A Charming Seaside Town Known As The 'Surfing Capital Of France' Boasts Awesome Beaches

Right on the Bay of Biscay in French Basque Country lies Biarritz, arguably one of Europe's best surf towns. Often dubbed the "Surfing Capital of France," it has a surfing culture rooted in history, going back to when Californian filmmakers first rode its waves in the 1950s. Today, the town's appeal runs much deeper than the ocean swell. Its sun-drenched promenades, Belle Époque grandeur, and elegant history blends seamlessly with world-class surf breaks. Vacationing European royals were once drawn here by its therapeutic waves — the Hôtel du Palais was a palatial home to Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie. Today, surfers and holidaymakers alike flock to ride those same waves and soak up the coastal beauty.

The town itself is a stroll back in time, with narrow lanes, preserved historical villas, and charming peaks like the Rocher de la Vierge. Packed with surf shops, fresh seafood spots, bars with panoramic views, and iconic markets such as Les Halles, every corner offers something new to check out.

Still, for surfers, Biarritz is a playground. Legend has it Hollywood screenwriter Peter Viertel first put Biarritz on the map as a surfing mecca after he was seen catching waves on his downtime from shooting "The Sun Also Rises." Nowadays, the city has around 20 surfing schools spread out for travelers looking to learn or improve on their skills. At the heart of Biarritz's surfing culture is La Maison du Surf (the House of Surf), celebrating all-things-surfing and offering a retrospective of the sport and culture in Biarritz going back to the 1960s. After a day catching waves, surfers can explore its surf library, art exhibitions, and surfing films. And if you time your visit right, you may catch one of the town's many competitions and surf festivals, like the Queen Classic.

Start your mornings at La Grande Plage, a sandy arc overlooked by the Casino Municipal de Biarritz, an art deco building built in 1929. Then head to Côte des Basques, the birthplace of French surfing, where long, calmer waves (great for longboarders — check out these 15 types of surfboards) and high cliffs offer dramatic backdrops and ideal surfing conditions. Don't worry if you're new to the sport; Biarritz doesn't exclude beginners. The north side of this beach has a sandbank that allows newer surfers to test the swell at their own pace, while advanced surfers can stick to the south end for stronger waves.

Biarritz may have earned its nickname from its embrace of surfing culture, but the town's coastline is rich with seaside activities for all types of travelers. La Grande Plage is popular for sunbathing, swimming, people-watching, and shopping right on the promenade. For a quieter dip, toss your towel down at Port Vieux. This intimate cove is sheltered from currents and waves, making it perfect for peaceful wading and swimming. Lifeguards are also on duty during the summer.

Museum lovers should check out the Cité de l'Océan et du Surf, an immersive museum marrying science, interactive exhibits, and local oceanography — you can even catch epic waves virtually right from the safety of land. Adjacent to the Rocher de la Vierge sits the Biarritz Aquarium for a closeup look at marine life. Visitors should also make time to climb to the top of Phare de Biarritz, a lighthouse built in 1834 that sits 240 feet above sea level, offering excellent views of the entire region. And for a closer look at the town's port history, visit the Port des pêcheurs, where fisherfolk still bring in early morning catches.

To truly savor Biarritz, plan your visit sometime from May to September — bearing in mind that the most crowded months will be peak summertime, particularly August. Getting there is straightforward — if you're coming from Paris, the TGV connects to Biarritz in under five hours. Low-cost flights from several European budget airlines also land just a few miles from town at Biarritz airport, less than a half-hour by bus to the seafront. The town itself is super walkable, so be sure to bring comfy shoes. However, public transit options also make it easy to get around.

Biarritz offers a range of accommodations for both budget and bougie travelers — from majestic oceanfront resorts ($300 to $500 a night) to cozy private rentals, small villas, and budget hotels and hostels. Still, it's a popular destination chock-full of European appeal, so plan to spend at least $150 to $200 a day on average. Dining here is a gastronomic delight, with Basque pintxos, fresh seafood, regional cheeses, and more local specialties. Plus, a list of Michelin-recognized restaurants make it worth an extended stay for foodies. It's nearly impossible to list a short selection of "best of" restaurants in Biarritz, but some common mentions no matter who you ask include L'Impertinent, Cheri Bibi, La Table d'Aurélien Largeau, and AHPĒ. Auberge 22 is a top pick for steak lovers, and La Casa Juan Pedro is often mentioned for its fresh seafood and waterfront views. 

Whether you come for the surf, the seafood, or seaside relaxation, this coastal darling proves that France's best beach escapes don't have to be on the Riviera. In this case, the wind-kissed Basque coast has everything you need for a completely distinct experience just five hours from the French capital.