A landscape of Biarritz City near Originals Hotels

Your travel guide to Biarritz

Located in the far south of France, a short distance to the Spanish border, Biarritz faces the Atlantic Ocean and is well-known as a city that attracts surfers among the many tourists who holiday in the French Basque country. In the nineteenth century, Biarritz became a fashionable seaside destination for gamblers who enjoyed its upmarket casinos. These days, the city is better known for its relaxed culture and spa centres, many of which focus on waterborne thalassotherapies. Visit Biarritz with the Originals Hotel’s travel guide; a must to discover all the things to do, see and taste!

Ocean, Sharing, Gastronomy

OUR HOTELS IN AND AROUND BIARRITZ

BIARRITZ : BE INSPIRED

What to do, to see, to hear...

What to check

The weather report if you're coming for the big waves that sometimes roll in from the Bay of Biscay because they vary greatly.

Where to go out

The city has a vibrant nightlife with a number of nightclubs to choose from, many of which are a stone's throw from the beaches.

Where to shop

Place Clémenceau and the Old Port are great places to find independent boutiques. Fashion-hungry shoppers can also find plenty to choose from in the Saint Charles quarter.

Sport watching

Rugby is one of the big sports in this part of France and Biarritz is justly proud of its team which has won many championships. Buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment if you're going for a home game.

To surf

As well as surfing, there is plenty to attract golfers near the city. The attractive Centre International d’Entraînement d’Ilbarritz has four different gold schools to hone your game at.

To gamble

Even if you don't gamble, a trip to the city's famous large casino is worth it because of all of tits Art Déco splendour.

To wear

The famous Basque beret.

To offer itself

A thalasso.

To scream

Aupa BO, the rallying cry of supporters of the Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque, the city's rugby club.

Transports in Biarritz

Biarritz Pays Basque Airport is only a few miles outside of the city centre with services that run from Birmingham, Stansted and numerous other French cities. The railway station is served by French express (TGV) services from Paris and you can also catch connections to Nice. Driving from Santander, which has ferry services from Plymouth, would take under three hours.

WHEN TO GO TO BIARRITZ ?

Some of the biggest waves are to be found in the springtime but most visitors come to Biarritz for their summer holidays when the beaches are at their sunniest. A huge firework display takes place on the beach every 14th July to celebrate Bastille Day. There is also an annual classical piano festival which runs from the end of July into early August. Christmas markets are also held in December and these are becoming increasingly popular with tourists.

WHAT TO DO IN BIARRITZ ?

Whether you are seeking some action or a relaxing break, Biarritz has it all.

ENJOY THE CAFE CULTURE

As well as its many restaurants, Biarritz has some great cafés, such as Laketua and Bar du Polo, where you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

KICK BACK AND RELAX AT A WELLNESS CENTER

Therapeutic spa days can be enjoyed at numerous centres, like Thalmar, situated on Marbella Beach, for example. 

A STROLL TO POINTE SAINT-MARTIN

A stroll to Pointe Saint-Martin is a good idea for getting some great snaps of the waterfront. This headland features an old lighthouse and some great public gardens. 

The best restaurants in Biarritz

Although you can enjoy tapas dining in many bars around Biarritz, if you want to indulge in some gastronomy, then try booking a table at restaurants like Le Galion, Le Clos Basque or Chez Albert.