Free walking tours in Biarritz and what to see

Must-sees

Biarritz went from whaling port to elegant resort in the 19th century, when Eugénie de Montijo and Napoleon III built their villa here, now the grand hotel overlooking the Grande Plage. That stately air shows in the casino, the villas and the clifftop walks. The town’s symbol is the Rocher de la Vierge, a rock crowned by a statue and reached by a metal footbridge over the waves. Next to it is the small fishermen’s harbour, with huts and restaurants.

You can walk the coast from end to end. To the north, the lighthouse offers a good view of the Basque coast and the beaches of Anglet. To the south, the Côte des Basques beach is a historic surf spot, with the Pyrenees in the background on clear days. For a rainy day there are the Aquarium and the Cité de l’Océan, devoted to the ocean. The Russian Orthodox church recalls the Belle Époque holidaymakers.

Free tours and guided visits

Biarritz has no regular free walking tour. What you will find are guided tours of the town, a private tour and a Segway ride along the coast. For day trips, there is a tour combining Bayonne, Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and another inland passing through Espelette, Ainhoa and the Zugarramurdi caves, across the border in Navarre.

How long to spend

Biarritz can be seen in a day: the seafront, the Rocher de la Vierge, the harbour and the lighthouse, with time for the beach. Most people stay three or four days to add Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the inland villages, or to take a surf lesson. In summer the town fills up, so book accommodation early.

Where to stay

The most convenient place to stay is near the Grande Plage and the centre, with everything within walking distance and more restaurants. If you are going to surf, the Côte des Basques area is the most practical. Anglet and Bayonne, very close by, usually have more choice and slightly lower prices, with good transport to Biarritz.