Biarritz is well known as one of the best and most famous surfing destinations in France and Europe and is a truly picturesque and historic upscale seaside resort full of belle époque and art deco architectural gems that has counted Napoleon III, Hemingway, Chanel, and Sinatra among its fans throughout the centuries. Boasting excellent restaurants, chic little bars, beautiful boutiques, some world-class golfing, lots of surf festivals and events throughout the year, and more, one can sometimes look past one of the most obvious appeals of this perfect destination where coastal and urban charms are blended: the beaches themselves! Not to be admired purely from atop a board out on the water, the beaches of this incredible city have lots to offer and there are several to choose from. So, if you have been looking to enjoy a dreamy seaside getaway and to indulge in some of the best parts of French culture then get browsing our amazing selection of villas in Biarritz and then read on to our guide to the city’s beaches to help you plan your itinerary!
Grande Plage
The city’s most iconic beach, the Grande Plage (or big beach, also sometimes referred to as Crazy Beach and Empress Beach) is the central beach in the city and fronts the most famous stretch of the coast and the city. Often featured in images of Biarritz and on postcards, this lovely beach is overlooked by some of the city’s most beautiful architectural gems including the ornate belle époque Hôtel du Palais that was built for Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Empress Eugénie (ergo, Empress Beach) and the Phare de Biarritz lighthouse. A stretch of golden sand with interesting rock formations, lapped by the mercurial Atlantic, and often dotted with the 1920s-style striped tents in an array of colourful shades that are so synonymous with the glamour of the French seaside, it is impossibly popular and full in the summer and dramatically empty in winter.
Due to its location, you’ll find great amenities with several underground parking options nearby, lifeguards for a long stretch of each day (the exact hours vary throughout the year and are shorter outside of the summer months), a beach club, several companies offering surf rentals and/or lessons, rentals of the aforementioned tents as well as sun loungers and parasols, and cafés and restaurants just a stone’s throw away. If you find a vacation rental in Biarritz and are spending time in the city, it is hard to miss but be sure to make the most of it. It is a perfect spot for scenic sunset strolls along the strand and perfectly photogenic days at the beach.
Côte des Basques
Another of the most famous and iconic beaches in both France and Biarritz, the Côte des Basques is well loved by surfers and sunbathers alike. With soft sand, impossibly vibrant waters, dramatic cliffs surrounding, and views of the Spanish coast and mountains, it is a scenic gem. It also boasts conditions suitable to beginner as well as intermediate surfers. However, as the sand completely disappears during high tide and swimming is suspended during this time, it is a beach where swimmers and sunbathers need to do their homework before visiting. Access to the beach is via a staircase or paths down from the cliffs and there is both parking on the cliffs and a free shuttle service during the summer. Lifeguards are available on the beach between May and the end of September and there are a great number of surf schools and shops that operate from the beach. There are also a few cafés/bars along the strand.
La Marbella
Following on from Côte des Basques one finds La Marbella, a beach that a bit wilder and also popular among surfers as well as bodyboarders who find a holiday rental in Biarritz. There is only a lifeguard on duty between June and September and the rocks on the beach and steps down to it make it less accessible for those with mobility issues. Free parking is offered and there are (paid) local bus services that will drop you off at the beach during the summer. Despite being more remote, there are four surf companies operating on the beach and there is one café.
La Milady
La Milady, meanwhile, is a long and wide beach popular among locals and young people, in particular, that is specifically wheelchair accessible. There is free parking, summer buses to the beach, and summer lifeguard services. Additionally, there is a children’s play area, a café, and three surf companies operating on the beach. Please note, however, that the shore break can be particularly dangerous here at high tide.
Port-Vieux
This is a small and pretty little beach that is close to the city centre and ideal for families and children who are on holiday in Biarritz. A non-smoking beach, it is in a rocky cove sheltered from winds and waves with calm waters and great swimming conditions. Plenty of parking is available nearby but there are also free shuttles frequently from Côte des Basques. Swimming and diving clubs operate on the beach and there are several restaurants/cafés along the strand.
Plage Du Miramar
A peaceful and charming little beach, the Plage Du Miramar can be found at the end of the Grande Plage and is particularly popular among local regulars for walks and quiet dips in the water. Anyone coming to swim here, however, should stay within the outlined bathing area as the currents can be very strong. Some surfers and bodyboarders do frequent this beach as well but are recommended to stay well on the edge of the bathing area or to go elsewhere entirely. In the summer there is a lifeguard present and one surf school operates here. Additionally, the underground parking for the Grande Plage can be used to easily access this beach as well, though it is a relatively short walk from the city centre.
So, if you were thinking about a vacation in Biarritz and you want to spend time at the beach as well as out on the water, then fear not: it’s not just the surfing that’s great here, the beaches are excellent too! But, if you are a more seasoned surfer and you’re also looking to enjoy that too, then head south to Guéthary for challenging reef breaks or to Belharra where you'll find France's big wave spot.