Are you thinking about visiting Biarritz, France? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Biarritz worth visiting?
Biarritz is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the seaside town has to offer. Biarritz is a beautiful seaside town along the Basque Coast in France. It has grown into a popular tourist town with many surfing schools and long sandy beaches. Whether you're interested in a surfing holiday or just a relaxing trip to the beach, this is a nice destination. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Forbes Best Places to Travel in 2024.
Biarritz, France
Reasons to Visit Biarritz
Food
The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).
Nightlife
The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.
Resorts
You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.
Beaches
There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.
Shopping
The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.
Is Biarritz worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 22°C (72°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Biarritz, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable seaside town, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, take in the local charm, and enjoy the amenities of a resort. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Biarritz
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| August | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| September | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
Is Biarritz worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Biarritz. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 16°C (60°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to savor the small town atmosphere.
Autumn Weather in Biarritz
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| November | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| December | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
Is Biarritz worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Biarritz. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Biarritz can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine and the nightlife.
Winter Weather in Biarritz
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| February | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| March | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
Is Biarritz worth visiting in the Spring?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 12°C (54°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Biarritz, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the small town, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Biarritz
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| June | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Biarritz
Museums: Biarritz isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Biarritz might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Biarritz here or see if Biarritz is expensive here.
Related
What is Biarritz most famous for?
Biarritz is most famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is often described as relaxing, quirky, dynamic, and cultural.
What is the most famous sight in Biarritz?
The most popular sight in Biarritz is Grande Plage. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Biarritz on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Grande Plage and other attractions here.
How touristy is Biarritz? Is it a popular seaside town to visit?
Biarritz is a popular seaside town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
- Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
- Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
- Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Biarritz with official tour guide: $259
- Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
- Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
- Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
- Private guided tour of Bayonne with a licesend guide.: $201
How long should I spend in Biarritz?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Biarritz is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Biarritz has activities such as resorts, beaches, shopping, and dining, many visit for up to seven days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Biarritz?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Biarritz?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Biarritz?.
More Things to Do in Biarritz
- Is Côte des Basques Worth Visiting?
- Is La Grande Plage Worth Visiting?
- Is Plage du Port Vieux Worth Visiting?
- Is Biarritz Aquarium Worth Visiting?
- Is Phare de Biarritz Worth Visiting?
- Is Musée Historique de Biarritz Worth Visiting?
- Is Halles de Biarritz Worth Visiting?
- Is Rocher de la Vierge Worth Visiting?
- Is Musée Asiatica Worth Visiting?
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.