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A prime destination forever branded by the passage of Napoleon III and the Famous, Biarritz has always been one of France’s most welcoming towns.
A century ago, thanks to the Empress Eugenie, the little whaling town became a fashionable summer resort that, through the years, has stayed open to the outside world without ever losing its identity.
Today, Biarritz is undoubtedly the only town where you can see neoprene-clad surfers with their boards under their arms crossing paths with business men in suits and ties carrying towels.
A funny image, yet so common... Open and cosmopolitan, Biarritz, the pearl of the Basque coast, carries this mix of styles close to its heart and loves bringing opposites together.
An active city all year long
In Biarritz, music, dance, cinema and the plastic arts have a privileged spot in local life.
From the International Festival of Audiovisual Programmes (FIPA) in January to the Biarritz Festival of Latin American Cultures and Cinemas, which highlights the long-standing links between the Basque Country and Latin America,
Biarritz pays attention to images of the world. Dance has long been at the forefront in Biarritz with the creation of Ballet Biarritz, a national choreographic centre directed by Thierry Malandain, and the annual 'Le Temps D'Aimer' dance event that, by combining classic and contemporary with innovation and tradition, provides an opening to large international companies and young training programmes.
Activities
Surf
The historical capital of surfing in Europe and the annual host of the Roxy Jam Women’s World Longboard Championships, Biarritz is the place to surf. Ten schools teach you how or help you perfect your technique.
Golf
With the second-oldest golf course on the European continent Biarritz le Phare created in 1888, the oldest amateur golf competition (the Biarritz Cup started in 1905), and the Ilbarritz international training centre (an original concept that draws professionals and beginners alike),
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Biarritz has long been an all-around golf champion. What French region can offer 12 golf courses in a 30-kilometre radius and Golf Pass providing access to 5 of the region's 6 most beautiful golf courses?
Well-Being
5 thalassotherapy centres and 3 spas make Biarritz and the Basque Coast a privileged spot for well-being and relaxation by the sea. Don’t be surprised if you see professional athletes and business people who’ve come to the Basque Coast for its invigorating climate.
Sites to see!
Biarritz itself has 6 km of beaches. But the back country has something to offer too: Basque villages that remain as charming as ever in an authentic countryside.
And Spain is just a stone's throw away if you want to go out for tapas in San Sebastian or take a tour of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.
Biarritz is the perfect starting point to explore the Basque Country. In Biarritz and the surrounding area, you’ll be able to truly experience a surprising region through its cuisine, its traditions and its geography…
To find out more: Museum of the sea , Planète Musée du Chocolat, Asiatica museum , Musée Historique, Guggenheim museum, Petit train de la Rhune
Spectators Sports
Biarritz hosts several professional sporting events in rugby, surfing, golf, trot racing, and Basque pelota. The variety of high-level competitions means there's something for everyone!
Casino
Try your luck with the 220 slot machines and 11 game tables at the Biarritz Casino Barrière, accross from the Grande Plage. Or just enjoy the magic of the lights along the coast.
Other activities
Go-karts, horseback riding, tennis, hiking, sea kayaking, bicycle rental, four-by-fouring, fishing... you'll always find what you're looking for.
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