What to do in Biarritz in one day?

Written by Ludivine Huard

Published on November 2, 2024

Biarritz needs no introduction... the queen of beaches and beach of kings! But behind its allure as a grande dame, this former fishing port turned imperial city has much more to offer than its “bling-bling” side. Why not take a fresh look at this emblem of the Basque Country? We'll take you through our top 5 things to do in Biarritz in 24 hours!

1. Recharge your batteries around Lake Mouriscot

A gentle start to the day at the Lac Mouriscot nature reserve. This bucolic site, nestled in the Négresse district, is protected and partly classified as “Natura 2000”. It's the ideal place to recharge your batteries for a walk or jog through its 110 hectares of greenery.

As early as the 1880s, wealthy families built estates around the lake. Even today, the park has the atmosphere of a private place. Mouriscot's calm invites you to get some fresh air away from the hustle and bustle.

2. Stroll from Port des pêcheurs to Rocher de la Vierge

Head for the coast! As we all know, Biarritz was originally a modest fishing village. And the true vestige of this past is, of course, the port. It sits on a small cove lined with “crampottes”, the typical sailors' huts. And wouldn't it be a good time to take a lunch break in one of the fish restaurants?

Once you've had your fill, resume your walk along the cliff face. Along the way, stop off at the Atalaye plateau to enjoy the view and feast your eyes (that's what we're here for, after all).

As you make your way down the slope, nestled on its rock, the Madonna awaits you at the end of the footbridge. The statue was erected in 1865, to thank the Virgin for bringing the fishermen back to port after a terrible storm. It is now an inseparable symbol of the town.

3. Surfing Belharra without losing a drop (and without taking any!)

It's hard to describe the Basque coast without talking about surfing... and especially Belharra! This legendary wave, which can reach a height of 20 metres, forms between Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. And naturally, it attracts the world's most experienced surfers.

But you don't have to be a pro to touch this giant with your very eyes! The Cité de l’Océan offers you the chance to surf it in virtual reality. Thanks to the film “Vivez Belharra” , directed by Pierre Lapeyrade with the participation of a number of surfers, you can dive right into the heart of the wave... without getting wet!

After your adrenaline rush, discover the other experiences (virtual or real) offered by the facility to better understand the ocean and its inhabitants.

Sublime vague pour les surfeurs à Biarritz

4. Escape to the Bookstore

Don't miss Biarritz's most vintage bookshop! Located on the chic Place Clémenceau, Bookstore boasts a décor from another era.

Formerly a Chanel boutique, then a photography workshop, it was in 1970 that this space became a charming bookshop. Its British frontage, hushed interior and cramped nooks and crannies make for a unique atmosphere, perfect for strolling among the books.

5. End the day with a sunset at the Biarritz lighthouse

Ahhh the sunset... a Biarritz classic! And there's no shortage of places to admire it: the Côte des Basques, the Rocher de la Vierge... But in our opinion, there's nothing like ending the day on the Pointe Saint-Martin, home to the famous lighthouse. The view from this cliff is truly panoramic! To the left of the lighthouse stretch the Pyrenean mountains and the Spanish horizon, while to the right stretches the Basque-Landes coastline.

You can either relax on the terrace of the Pavillon du Phare and enjoy the view over an aperitif, or take the cliff path to find a more intimate spot (a secret only Biarritz can offer).