Basque Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Biarritz featuring a beach
Basque Coast
Grand Beach which includes rugged coastline, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Basque Coast
Saint Martin Church featuring a cemetery

France’s Basque Coast faces the Atlantic Ocean and is home to the greatly contrasting Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye.

With a strong culture, way of life and identity, the Basque Coast is brimming with natural, historical and gastronomical treasures waiting to be discovered.

Bayonne, to the north of the coast, is famous for its festivals. Thousands of festival-goers dressed in red and white head there each summer to enjoy five days of celebrations, including bull fighting, bull running, parades, traditional bands, concerts and fireworks. Outside the holiday season, Bayonne is a small and pleasant town and a great place to live. Petit Bayonne, located between the Adour and Nive rivers, is a popular place to take a stroll and enjoy a coffee.

Anglet is sandwiched between its two neighbours, Bayonne and Biarritz. Its eleven beaches have earned it the nickname “Little California”. It is an ideal spot for surfing, and hosts many popular competitions. One of the best-known beaches is the so-called “Lovers’ Bedroom” beach. Legend says that two cursed lovers were surprised by the rising tide and drowned in the cave on the beach. Today, a plaque stands in front of the cave, telling this tale.

Formerly a fishing village, modern Biarritz is an eclectic mix of Basque, Belle Époque and Art Deco architecture, making it a charming and highly unusual city. It is an ideal destination for a romantic weekend getaway or for relaxing with the family. The city’s iconic symbol, the Rock of the Virgin, is not to be missed. If you don’t have time to enjoy the Grand Plage, head to the casino or visit the sea museum, where you can find sharks, sea lions and other marine animals.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a pretty fishing town and former privateers’ town. The charming narrow streets of the city centre are filled with chic boutiques nestled in typically Basque buildings with white and red façades. The Grand Plage is ideal for families and swimmers as the waves are not strong. If you enjoy surfing, ride the rollers at Lafiténia or Cénitz beaches. For foodies, the daily market is the perfect place to fill your basket with traditional local produce (Espelette pepper, hake, Basque cakes and many other delights).

Hendaye is the last coastal town before Spain. As with all the towns on the Basque coast, visitors can enjoy the beach and waves or go hiking. While in Hendaye, why not cross the border for a taste of Spanish Basque Country and spend a day in beautiful San Sebastian? You won’t be disappointed!

Beaches, surfing, Basque pelota, traditions and delicious cuisine are what you can expect during your holiday on the Basque Coast, one of France’s most beautiful regions. The area is easily accessible by getting a ferry to Bilbao in neighbouring Spain and driving east. Alternatively, you can fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Airport or Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport from a range of UK airports and hire a car to get around.

Where to stay in Basque Coast

Old Harbor which includes a bay or harbour

Biarritz City Centre

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

Biarritz City Centre is popular for its seaside views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Casino Barriere or Grand Beach.

Biarritz City Centre
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Iraty

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Iraty, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lac Marion and Lake of Mouriscot.

Iraty
Grand Tonic Hotel & SPA NUXE

Grand Tonic Hotel & SPA NUXE

4 out of 5
58 Avenue Edouard VII, Biarritz, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
The price is ₹13,377 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹13,377
₹17,892 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Biarritz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (985 reviews)
Beau sejour
"Hôtel très bien placé, chambre confortable et spacieuse. Très bon accueil."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Grand Tonic Hotel & SPA NUXE
Hotel Campanile Biarritz

Hotel Campanile Biarritz

3 out of 5
Blvd Marcel Dassault, RN10 Rond Point, du Mousse, 43 rue Chapelet, Biarritz, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
The price is ₹9,662 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹9,662
₹11,123 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Biarritz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cote des Basques and Lac ...
7.4/10 Good! (913 reviews)
"It’s a handy place to stay for the airport and the room was clean and spacious. It’s a long way from Biarritz centre and on the edge of an industrial estate"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Hotel Campanile Biarritz
OKKO Hotels Bayonne Centre

OKKO Hotels Bayonne Centre

4 out of 5
Boulevard du Bab, Bayonne, Aquitaine
The price is ₹12,111 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹12,111
₹14,077 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bayonne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Cote des Basques and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (960 reviews)
"Friendly staff ,good breakfast choice ,quiet Bed and bedding where very comfatable"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

OKKO Hotels Bayonne Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Résidence Vacances Bleues Le Grand Large

Résidence Vacances Bleues Le Grand Large

3 out of 5
1 Rue Dalbarade, Biarritz, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
Stay at this 3-star residence in Biarritz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (759 reviews)
"Good location and clean. Within walking distance from beach, shops and dining. Good local culture and atmosphere."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Résidence Vacances Bleues Le Grand Large
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Eguzki

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Eguzki

3 out of 5
13 Avenue André Ithurralde, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified residence in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St-Jean-de-Luz ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (242 reviews)
"Very convenient for arrival by bus from Biarritz airport. Very friendly and helpful staff at Reception and everything you need is provided for a self-catered stay. The studio apartment we booked for 4 people comprised a sofa bed and bunk beds but we hadn’t anticipated a sofa bed! It was ok, just ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Eguzki
Espace Blue Océan

Espace Blue Océan

4 out of 5
221 Chemin de la Montagne, Ondres, Landes
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Ondres. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Hossegor Beach and Ondres Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (167 reviews)
"Nice acommodation. Great for family. Folks at the reception were very nice."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Espace Blue Océan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Basque Coast