Awesome Biarritz Beaches For Surfing And Lounging In The Sand
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BIARRITZ HAS BEEN ON MY RADAR FOR YEARS.
In fact, it made my list of the top places to visit in 2025.
There’s something undeniably cool about the idea of a French surf town: elegant yet effortless, with echoes of mid-century surf culture rippling through its Belle Époque bones.
The more I read about Biarritz, the more curious I became.
Could a place that once drew European royalty really also be a laid-back surf capital?
TURNS OUT, YES.
This guide walks you through the best beaches in Biarritz, whether you’re there to surf, swim, or just lounge on the sand with a good book.
If you’ve already been to Paris and the Côte d’Azur and want a French destination that feels fresh but relaxed, then Biarritz might be your next favorite destination.
Awesome Biarritz Beaches For Surfing And Lounging In The Sand
Why Biarritz Is Famous For Its Beaches
During the Middle Ages, Biarritz was an outpost known for whaling.
But by the 18th century, the whale populations were gone.
As word spread of the therapeutic benefits of bathing in the oceans at Biarritz, the city slowly transitioned into a spa town.
Belle Époque Biarritz
In 1854, when Empress Eugénie (wife of Napoleon III) built a summer palace on the Atlantic coast, Biarritz gained a new level of caché and renown.
That building is now the Hôtel du Palais, a five-star beachfront retreat that still welcomes stylish visitors today.
SOON ROYALS AND ELITES WERE FLOCKING TO BIARRITZ.
The city still maintains much of this Belle Époque vibe through architecture and seaside promenades.
Biarritz Surfing Culture
Surfing in Biarritz began in 1956, when American producer Dick Zanuck was in town for the filming of “The Sun Also Rises.”
Upon seeing the waves of Biarritz, Zanuck phoned a friend in Hollywood and asked that his surf board be shipped to France.
Zanuck didn’t get to surf in Biarritz, though, so he left the board for his friend Peter Viertel to try.
The following year, a group of Frenchmen descended upon Biarritz with Viertel to surf.
This group would go on to be known as les Tontons surfeurs, or the elder statesmen of the sport on the Basque Coast.
TODAY, BIARRITZ IS CONSIDERED THE BIRTHPLACE OF EUROPEAN SURF CULTURE.
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The Best Beaches in Biarritz
Each beach in Biarritz has its own personality, from surf spots and sheltered inlets to the city’s main beach.
You don’t have to choose just one, but here’s how they all compare to one another.
I recommend visiting a couple different beaches during your visit to Biarritz.
You never know which one you’ll vibe with the most.
No. 1 – La Grande Plage
La Grande Plage is Biarritz’s main beach, a broad, sandy stretch lined with striped umbrellas and elegant oceanfront hotels.
COME HERE TO SUNBATHE, SWIM, OR WATCH THE WAVES CRASH AGAINST THE PROMENADE.
During the high season, this busy beach will be divided into sections for swimmers and surfers.
It’s also the best equipped in terms of amenities, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby for a quick lunch or beverage break.
No. 2 – Miramar Beach
Just north of La Grande Plage, Plage de Miramar offers a quieter escape.
The waves are strong here, so it’s not ideal for swimming.
But the peaceful vibe and beautiful scenery make it a perfect place to relax.
COME HERE WITH A BIG BEACH TOWEL, AN ENGROSSING BOOK, AND PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN.
It’s made for sunbathing and lingering.
No. 3 – Plage du Port Vieux
If you’re looking for calm water and a cozy cove, Plage du Port Vieux is your beach.
Protected by natural rock formations, it’s the best spot for relaxed swimming and bobbing in the waves.
That makes it popular among families, but also those who want a less windy, more relaxed beach experience.
FULL DISCLOSURE, THIS WAS MY FAVORITE BEACH IN BIARRITZ.
There’s just something so chic about strolling directly from the city’s Old Town to an intimate beach.
Come here when you only have a few hours of beach time, but want to make them worthwhile.
No. 4 – Côte des Basques
PLAGE DE LA CÔTE DES BASQUES IS WHERE BIARRITZ'S SURF CULTURE REALLY SHINES.
Backed by cliffs and framed by dramatic views of the Basque coastline, this beach stretches wide at low tide perfect for beginner lessons or leisurely walks along the shore.
There’s no better place to take in the surf scene, whether you’re zipping up your own wetsuit or just watching others catch waves.
Just be aware that this beach practically disappears during high tide.
(Read more about the best tide for surfing in Biarritz.)
No. 5 – Marbella Beach
Marbella Beach in the distance, at right.
Located south of Côte des Basques, Marbella Beach has a more local feel.
The waves here are bigger and rougher, which makes it popular with more advanced surfers.
There aren’t many amenities near the beach, though, so if you’re heading here for the day, bring your own snacks.
