Things to Do in Biarritz: 6 Must-See Spots

The symbol of Biarritz is on a rocky islet facing the sea, connected to land by a metal footbridge. It is the city's most iconic and visited landmark.

• Metal footbridge built by Eiffel’s workshops in 1887
• Views of the Atlantic Ocean and the entire Basque coast
• Legend of the shipwrecked whalers and the Virgin statue
• Next to the Biarritz Aquarium and Port Vieux beach

The symbol of Biarritz sits on a rocky islet facing the sea. A metal footbridge, crafted by Eiffel's workshops since 1887, connects it to the mainland. From the top, the entire view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Basque coast unfolds before you; the water has carved arches right into the rocks. On the islet stands a white statue of the Virgin and Child. Legend says that one stormy night, the whalers of Biarritz were shipwrecked, and a strange light guided them to land; in gratitude, they placed the image there, which continues to bless the return of the fishermen. My advice: go early in the morning before the groups arrive. It's one of the most visited spots in the city, and you'll enjoy the footbridge much more with fewer people. The Biarritz Aquarium and Port Vieux beach are right next door, so you can easily spend an entire morning in the area without ever leaving the seaside.

A port featuring 66 white cottages and colorful shutters, just yards from downtown. It is the most authentic corner of Biarritz's whaling heritage.

• 66 white cottages with colorful shutters
• Old warehouses for fishing gear
• Bars and restaurants right by the moorings
• Yards away from downtown, next to the Sainte-Eugénie Church

It looks like a small village, but it's actually a port. The Port des Pêcheurs preserves 66 white cottages with colorful shutters—the old warehouses where fishing gear was stored. They are owned by the city and cannot be purchased. Renting them isn't easy for just anyone either: you need to have a boat moored in the port, be a resident of Biarritz, and wait on a list that usually takes around ten years. The port is just steps from downtown, next to Sainte-Eugénie Church, and bars and restaurants line the area around the moorings. It’s one of the best places to eat fish in a local, unpretentious atmosphere. My advice: arrive hungry and grab a seat on a terrace overlooking the cottages; the plan speaks for itself.

Right in the heart of Biarritz on Rue des Halles, the covered market opens every morning at 7. It is your mandatory gastronomic stop to taste the Basque Country.

• 1885 building on the site of a former jeu de paume court
• Fish, seafood, wine, truffles, cheese, and foie gras
• Open daily from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Surrounding bars and restaurants to eat local products

Built in 1885 on the site of a former jeu de paume court, this building is pure 19th-century style. Its fame comes from the fish and seafood stalls—unsurprising, given the city's coastal soul—but you'll also find wine, truffles, cheese, foie gras, Basque meats, fruits, and vegetables. It is, quite simply, the central food market of Biarritz. It opens every day from 7 AM to 2 PM. Stalls follow one after another inside; outside, bars and restaurants wait for you to taste market-fresh products on the spot. The atmosphere is among the liveliest in the city and it's a perfect place to pick up a culinary souvenir. In the historic district, just steps from Les Halles, there are two sweet stops worth your time: the Maison Adam pastry shop, famous for its macarons and gâteaux basques, and the Henriet chocolate shop, where they sell Rochers de Biarritz. My advice: get there early, pick your fish, and then sit down at one of the neighboring bars.

The lighthouse marks the northern limit of Biarritz's sandy shores on the Saint-Martin point. Climbing its 248 steps comes with a reward: the best panoramic view of the coast.

• 248 steps to the top
• Views of the Atlantic, the beaches, and the Pyrenees
• Built in 1834 over 230 feet above the sea
• At the border between the Landes coast and the Basque coast

The lighthouse was built in 1834 on Cape Heinsart, more than 230 feet above sea level, at the point where the sands of the Landes give way to the rocks of the Basque Country. It sits between Biarritz and Anglet, just north of Miramar Beach. Climbing the 248 steps isn't an exhausting trek, but you should take your time. From the top, you can see the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches of Biarritz, and the Pyrenees in the background; to the north, you can spot the Landes coast. The panoramic view justifies every single step. My advice: pick a clear morning and climb without rushing. The view of the Pyrenees is worth it, and the walk down toward Miramar Beach makes the visit a complete outing.

The history of European surfing begins on this beach. The Côte des Basques is the most legendary sandy shore in Biarritz.

• Birthplace of surfing in France and Europe
• Over 15 surf schools in the city
• At high tide, there is practically no sand left
• One of the best sunsets in Biarritz

It was here that surfing first reached France and Europe. The story goes that writer Peter Viertel rode the waves of this beach in 1957 while accompanying his wife, Deborah Kerr, for a film shoot, leaving locals in total shock. Since then, the Côte des Basques has never stopped seeing boards in the water. It remains popular among surfers, from experts to beginners, and the city boasts over 15 surf schools. A heads-up: at high tide, the beach almost completely loses its sand, so you'll want to check the tides before heading down. If you don't feel like getting wet, the upper boardwalk is one of the best spots for sunset. On the left side, Villa Belza keeps watch—a neo-medieval building constructed in the 1880s on a rock, now divided into apartments. It's one of the most photographed buildings in the city and one of the easiest to capture from this beach.

An Art Deco building facing the Rock of the Virgin has been guarding the sea since 1933. The Biarritz Aquarium is the quintessential family visit.

• Over 150 species from the Bay of Biscay to the Caribbean
• Sharks, rays, turtles, and seals
• Care center for injured animals in winter
• 1933 Art Deco building, the former Museum of the Sea

The Biarritz Aquarium has occupied a magnificent Art Deco building since 1933, back when it was known as the Museum of the Sea. Located right on the coast facing the Rock of the Virgin, it not only reviews local maritime history but also exhibits over 150 species from the Bay of Biscay, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. Sharks, rays, turtles, and seals are the stars of the show. In the winter, the aquarium also serves as a care center for injured or weakened animals. It’s a visit designed for families, but also for anyone wanting to understand why this city has spent centuries looking out to sea. If you're still craving more of the ocean, the Cité de l'Océan is next to Milady Beach, almost on the border with Bidart. The plan there is different: an interactive museum where you can try virtual surfing, facing waves like Belharra or the Mundaka left.