How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Biarritz Itinerary

Last Updated on 26th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Biarritz is the largest city in the French Basque Country and is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Thanks to its crashing waves, delightful mix of Basque and 19th-century architecture, and mouthwateringly tasty foodie scene, the city has been popular among holidaymakers since Napoleon and Josephine holidayed in the fishing town in the 19th-century. Here’s how to spend the perfect one day in Biarritz itinerary.

Is one day enough time in Biarritz?

If you want to get a feel for the town but are also hoping to visit some of the other towns and villages in the French Basque region, then one day is a sufficient amount of time to see the main attractions of Biarritz and enjoy picture perfect sea vistas.

For more Biarritz inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Biarritz. If you’re planning on spending several days in the region, be sure to check out our suggestions for how to spend a long weekend in the French Basque Country.

Suggested one day in Biarritz Itinerary

Breakfast

Begin your day in Biarritz the right way by indulging in a traditional French breakfast. Breakfast in France tends to be a rather light affair and typically consists of a coffee, pastry, and orange juice. During my time in Biarritz, I tested out a number of cafés and some of my favourites were No. 4 Coffee station and Coffee Ekia.

Visit Grande Plage

One of the main attractions in Biarritz that you’ll want to check out during your stay is Grande Plage, which is translated into English as ‘Big Beach’. If it’s the summer, then be sure to pack your swimming costume!

The beach itself is popular among sunbathers, surfers, and swimmers. There is a lifeguard on duty during the day from May through to October (though check exact times that they’re on duty while you’re visiting the beach as it changes throughout the year).

Take a surfing lesson

If you’re into surfing, then it’s worth noting that Biarritz’s prime position along the Atlantic Coastline means that it’s one of the best places to go surfing in France. If you’re interested in more information, you can book a surfing lesson with a local surf school.

Stroll along the coastline

If walking is more your speed, then a gentle stroll along the coastline will provide plenty of beautiful panoramic views. One spot I particularly love is a little tidal island which can only be reached via elevated walkway above the beach of Port-Vieux.

Museum of Biarritz

Those who are looking to discover even more about the history of Biarritz and its surrounds can head to the historical museum of Biarritz (Musée Historique de Biarritz).

Set against the backdrop of a former Anglican church, the museum showcases the history of Biarritz. Please note that the museum is mainly interesting if you speak French as most of the exhibitions are in French!

Visit the Market

If you’re looking to test out some of the local French Basque cuisine, then you’ll want to look no further than the market. Known as ‘Halles de Biarritz’ in French and dating all the way back to the latter half of the 19th-century, the market place is open from 7:30 AM to 2 PM on a daily basis.

Step inside during opening hours and you’ll be greeted with stands selling everything from freshly baked Basque cakes to locally produced spices and freshly grown fruits and vegetables. Some of the more popular places to grab a bite to eat include L’Ecaillerie oyster bar and Maison Balme for brasserie-style food.

Go shopping

If you’re the kind of person who likes to come away from a trip with a souvenir or two, then as well as the market, Biarritz has plenty of shopping opportunities.

Some of the most common souvenirs include espadrilles (the woven and canvas shoe actually originates in the region), chilli pepper products, local hams, Basque fabrics (there are stores dedicated entirely to linen sprinkled all over town), and woven baskets and bags.

Head to Bookstore Biarritz

One of the cutest bookshops in town is simply known as Bookstore Biarritz. Head inside to this independent bookshop, which is actually just a short walk away from the main beach and you’ll find plenty of unique and interesting tomes, as well as books about the local region.

Biarritz Lighthouse

After indulging in a hearty Basque lunch, make your way to the Biarritz Lighthouse. For a fee, you can climb the 248 steps to the top for stunning views of the town and the coastline.

It’s a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the coastal breeze. Even if you don’t opt to climb to the top, the surrounding grassy mound is on a headland high above the rest of the surrounding area and provides beautiful views onto the Basque coastline.

See Villa Belza

If there’s one building which you’ll see on countless postcards and spy in various photos of Biarritz, it’s Villa Belza. Unfortunately, this building is actually closed to the public but can still be admired from afar.

Villa Belza has seen plenty of uses over the years, including as a bunker during Nazi Occupation and as a hotel. Today, the Villa is closed to the public as it is in use as luxury apartments. The best place to see Villa Belza is undoubtedly at sunset from the entrance path which leads towards Rocher de la Vierge.

Enjoy sunset at Rocher de la Vierge

Free to visit, watching sunset at Rocher de la Vierge is the one activity you won’t want to miss during your short time in Biarritz. Translated as ‘Rock of the Virgin’ in English (named for the Virgin Mary), the rather unusual rock formation lies along the Biarritz coastline and resembles a ship’s hull.

Thanks to Biarritz’s position facing westwards, head to Rocher de la Vierge at golden hour and you can enjoy picture perfect views of the sun setting over the sea. I recommend heading to the area at least fifteen minutes before sunset during peak season in order to guarantee a good viewing spot!

Dinner at the Port des Pêcheurs

While in the Basque region, it would be a shame not to try some Basque cuisine. I suggest heading to one of the ‘crampotte’ (fishermens’ houses) restaurants to try local dishes such as Basque chicken, axoa (a minced meat dish) and Piperade (a pepper and tomato stew).

Don’t forget to pair your meal with a local wine. One particularly well-reviewed restaurant where you can enjoy plates to share such as locally caught fish and snails is Harremanak (on the site of what was once Crampotte 30).

Getting around Biarritz

Thanks to Biarritz’s fairly small and compact nature, it’s pretty easy to explore almost all of the town on foot and so be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes and leave the high heels at home. If you enjoy cheesy things, then there is a small tourist train which will take you around the coastline (just bear in mind that it’s cash only).

Where to stay in Biarritz

Hôtel du Palais Biarritz

For the ultimate taste of luxury during your South Western France stay, there is no place to stay in Biarritz other than the Hôtel du Palais. This grand palace is now listed as a historic monument and was constructed by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie.

Indeed, the shape of the palace is in an ‘E’. Since 1893, the complex has been used as a luxury hotel and is now owned by Hyatt. Now classed as a 5-star hotel, amenities include a pool, spa, and some rooms have a beach view. Check prices and availability here.

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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.