14 May 2025
City Break: Biarritz, a 100% Breath of Fresh Air
Where can you go to disconnect when you love the ocean, architecture, and creative living? To Biarritz — welcoming all year round and often called the French California.
By Nadia Hamam
Victor Hugo, Catherine Deneuve, Coco Chanel, Luis Mariano… many celebrities have found luxury, calm, and pleasure here. Since Empress Eugénie had the idea of transforming the fishing village into a renowned seaside resort, Biarritz has showcased its natural assets through a rich array of picturesque landscapes and an invigorating lifestyle.
An Ocean, a thousand shores
Six kilometres of coastline, six beaches. The powerful panoramas of Biarritz are truly breathtaking! Climb the 248 steps of the lighthouse, built in 1834, for a 360° view of the coast. To the north: the large beach of Anglet and the Landes region; to the south: Mount Jaizkibel. On the Atlantic side, the rocks sculpted by the waves seem to have a soul… and they all have names: the Roche Ronde opposite Miramar beach, the Rocher du Basta separating the Grande Plage from the fishing port, and the Rocher du Cachaou (the Tooth), watched over by Villa Belza (‘black’ in Basque), the sentinel of the Basque coast. Not to mention the imposing Rocher de la Vierge, whose statue has stood on its summit since 1865, connected to the mainland by a long metal footbridge over the waves.
To grasp the city’s salty DNA, simply stroll from Pointe Saint-Martin to the Côte des Basques, where the history of surfing in Europe began 60 years ago. Surfers are drawn to the crystal-clear waters, awarded the Blue Flag label, and to the ideal conditions of the Basque Sea. The ocean here is like life itself: an initiation.
But the seaside resort isn’t only about its seafront. Inland, take the Chemin des Lacs along one of its three walking trails linking Lake Marion, near the town centre, to Lake Mouriscot. The latter is a protected natural area, partially classified as a Natura 2000 site, home to more than 250 plant species, aquatic flora, and a wide variety of forests featuring 36 different types of trees.
An architectural pedigree
Biarritz, c’est avant tout un charme indéfinissable et une formidable collection de styles architecturaux, du néobasque à l’anglo-normand, en passant par la splendeur de la Belle Époque. Pour saisir la richesse de ce patrimoine, il faut déambuler entre les quartiers Saint-Charles – développé autour des Thermes salins de la ville – et Bibi – Beaurivage – son dédale de petites rues où se serrent les anciennes maisonnettes de pêcheurs séduit par son charme populaire. Mais d’autres quartiers moins connus méritent une visite : Saint-Martin, Parc d’Hiver ou encore La Négresse.
Biarritz is, above all, defined by an indefinable charm and a remarkable mix of architectural styles, from neo-Basque to Anglo-Norman, not to mention the splendour of the Belle Époque. To appreciate the richness of this heritage, take a stroll through the Saint-Charles neighbourhood, which developed around the city’s saltwater baths, and Bibi-Beaurivage, with its maze of narrow streets lined with old fishermen’s cottages and charming working-class character. Other lesser-known neighbourhoods are also worth exploring, including Saint-Martin, Parc d’Hiver, and La Négresse.
An Orthodox church stands alongside an imperial chapel; a medieval building echoes the Art Deco Municipal Casino… every street corner tells a part of Biarritz’s history. The many villas, where Art Nouveau flirts with Art Deco, blend harmoniously into a contemporary urban landscape shaped by prestigious architects such as Jean-Michel Wilmotte, Pierre Bideau (the man behind the Eiffel Tower’s lighting, who also illuminated Biarritz’s coastline), and American architect Steven Holl, who designed the Cité de l’Océan. Art is also present in the streets, with sculptures, frescoes, and various artistic installations bringing the city’s squares and parks to life. The highlight of this cultural vibrancy is the Festival des Arts de la rue, which transforms the city into an open-air gallery every spring.
A lively and gourmet haven
Just like in surfing, days in Biarritz are lived by feel, depending on the weather. The other local sport? Indulging in delicious food, especially at Les Halles, the beating heart of the city. Opened in 1885 and fully renovated in 2015, the market is open every morning. Depending on the hour, you might hear lively conversations about rugby, surfing, or the latest news over a cup of coffee. Naturally, you’ll want to taste oysters from Chez Jérôme or L’Écaillerie, paired with a glass of white wine, and don’t be surprised if you bump into one of the region’s Michelin-starred chefs stocking up from their favorite small producers.
At the Port des Pêcheurs, be sure to order grilled fish from one of the crampottes, those typical little huts run by local Biarritz fishermen. Delicatessens (like Mikelena), cheesemongers, greengrocers, pastry chefs (including the famous macarons from Maison Adam), caterers… Top gourmet spots jostle for attention all the way to the Docks de Biarritz, a former industrial district turned foodie hotspot.
A great idea? Curate a couture-style picnic — with charcuterie from Sébastien Zozaya (Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2018) and a bottle of Egiategia wine, vinified 15 metres beneath the surface. Spend the day on Miramar Beach, watching the sea shift from calm to wild. The salty spray and cool Atlantic breeze set the tone. As apéritif hour approaches, preferably near Les Halles, for the vibe, just let go. No need to plan. Cravings rise and fall like the waves. Just follow their rhythm.
MORE INFORMATION ON TOURISME.BIARRITZ.FR
Our nearby locations :
La Réserve, Saint-Jean-de-Luz
This hotel perched on the cliffs offers one of the most beautiful views of the ocean in the area. The bright rooms are spacious and elegant. At the Ilura restaurant, guests can sit on the panoramic terrace and enjoy local cuisine. Additional attractions include a swimming pool, golf course and beach nearby.
SAINTE-BARBE
1, RUE GAËTAN-DE-BERNOVILLE
64500 SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ
TEL : 05 59 51 32 00
Hôtel Ithurria, Ainhoa
You instantly feel the Basque spirit as you step into this 17th-century Labourdine maison, once a stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. A kitchen garden, refined cuisine — awarded one Michelin star and three toques by Gault & Millau — whether at the gourmet restaurant or the bistro, plus an outdoor pool, sauna, and fitness center, all enhance the charm of the Ithurria family, whose presence is key to the success of this exceptional address.
218, KARRIKA NAGUSIA
64250 AINHOA
TEL : 05 59 29 92 11
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