, the town's main beach and seaside heart since the rise of sea bathing. The municipal casino, an Art Deco building opened in 1929, sets the line of this seafront. Swimming is supervised in summer, but the Atlantic waves, sometimes huge, remain powerful: always follow the flags.

A change of scene at the Port des Pêcheurs, a reminder that Biarritz was first a whaling village. The crampottes, pretty fishermen's houses with colorful shutters, line up below the church of Sainte-Eugénie, and the restaurants on the quay put grilled fish and seafood on the menu, facing the boats. Just above, the Plateau de l'Atalaye served as a lookout post to spot whales out at sea.

Linked to the mainland by an iron footbridge from the late 19th century, often wrongly credited to Gustave Eiffel although it came from the Schryvers workshops in Haumont, the Rocher de la Vierge is the most iconic site on the bay and a classic photo stop. Its statue of the Virgin, cast by a Bordeaux foundry and installed in 1865, honors, according to legend, Biarritz whalers guided home by a mysterious light during a storm. 

A little further south, the Plage du Port Vieux forms a sheltered cove, often calmer than its neighbors and popular with families: the ideal place to swim or sunbathe with young children.

The Aquarium de Biarritz, still called the Musée de la Mer by many, is located opposite the rock in an Art Deco building. The visit begins with the Bay of Biscay tanks, where jellyfish, octopus and moray eels drift, then leads to a cetacean gallery where you can hear whale song, a mangrove and a coral reef. The highlight? Seal feeding time, every day at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the panoramic terrace. Less known to visitors, the museum also cares for seals stranded along the coast. Open every day of the year, it is a great idea when the sky clouds over. Arrive first thing in the morning to enjoy it in peace.

Further south, on Avenue de la Plage, the Cité de l'Océan extends the experience with themed exhibitions and a fun, hands-on approach, perfect for kids.

Surf runs deep here, and Biarritz is famous for it across Europe. It was on the Côte des Basques that, around 1957, American screenwriter Peter Viertel, visiting for a film shoot, stood up on a board and introduced a handful of pioneers to the sport: the history of surfing in France begins here. At high tide, the beach almost disappears and the spot is best left to experienced surfers.

At the northern end of the spot, the Villa Belza, a much-loved neo-medieval silhouette completed in 1895, seems to spring from the cliff. Now a private residence, it can be admired from the promenade. At the end of the day, the clifftop is one of the famous spots to watch the sun go down, with La Rhune and Spain on the horizon.

The hotel's Surf Room stores boards and wetsuits after each session. Board rental is available at reception, and our certified coaches run lessons and courses for every level, from first whitewater rides to advanced sessions, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned surfer.

In the morning, follow local people to the covered market on Rue des Halles. Built in 1885, enlarged between the wars and restored identically in 2013, it has kept its cast-iron structure. The stalls bring together the catch of the day, Bayonne ham, sheep's milk cheese, Basque cake and Espelette pepper. Each specialty tells the story of its land, and food shopping here is a delicious experience.

The atmosphere changes around midday, when the nearby tapas bars and cafes take over and you can eat standing at the counter. Come evening, they set the tone for the town's nightlife. To take these flavors home, slip a cheese or a jar of pepper into your basket, ideal for a picnic facing the waves.

Away from the bustle of the seafront, the beautiful coastal town also holds green breathing spaces. From the parking lot at Plage de la Milady, the lakes loop follows Lac Marion and its playground, then Lac Mouriscot, known for its birdlife, before returning via the Cité de l'Océan. In the center, the Parc Mazon, a public garden with free access, provides a cool, shady break.

Outdoor pleasures extend well beyond the city limits. As a destination, Biarritz opens onto the whole French Basque Country, and Arbonne, our village, makes it easy to explore. Bayonne, a city of art and history, offers cultural experiences along the banks of the Nive, while Espelette keeps its local culture alive, with strings of peppers drying on house fronts in autumn. Charming Saint-Jean-de-Luz is known for its port and gorgeous bay, and Guéthary for its legendary surf break. The Petit Train de la Rhune climbs to the summit in 35 minutes, at 905 meters, for an amazing panorama over the coast and the Basque valleys.

Check out our guide to activities in the Basque Country

Our 33 rooms, in neo-Basque style, combine noble materials with clean lines. Families love the Triple Mansardée and the Triple Deluxe, with a pull-out bed, or the Junior Suite Mezzanine and the Suite avec Mezzanine, where futons tucked under a low ceiling feel like a cabin for independent children. The Junior Suite Terrasse opens onto a private outdoor space. La Cabane, a wooden suite next to the spa, appeals to couples, and the Petit Inda, an apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, suits longer stays. Rooms accessible to people with reduced mobility complete our accommodation.

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Back from a surf session or a round on one of the region's golf courses, the wellness area takes over: sauna, hammam and two massage rooms, including a double for treatments as a couple. The INDARRA signature massage, relaxing, energizing or sport-focused, uses Alaena products, a clean beauty brand born in Biarritz. The heated outdoor pool, open in season, the yoga room and the fitness area round out the facilities.

Breakfast, served from 7 to 11 a.m., showcases fresh, local and seasonal produce. From 4 to 6 p.m., the tea time offered to our guests brings homemade cakes and fresh fruit, followed by aperitif hour: house cocktails, regional beers and platters to share by the pool. To explore the area, we also offer bike rental, electric or not, a Golf Room and a selection of hiking guides to read on site.

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