Co-work, Surf, Repeat: A Guide for digital nomads in Biarritz

Biarritz is where wild Atlantic waves meet Belle Époque charm. Once a favorite of royalty, today it’s a playground for surfers, creatives, and increasingly, digital nomads. If you’ve ever dreamed of mixing beach life with productive workdays, Biarritz might just be your next base.

Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of remote work life in this surfy seaside town.

Why Biarritz?

Biarritz is the kind of place that quietly wins you over. Perched on France’s southwest coast, it blends the elegance of a historic seaside resort with the easygoing attitude of a surf town. You’ll find 19th-century villas and palm-lined promenades just steps from wild Atlantic waves and local fish markets. It’s a city where surfers walk barefoot through streets lined with chic boutiques, and where a casual morning café stop might turn into a conversation about startups or surf conditions.

For remote workers, Biarritz offers the sweet spot between stimulation and calm. It’s lively without being chaotic, social without being crowded. The town has embraced the digital age with a growing number of coworking spaces, solid internet, and a welcoming community of freelancers, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

Add to that a vibrant food scene, fresh ocean air, incredible natural scenery, and the ability to surf before breakfast or hike after work—and you have a lifestyle that’s both productive and deeply restorative. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal base or a longer stay, Biarritz makes it easy to slip into a rhythm that feels sustainable and inspiring.

It’s not just a place to get work done—it’s a place to live well while doing it.

Where to Work: Coworking & Cafés

While Biarritz isn’t overflowing with coworking spaces like Lisbon or Berlin, what it does have is well-curated and community-focused.

  • Le Local coworking– A stylish, well-equipped space just 5 minutes from the beach. Great for productivity and networking.
  • Le Connecteur – Technically in nearby Bayonne (15 mins away), this massive space offers private offices, hot desks, events, and even yoga classes.
  • Coffee Spots with Wi-Fi:
    • Milwaukee Café – Good coffee, comfy seats, and a calm vibe.
    • Café du Palais – Centrally located, with outdoor seating and decent internet.

Tip: Biarritz cafés are not always “laptop-friendly” for long hours, so coworking is your best bet if you need full workdays.

Where to Surf Before or After Work

You’re not living in Biarritz just to sit indoors. Fortunately, surf is always just a few minutes away.

  • La Grande Plage – Right in town, this beach offers accessible waves for intermediate surfers.
  • Côte des Basques – Iconic longboard spot with epic sunset views. Popular, so early sessions are golden.
  • Marbella Beach – Quieter and more rugged. Great for a post-work paddle out when the swell is right.

Local surf schools like Jo Moraiz Surf School or Hastea Surf School offer rentals, lessons, and even long-term packages perfect for nomads who want to level up.

Want to find out more about surfing in Biarritz? Check my dedicated post here.

Living in Biarritz as a Digital Nomad

Finding short- or medium-term rentals in Biarritz can be tricky (especially in summer), so plan ahead. Airbnb and Spotahome are useful, or try local Facebook groups for furnished flats.

Best areas to stay:

  • Biarritz Centre – Walkable to everything.
  • Les Halles – Trendy with lots of cafés and a food market.
  • Milady – More relaxed, close to quieter beaches.

Life Outside Work & Surf

Biarritz isn’t just waves and Wi-Fi—it’s also full of charm:

  • Les Halles Market is buzzing with fresh produce and oysters
  • Head for a weekend escape to San Sebastián (1hr), the villages of the Basque interior, or hike in the Pyrenees. Check my dedicated post about hiking in Basque Country here.
  • Remember to take care of your body and soul. Many surf schools offer yoga classes, and there are studios scattered around town.

And don’t forget Basque cuisine: Try axoa, piperade, or just settle in with a glass of Irouléguy wine and tapas.

Best time to work and surf in Biarritz

  • Spring (April–June): Fewer crowds, consistent surf, and mild weather.
  • Autumn (September–October): Post-summer bliss—warm seas, great surf, and a slower pace.
  • Summer is fun but very busy (and pricey). If you can handle the crowds, it’s alive with events.

Biarritz isn’t the cheapest or most plugged-in digital nomad hub—but that’s part of its appeal. It’s a place where your day might start with a dawn surf, flow into focused deep work at a coworking desk, and end with a glass of wine overlooking the Atlantic.

Cowork. Surf. Repeat. That’s the rhythm here—and it’s a pretty good one.

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