Surfers’ paradise.
The sport of surfing came to Europe in 1957, directly to Biarritz from California. From that point on, the chic seaside resort became a hotspot for surfers and thus Europe’s surfing capital. If you are learning surfing or would like to extend your knowledge, you will find numerous surfing schools at the Grand Plage. There are also shops with boards, neoprene suits and other accessories. And after surfing, you can philosophise about the perfect wave at tapas bars with the like-minded.
Thalasso therapy.
Thalassotherapy has been a popular treatment method since the 19th century. In Biarritz, you can put together your personal programme at thalassotherapy centres, with a variety of applications such as mud and algae baths, fortifying showers, seawater steam baths, therapeutic aqua aerobics and much more.
Sights of interest in Biarritz.
Stroll or bike along the beach promenade. Visit the luminous, 70-metre-high Phare de Biarritz lighthouse at the Grand Plage and climb the 248 steps of the spiral stairway (open for admission in July and August): the view across Biarritz is breathtaking. The world-famous Rocher de la Vierge rocky reef on the fishing harbour is accessible via a small iron pedestrian bridge, erected by Gustav Eiffel in 1887. Look upwards to the white statue of the Holy Virgin and enjoy the unforgettable view of the sea and coast. Go to the Musée de la Mer. The Art Deco building from the 1930s is worth a visit for its architecture alone.
Trips to the Basque country.
Biarritz is the ideal starting point for hikes in the green mountain countryside or along the coast. The two neighbouring municipalities of Anglet and Bayonne (home to the ‘L’Atelier du Chocolat’ chocolate factory) which merge into Biarritz are also worth seeing. In medieval Ainhoa, the last village before the Spanish border, be sure to visit the red half-timbered houses and the church from the 14th century. And last but not least, the Spanish towns of San Sebastián with its equally good surfing beach, and Bilbao with the Guggenheim Museum, are not far away.
Typical souvenirs.
Espadrilles, which were originally made in the Basque region, the shortcrust Gâteau Basque tart, Piment d’Espelette red pepper, Ossau-Iraty sheep cheese or striped linen are characteristic products of the Basque country and make perfect gifts.
