Tucked away in the French Basque Country, where the Atlantic meets rugged cliffs and golden sand, Biarritz is a great mix of surf culture, Belle Époque elegance, and relaxed and charming coastal town. Once a favorite holiday spot of European royalty, this French town has reinvented itself over the last few decades as a hub for surfers, creatives, and bohemian spirits. With its hip cafes, buzzing markets, world-class waves, and dramatic coastline, it’s no wonder Biarritz is often called the surf capital of France.
This little guide will take you through everything you need to know for a surfing holiday in Biarritz. Let’s discover where to catch the perfect wave and soak up the town’s stylish, soulful vibe when the surf is flat.
How to get there?
Biarritz is easy to reach despite its southern Atlantic location. Here are the most convenient options:
By Air: The Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) is just 4 km from the town center and is served by several international and domestic carriers, especially in the summer months. Direct flights are available from Paris, London, Dublin, Geneva, and more.
By Train: The Biarritz train station (Gare de Biarritz) is connected to the French high-speed TGV network. From Paris Montparnasse, the journey takes about 4 hours. There are also regional trains from Bordeaux, Bayonne, and other southwestern cities.
By Car: Driving gives you the freedom to explore the wider Basque coastline. Biarritz is just off the A63 motorway, about a two-hour drive from Bordeaux and 30 minutes from the Spanish border.
Once you’re in Biarritz, you won’t need a car to get around. Most beaches, surf spots, cafes, and shops are within walking or biking distance.
Surf-Friendly Accommodations
Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a mid-range traveler, or seeking stylish digs close to the waves, Biarritz has something for everyone. You will find plenty of options on the main booking platforms. Here are couple of outstanding places recommended for your surf trip.
Just a short walk from the Grand Plage, this laid-back hotel offers clean, surfer-friendly accommodations with great access to both the beach and the town. Some rooms even have a sea view.
Villa Etche-Gorria
A little further away from the beach, this sweet guesthouse located in a stylish villa will offer you tranquillity and peace. You will enjoy the afternoons in the garden and delicious breakfast. Check the website and choose your room here.
Hotel du Palais
If you are not traveling on a budget and looking for a great comfort after your surf, this is the right place. Once the summer home of Empress Eugénie, this historic palace is now a five-star hotel perched above the ocean. Expect grand decor, Michelin-starred dining, and exceptional service. Not your typical surf stay—but if you want to mix wave-riding with a royal experience, this is the place. You can book directly on the website. This hotel is part of hyatt group.
It’s no secret that the accommodation in Biarritz is not cheap. You will get the best deals when when traveling off season and booking in advance is of course strongly recommended. Check airbnb and homeexchange for great deals on shared apartments.
Surf Culture in Biarritz
Biarritz isn’t just a surf town—it’s a state of mind. Life here flows with the tides, and whether you’re a dawn-patrol surfer or a sunset-session cruiser, you’re part of the rhythm. Longboards leaning casually against café walls, locals with sun-bleached hair and wetsuits peeled halfway down sipping espressos or sipping a cold Basque cider, and the faint, familiar scent of surf wax in the salty breeze—this is the daily soundtrack of Biarritz.
What makes Biarritz stand out isn’t just the consistency of its waves, but the vibrant community around them. This is a town where surfboards are as common as bicycles, and locals of all ages—from teens to retirees—still hit the water every chance they get. The culture is open, creative, and inclusive, shaped as much by tradition as it is by innovation. Skateboards roll by beneath vintage denim, playlists drift out from beachside shacks, and art galleries hang surf photography alongside abstract watercolors.
Are you here to chase barrels or just catching your first foam ride? Either way, you’ll find that the surf scene is remarkably welcoming. Beginners are not only accepted—they’re embraced. Most instructors are passionate, patient, and fluent in both English and surf lingo. The town buzzes with a friendly, non-intimidating energy that invites you to relax, have fun, and improve at your own pace. It’s not uncommon to see seasoned locals sharing waves with wide-eyed first-timers, exchanging tips between sets or over a drink afterward.
For the more advanced or competitive crowd, Biarritz doesn’t disappoint. The town’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier surf destinations means it regularly draws elite athletes and international attention. It’s the birthplace of French surfing, after all, with roots going back to the 1950s. Today, it continues to evolve as a hotbed for surf innovation and style.
Biarritz plays host to some of the biggest surf events in France, drawing global talent and a party atmosphere to match. Let’s see some of them.
Biarritz Quiksilver Maider Arosteguy
Held annually over Easter weekend, this is one of the oldest and most respected surf competitions in Europe. It’s a community event as much as a professional contest, bringing together generations of surfers for a few days of friendly rivalry and serious wave-riding.
World Surf League Events
Though not a permanent fixture, Biarritz has served as a stage for WSL contests, especially during years when France hosts the QS (Qualifying Series). The town comes alive during these events, with film screenings, music, beach clean-ups, and pop-up parties dotting the coastline.
