23 Unmissable Attractions in Biarritz

23 Unmissable Attractions in Biarritz
Farbod Papoli / Unsplash

From beaches, historical attractions, and outdoor activities, the French town of Biarritz offers something for just about everyone to enjoy during their time there no matter their interests. For those planning to visit Biarritz in a near future, here are 20 of the attractions not to miss out on.

Rocher de la Vierge

Historical Landmark

Rocher de la Vierge
© Simon Biggar/Courtesy of Pays Basque Tourisme
Biarritz's most visited historical monument, the Rocker de la Vierge is an absolute must-see. A gateway takes visitors to this magnificent rock and the impeccable view over the ocean will leave them speechless.

Port Vieux Neighborhood

Historical Landmark

Port Vieux Neighborhood
A very picturesque place, wander in the small streets and take a swim in the small Vieux Port beach.

Biarritz Lighthouse

Historical Landmark

Biarritz Lighthouse
benkrb / Unsplash
Another highly-praised attraction by the tourists, the Phare de Biarritz stands 45 meters (147.6 feet) high and offers a privileged look over the city’s beauty.

Biarritz Grande Plage

Historical Landmark

Biarritz Grande Plage
Andri Klopfenstein / Unsplash
The most popular beach in town, check out the prestigious buildings nearby such the Hôtel du Palais, the Casino, and the restaurants by the sea as well.

Les Halles

Historical Landmark

Located in the heart of Biarritz, les Halles is the perfect spot to wander around and to take a culinary tour of the region in one place.

Gorges de Kakuetta

Historical Landmark

Gorges de Kakuetta
Mostly praised for the nice beaches and the ocean, the region’s mountains and wildlife is often underrated. Pay a visit to the Gorges of Kakuetta in Sainte-Engrâce and be amazed by its incredible waterfalls.

Musee de la Mer (Biarritz Aquarium)

Historical Landmark

Musee de la Mer (Biarritz Aquarium)
Sigmund / Unsplash
Embark in a beautiful odyssey at the Biarritz Aquarium that will have visitors crossing paths with sharks and traveling from the Gascogne Gulf to the Caribbean Seas.

Musée Asiatica

Historical Landmark

Musée Asiatica
The museum’s collection dedicated to Asian art has been carefully selected and showcases great pieces from China, Tibet, Nepal, and many other countries.

Rafting

Historical Landmark

Rafting
Looking for a challenge and a way to spend time with friends or family? Try rafting.

Play Golf

Historical Landmark

The beautiful and numerous golf course across the region are exactly what golfers need to have a great time in a peaceful environment. Recommended: Golf Biarritz le Phare and Golf Chiberta.

Le Sentier du Littoral

Historical Landmark

Le Sentier du Littoral
Tourists enjoy this blissful walk along the beaches of Bidart and Hendaye while being surrounded by the beautiful wildlife year round.

Lac Mouriscot

Historical Landmark

Perfect spot to take a walk or a quick swim in a calmer area in the city.

Sainte Eugenie Church

Historical Landmark

Sainte Eugenie Church
Located in the Port-Vieux area, admire this neo-Gothic church built during the reign of Napoleon III.

Alexandre Newsky Church

Historical Landmark

The Orthodox Church of Biarritz was built in 1892 at a time when Biarritz was an imperial city and had a lot of Russian visitors.

Pignada Forest

Historical Landmark

Rent a bike and cycle to this peaceful area located in Anglet.

Enjoy the extea (Basque home)

Historical Landmark

Enjoy the extea (Basque home)
Don't be surprised by the extea. They are the traditional houses (usually painted in white and red) of the Basque area.

Horse Riding

Historical Landmark

A very original way to discover the region's wildlife.

Cretes of Iparla

Historical Landmark

Cretes of Iparla
Located a few miles away from Biarritz, take a hike in the mesmerizing Cretes of Iparla.

La Rhune Old Train

Historical Landmark

La Rhune Old Train
Another nice way to get to La Rhune, the highest spot of the Basque region, and have a look over the Pyrenees Mountains.

Join at least one Feria

Historical Landmark

Join at least one Feria
No trip in the Basque region will not be complete without attending at least one of the local ferias (a fair or festival usually held to honor a patron saint) in the area.

Pamper yourself at Spa Alaena

Spa

Pamper yourself at Spa Alaena
Spending the day at the beach and partying all night long can be exhausting at times. Take a break from all this and indulge in some of the region’s specialties. Try a seawater treatment and come out rejuvenated.

Attend a rugby matches

Stadium

It might be possible if you come during the summer (rugby players go on vacation too) but if you stop by some other time during the year, going to a rugby match is something to do. Depending on who you’re talking to, you will be told to support the “B.O” (for Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque Rugby), the city’s rugby club or “l’Aviron” (for Aviron Bayonnais), the other big club of the region located in Bayonne and historical rival (some will say enemy) of the “B.O.”

Plan an excurision to San Sebastian

Natural Feature,Historical Landmark

Plan an excurision to San Sebastian
© philipus / Alamy Stock Photo
if you are staying longer than a weekend, you should definitively plan a day trip to San Sebastian. Another culinary haven of the region, you might want to try some pintxos and enjoy some of the other local food. If you are into cultural tourism, you will be pleased with the numerous museums and exhibitions in Donostia/San Sebastian that was elected in 2016 “Europe’s capital of Culture.”

Trips and Tours in France

Historical Landmark,Architectural Landmark

Trips and Tours in France
Léonard Cotte / unsplash
From Paris to the Loire Valley, the French Riviera and beyond, you can discover the very best of this beautiful country with the help of a local guide on one of the amazing multi-day tours in our France collection. Get browsing!
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