The French Basque coast, a step from Bilbao
Crossing the border opens up a world of stately villas, Atlantic beaches and French-Basque cuisine. From Bilbao or its airport, in just over an hour and a half you are in Biarritz, and a few minutes away, the jewel of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It is the perfect getaway for a long weekend.
Base route: Bilbao → Biarritz (1h30-1h45) → Saint-Jean-de-Luz (15-20 min) → return. All via the AP-8/A63.
Day 1: Biarritz, glamour and ocean
Start with the queen of the Basque coast. Must-sees:
- Grande Plage: the central beach, with its promenade and the Hôtel du Palais in the background.
- Rocher de la Vierge: the Virgin's rock linked to land by a footbridge attributed to Eiffel, with spectacular Atlantic views.
- Fishermen's port (Port des Pêcheurs): a picturesque corner with seafood restaurants.
- Le Casino and the belle époque architecture of the centre.
We dedicate a full article to what to see in Biarritz in a day.
Day 2: Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure
Just 15-20 minutes from Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a former whaling port turned elegant, quiet resort town:
- Bay and sheltered beach: one of the few calm-water beaches on the coast, ideal for families.
- Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste: where Louis XIV married, with its stunning wooden interior.
- Historic centre and shipowners' houses: with the Maison Louis XIV and the shopping street rue Gambetta.
- Ciboure: the neighbouring fishing village, across the harbour, birthplace of Maurice Ravel.
It is the perfect counterpoint to Biarritz's glamour: cosier, gastronomic and authentic.
Extra: charming inland villages
If you have a third day, it is worth visiting Ainhoa, Sare or Espelette (the town of the famous pepper), three of "the most beautiful villages in France", with their typical red-and-white French-Basque houses. They are half an hour by car from the coast.
How to get around on this getaway
Public transport in this area is limited and slow, and chaining Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the inland villages without your own car is complicated. The options:
- Taxi for the key transfers: from Bilbao Airport to Biarritz (and back) at a fixed price, the longest and most tiring part of the trip, solved with no transfers.
- Short local trips: between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz you can use the local French train or area taxis.
| Option | Price | Time | Door to door |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private taxi (fixed price) | From €185 / vehicle | ~1h30 – 1h45 | ✅ Yes |
| Bus (with transfers) | Variable + tickets | 2h30 – 3h | ❌ No |
| Train + transfer | Variable + tickets | 3h – 3h30 | ❌ No |
| Rental car | Rental + fuel + parking | ~1h45 | Partial |
The most comfortable approach is to book the Bilbao ↔ Biarritz transfer with us — the cross-border, long-distance part — and get around on foot or by local transport within the French Basque coast. Book at taxibilbaoaeropuerto.com.
When to make this getaway
The French Basque coast can be enjoyed all year, but each season has its charm:
- Spring and autumn: the best weather-to-calm ratio. Fewer people, softer prices and lovely light for strolling.
- Summer: maximum beach and terrace atmosphere, but also peak crowds and high-season prices. Book everything ahead.
- Winter: Biarritz keeps its elegance and cuisine; ideal for a quiet weekend getaway.
Approximate budget for the getaway
To plan, bear in mind these cost blocks:
- Bilbao ↔ Biarritz transfer: fixed price from €185 per vehicle each way (split between passengers, very reasonable).
- Accommodation: Biarritz tends to be pricier; Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure offer somewhat cheaper options.
- Meals: from a bistro set menu to fine dining; the market and crêperies help you adjust.
- Local transport: TER trains and area taxis for short trips between towns.
With kids or as a couple: who this route is for
It is a very versatile getaway. As a couple, it works for Biarritz's romantic touch and harbour dinners. With family, the sheltered beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz — with calm water — is a plus many Atlantic beaches lack. And for groups of friends, it combines beach, food and atmosphere. The taxi from Bilbao adapts to the group size with higher-capacity vehicles.
Food: don't leave without trying
- Gâteau basque and Saint-Jean-de-Luz macarons.
- Piperade and dishes with Espelette pepper.
- Ttoro, the fish soup typical of Ciboure and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Bayonne chocolate, with centuries of chocolate-making tradition.
- And on the way back, close the loop with the pintxos of San Sebastián on the Spanish side.