No. 6 – Milady Beach
Just south of Marbella, Milady Beach is a favorite among locals for its wide stretch of sand and relaxed atmosphere.
IT’S LESS POLISHED THAN THE CITY BEACHES, BUT THAT’S PART OF ITS CHARM.
Come here if you’re trying to avoid tourist crowds.
A paved promenade runs along the top, perfect for a sunset stroll, and there’s a small beachfront café where you can grab refreshments.
Surfing in Biarritz: What Beginners Should Know
You’ll find plenty of surf schools lining Côte des Basques and La Grande Plage.
THESE SURF SCHOOLS WELCOME ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS WITH PATIENT, KIND INSTRUCTORS.
Group and private lessons are both easy to book in person or online, and wetsuits and boards are included in the price.
If you’re planning to surf more than once, consider renting gear separately.
Most shops offer hourly or day rates and are located just steps from the beach.
Tide Considerations
One thing to keep in mind is that tide timing really matters, especially at Côte des Basques.
The beach essentially vanishes at high tide, which can limit both lounging and surf lesson availability.
LOW TIDE IS BEST, AS THE BEACH REVEALS WIDE, WALKABLE STRETCHES OF SAND AND GENTLER WAVES.
Tide Charts is a great app for checking tides worldwide.
Biarritz Beach Flag Rules
Safety signage at Biarritz beaches uses a colored flag system.
It’s a French system that keeps everyone informed about current conditions:
Green Flag – Safe to swim
Yellow Flag – Swim with caution, as there are moderate waves or strong currents
Red Flag – Swimming prohibited
Black & White Checkered Flag – Shared beach use, with separate zones for surfers and swimmers
IT’S IMPORTANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THESE FLAGS.
The Atlantic Ocean can be deceiving, even for experienced swimmers, and tides shift quickly.
In Biarritz, lifeguards are present at most main beaches during high season, and there are signs explaining the flag meanings.
How to Get to Biarritz
A painted tile map of Biarritz, hiding in the courtyard of Hôtel de Silhouette.
FROM WITHIN FRANCE, BIARRITZ IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY TRAIN.
It’s about a 2 hour train ride from either Bordeaux or Toulouse, and about a 4 hour train ride from Paris Montparnasse station.
Biarritz's main station is just a 10-minute taxi or bus ride from the city center.
The closest airport, Biarritz-Pays Basque Airport, is only about five minutes away.
It offers direct service to major cities like London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Geneva.
Thirty minutes away, the San Sebastián Airport offers direct flights to Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
(We actually rented a car in Bilbao and then drove to Biarritz with a quick stopover in San Sebastián.)
When To Visit Biarritz
The best time to visit Biarritz is from June through September, when the weather is warm and the beaches are at their best.
July and August are peak travel months, bringing crowds and higher prices, but also longer beach days.
June and September offer a sweet spot, since the city is still lively, but not at full capacity.
Most surf schools and beach cafés are still open, but you’ll have a bit more room to spread out your towel.
WE VISITED IN EARLY JUNE AND DESPITE A FEW TOUCH AND GO WEATHER DAYS, WE ENJOYED SOLID BEACH TIME AS WELL AS AN INCREDIBLE SURF LESSON.
Biarritz also hosts surf competitions and cultural festivals throughout the summer, so check the calendar if you’re looking for a specific experience.
How to Get Around Biarritz
Biarritz is compact and walkable, especially along the beachfront promenade.
MOST OF THE BEST BEACHES IN BIARRITZ ARE CONNECTED BY SCENIC WALKING PATHS.
While a car isn’t necessary to get around Biarritz, it’s a good idea if you want to take a day trip to nearby towns like Saint-Jean-de-Luz or San Sebastián.
Local buses and Ubers are available, though they can be scarce during peak summer hours.
Many visitors also rent electric bikes, which are perfect for getting from one beach to the next.
Conclusion
The beaches of Biarritz offer a little bit of everything, from classic strands to cliff-backed surf spots and quiet inlets.
You can swim in the open waves, sunbathe next to the Old Town, or take your first-ever surf lesson.
AND IF YOU'RE ON THE FENCE ABOUT SURFING, TRY IT!
I know it can feel intimidating at first, and if you’re anything like me then you might even be a little afraid.
But the truth is, Biarritz is one of the most beginner-friendly places to give surfing a chance.
The surf school instructors are encouraging and kind, and the vibe is relaxed yet optimistic.
EVEN FALLING OFF YOUR BOARD FEELS MORE LIKE FUN THAN AN EMBARRASSMENT.
But whether you're in Biarritz to surf, sunbathe, or simply soak up its distinct blend of elegance and ease, one thing is certain: you’ll leave feeling better than when you arrived.
Until next time,
Angela 🏄🏻♀️
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