Biarritz, elegance by the Atlantic
Biarritz was the favourite resort of 19th-century European aristocracy, and that belle époque heritage still lingers in its villas, its grand casino and its ocean-front promenades. Today it combines that stately air with a vibrant surf culture and top-class cuisine. A single day is enough to capture its essence.
Walking itinerary: the must-sees
1. Grande Plage and the promenade
Start at the Grande Plage, Biarritz's central beach, with its golden sand, striped bathing tents and the imposing Hôtel du Palais — former summer residence of Napoleon III and Eugénie de Montijo — overlooking the promenade.
2. The Casino of Biarritz
Next to the beach stands the Casino Barrière, a 1920s art deco building, symbol of elegant Biarritz. Even if you don't gamble, it is worth seeing from outside and enjoying the seafront atmosphere.
3. Rocher de la Vierge
The city's icon: the Virgin's Rock, a sea crag crowned by a statue of the Virgin and linked to land by a metal footbridge attributed to Gustave Eiffel. The views of the Atlantic and the coast are spectacular, especially in heavy swell.
4. Fishermen's port (Port des Pêcheurs)
A charming corner of colourful huts and small fish restaurants, tucked between rocks. Perfect for a food stop.
5. Biarritz lighthouse (Phare)
At the northern tip, the 73-metre lighthouse offers, after climbing its steps, one of the best panoramas of the city, the beaches and the coastline as far as the Landes.
Where to eat in Biarritz
- Seafood and fish at the Port des Pêcheurs.
- Gâteau basque and chocolates (Biarritz has a chocolate-making tradition since the 17th century).
- Les Halles market: the covered market, ideal for tasting local produce and snacking French-style.
Museums and plans with kids
If you travel with family or the weather doesn't cooperate, Biarritz has very interesting indoor alternatives:
- Aquarium of Biarritz (Musée de la Mer): with sharks, seals and the fauna of the Bay of Biscay; one of the favourite plans with kids.
- Cité de l'Océan: an interactive museum dedicated to the ocean and surf, very educational.
- Chapelle Impériale: a small architectural gem commissioned by Eugénie de Montijo.
They are all in or very near the centre, so they fit easily into a day trip that starts and ends with the taxi.
How to get to Biarritz from Bilbao
From Bilbao Airport (BIO) it is about 145 km and 1h30-1h45 via the AP-8, crossing the border into France. As it is a day trip, comfort matters: the door-to-door taxi drops you in central Biarritz with no transfers and no parking problem (parking in Biarritz is expensive and scarce, especially in summer).
| 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 |
You can book your taxi from Bilbao to Biarritz as a same-day round trip, adjusting the pick-up time to your plan. Book at taxibilbaoaeropuerto.com.
A little further: Anglet and Bayonne
If your day is going well or you want a different version, two neighbouring destinations deserve a mention:
- Anglet: next to Biarritz, famous for its kilometres of surf beaches and its pine forest. Perfect to round off the day with more beach atmosphere.
- Bayonne: 15 minutes away, the historic capital of the French Basque Country, with its Gothic cathedral, Vauban's ramparts, the Nive river and half-timbered houses. Home of chocolate and Bayonne ham.
The taxi can adapt the route if you want to combine Biarritz with one of these points.
Hour-by-hour itinerary (reference)
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Departure from Bilbao, arrival in Biarritz. Grande Plage and promenade, casino. |
| Midday | Rocher de la Vierge and fishermen's port. Seafood lunch. |
| Afternoon | Lighthouse and panoramas, Les Halles market, shopping and chocolate. |
| Return | Taxi pick-up and return to the airport or Bilbao. |
How much a day in Biarritz costs
Most of Biarritz's attractions are free: the beaches, the promenade, the Rocher de la Vierge and the port cost nothing. Only the lighthouse (climb) and museums like the Cité de l'Océan or the Aquarium charge admission. The main expense of the day is usually food and the transfer, which with the fixed-price taxi from Bilbao you have closed in advance.
Tips to make the most of your day in Biarritz
- Start early: leaving Bilbao in the morning gives you the whole day in Biarritz.
- Comfortable shoes: the itinerary is entirely on foot and there are slopes and stairs (Rocher, lighthouse).
- Carry ID or passport: you cross into France, and although there is no fixed control, there may be occasional ones.
- Avoid the car: parking in Biarritz is expensive and tricky in season; the taxi saves you that problem.
- Combine destinations: if you have time to spare, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is 15-20 minutes away. See it in our Basque coast route.