Surf Film Festivals and Art Exhibits
The town also embraces surf as an art form. Local venues frequently host surf film nights, photography exhibits, and live music—often blending the sport with the area’s deep appreciation for creativity and storytelling.
Above all, surfing in Biarritz is interwoven with the local lifestyle. The town truly celebrates surfers. Whether you’re here for a few days or settling in for a longer stay, you’ll find yourself pulled into this unique blend of ocean love, free-spirited living, and timeless Basque hospitality. From sun-drenched beach mornings to late-night wine-fueled conversations about the best breaks and boards, surfing in Biarritz is never just about the waves—it’s about being part of something bigger.
Top Surf Spots in Biarritz
As said, Biarritz offers spots for advances and begginers. Everybody will be able to ride the dream wave here and enjoy the vibes of th einternational surfing community. Once here, just go with the flow, ask the fellow surfers fro advice and enjoy this incredible town. Here couple of suggestions on the main spots:
Côte des Basques
This is Biarritz’s most iconic surf beach and the spiritual heart of its surf scene. Backed by cliffs and facing west toward the open Atlantic, it picks up plenty of swell and works best at mid- to low-tide. It’s a great place for beginners and longboarders, especially on smaller days.
Surf schools line the upper promenade and there’s a mellow vibe on the sand. The view of the Spanish coastline on a clear day is unbeatable.
Grande Plage
Located right in the heart of Biarritz, this beach offers fast, punchy waves and a more urban setting. It’s a favorite for shortboarders but can get crowded in peak season. It’s also one of the best spots to people-watch after your session.
Plage Marbella
Just south of the Côte des Basques, this lesser-known beach offers more powerful waves and fewer crowds. Recommended for more experienced surfers, especially on bigger swells.
Milady Beach
Further south, Plage de la Milady is a good alternative when other beaches are too crowded. It has consistent waves and attracts a more local crowd.
Board and wetsuit rentals are available at nearly every beach. A half-day rental typically costs around €15-20, and full-day packages with lessons start at around €40. You will also find many surf schools with professional instructors.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Hang Out?
The surf scene bleeds naturally into Biarritz’s hip, boho dining and nightlife culture. You’ll find health-conscious brunch spots, rustic wine bars, and taco joints filled with tanned surfers talking tide charts. If you are looking for veggie friendly options and good coffee, head to Café Miguel. Milwaukee Café serves delicious pancakes and Bonheur offers vegan-friendly food and smoothies in a beautiful courtyard. Check out also Le Surfing – this ultimate surfing hangout overlooking Côte des Basques offers casual beach dining. If you want to try the local tapas, head to Bar Jean.
No Waves? No Problem
Even if the ocean goes flat, Biarritz has more than enough to fill your day.
Explore the Old Town
Stroll through Les Halles, Biarritz’s lively market district, where you can sample Basque cheeses, fresh seafood, and pastries. The surrounding streets are filled with boutique shops, surf gear, and stylish fashion from local designers. Visit Cite de l’Océan – a futuristic museum dedicated to ocean exploration and marine science. If you are interested in the history, you must stop at Musée Historique de Biarritz – remember, there is much more than surfing here!
Explore!
If you want a break from the waves, go foa day trip outdise Biarritz! The little town of Bayonne is just 15 minutes away and it is full of medieval charm and famous for its chocolate and ham. Or head to San Sebastián – just over the border in Spain. Stay tuned becuase I am preparing a dedicated post about this foodie mecca. Remember that the Basque Country and the nearby Pyrenees offer lush hiking trails, mountain views, and traditional villages. Again, stay tuned because soon I will tell you more about where to hike while on a surf trip!
If you are tired of waves and looking for a bit of relax then Thalmar Thalassotherapy Center is a must for you. Ocean-view spa with saltwater pools, saunas, and massage treatments. Simply perfect after a long surf session.
Extra Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The surf season peaks in autumn (September to November) with consistent swells and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can get busy. Winter offers big waves but colder water.
- What to Pack: Bring a wetsuit (3/2mm in summer, 4/3mm in winter), reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
- Respect the Lineup: Local surfers appreciate respect and etiquette. Smile, take your turn, and enjoy the ride.
- Stay Flexible: Tides and swells change fast. Local surf shops and schools are happy to offer advice on where to go each day.
Biarritz is a rare gem where surf stoke meets sophisticated charm. Whether you’re paddling into your first green wave, carving along a clean break at Côte des Basques, or sipping espresso in a sun-drenched plaza, the energy of this town will seep into your soul. It’s a place that balances adventure and relaxation, where salt, sand, and style meet in perfect harmony.
So wax your board, grab your shades, and get ready for a surfing holiday in Biarritz that you’ll never forget.
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