Éco-Hôtels à Biarritz
Séjours durables on the Basque Coast — 1 tonne of CO₂ removed with every booking through IMPT.
Pourquoi Séjourner à Biarritz
Biarritz is where the elegance of the French Riviera meets the raw power of the Atlantic. Perched on the Bay of Biscay in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of southwestern France, this seaside resort of roughly 25,000 residents has been drawing visitors since Empress Eugénie — wife of Napoleon III — made it her summer retreat in the 1850s. The emperor built the Villa Eugénie, which later became the legendary Hôtel du Palais, and within a decade Biarritz had transformed from a modest whaling village into one of Europe's most fashionable coastal destinations. Queen Victoria stayed here. So did the kings of Spain, Portugal, and Belgium. That Belle Époque grandeur still clings to the city's clifftop promenades and wedding-cake villas.
But Biarritz is no museum piece. Since the 1950s, when Californian screenwriter Peter Viertel brought surfboards to the Grande Plage, the city has become the undisputed surfing capital of Europe. Every July the Biarritz Surf Festival draws thousands of competitors and spectators to the Côte des Basques — a crescent of sand beneath sandstone cliffs that consistently produces some of the best waves on the continent. The city hosts the headquarters of the European Surfing Federation, and on any given morning the lineup at Côte des Basques will include retirees, teenagers, and business executives in equal measure. Surf culture permeates everything: the shops, the cafés, the soundtrack drifting from beachside bars.
Then there is the Basque dimension. Biarritz sits just 30 kilometres from the Spanish border, in the heart of the Pays Basque — a region with its own ancient language, its own architecture of red-shuttered white houses, its own fierce local pride, and above all, its own extraordinary culinary tradition. The pintxo bars of nearby Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz rival those of San Sebastián. Fresh seafood — grilled sardines, chipirons à l'encre, ttoro fish stew — arrives daily from the tiny Port des Pêcheurs tucked beneath the cliffs. And Biarritz's thalassotherapy spas, which use heated Atlantic seawater for therapeutic treatments, have made the city a wellness destination long before the concept became trendy.
Biarritz at a Glance
Getting the Most From Your Stay
Biarritz is served by Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Airport (BIQ), located just 3 km southeast of the city centre. Budget carriers including Ryanair and easyJet fly direct from London, Paris, Geneva, and several other European hubs. A taxi from the airport to central Biarritz takes under 10 minutes and costs around €15. The Chronoplus C bus also connects the airport to the city centre for €1.
By train, Biarritz-La Négresse station sits 3 km south of the centre. The TGV from Paris Montparnasse reaches Biarritz in approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, with several daily services. From Bordeaux, the regional TER takes around 2 hours along a scenic route through the Landes pine forests. Once in Biarritz, the Chronoplus bus network connects the BAB agglomeration (Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne) efficiently, and the compact city centre is easily walkable. Renting a bicycle is another excellent option — the coastal paths between Biarritz and Anglet are flat and well-maintained.
For drivers, Biarritz is about 780 km from Paris via the A63 motorway, and just 35 minutes from San Sebastián across the Spanish border. Parking in central Biarritz can be challenging during peak summer months, so consider staying slightly outside the centre in areas like Anglet or La Barre if you are driving and prefer easy parking with beach access.
The best time to visit depends on your priorities. Surfers flock to Biarritz from June through October for the best swells. July and August bring the warmest weather (average 24°C) but also the largest crowds and highest hotel prices. September is often considered the sweet spot — warm seas, golden light, thinner crowds, and the city's laid-back Basque character at its most authentic. Spring visitors enjoy mild temperatures, blooming hydrangeas, and lower rates. Even winter has its charms: dramatic Atlantic storms, cosy pintxo bars, and discounted thalassotherapy packages.
Où Séjourner — Best Areas in Biarritz
Grande Plage Area
The heart of Biarritz — home to the iconic Hôtel du Palais, the Casino Municipal, and the city's most famous stretch of sand. This is where Belle Époque glamour meets modern beach culture. You are steps from restaurants, shops along Rue Mazagran, and the cliffside promenades. Luxury and upscale hotels dominate here, with direct ocean views and sunsets over the Bay of Biscay. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to be at the centre of everything.
Côte des Basques
South of the Grande Plage, the Côte des Basques is Biarritz's legendary surf beach — a long crescent of golden sand backed by dramatic sandstone cliffs. This area has a more relaxed, bohemian vibe than the Grande Plage. Surf schools line the beach, and the bars and cafés up on the cliff road have a casual, salt-sprayed atmosphere. Accommodation here tends toward mid-range hotels and stylish guest houses. Perfect for surfers, couples, and anyone who prefers waves to chandeliers.
Port Vieux
Tucked into a small natural cove between the Grande Plage and Côte des Basques, Port Vieux is Biarritz's most intimate swimming beach — sheltered, calm, and popular with families. The surrounding streets feel like a small Basque village within the city: narrow lanes, independent boutiques, excellent restaurants. The Rocher de la Vierge viewpoint is a short walk away. A handful of charming boutique hotels and vacation rentals make this the most atmospheric area to stay, though options are limited and book up fast.
Anglet / La Barre
Just north of Biarritz, Anglet offers miles of sandy beaches stretching toward the mouth of the Adour river. The VVF La Barre neighbourhood and the Chambre d'Amour beach area are more residential and relaxed, with excellent surf breaks and significantly lower hotel prices than central Biarritz. The Chronoplus bus connects Anglet to Biarritz centre in about 15 minutes. This is the best area for budget-conscious travellers, families needing space, or anyone who wants a quieter Atlantic experience.
Éco-Hôtels à Biarritz
Napoleon III's former imperial residence, now Biarritz's most iconic luxury hotel. Cliff-edge infinity pool overlooking the Grande Plage, Michelin-starred restaurant, and palatial Belle Époque interiors.
Book with IMPT →The Basque Coast's premier thalassotherapy hotel. 4,000 m² spa with heated seawater pool, personalised wellness programmes, and panoramic ocean-view rooms. Direct beach access.
Book with IMPT →Art Deco-era hotel in a quiet residential area, a 10-minute walk from the Grande Plage. Heated outdoor pool, subtropical garden, and refined restaurant with seasonal Basque menus.
Book with IMPT →Contemporary 4-star directly overlooking the Grande Plage. Modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop bar with panoramic Atlantic views, and easy access to Biarritz's surf breaks.
Book with IMPT →Charming 3-star in a white Art Deco building just 200 metres from the Grande Plage. Heated outdoor pool, garden terrace, and excellent value for central Biarritz. Ideal for beach-focused stays on a moderate budget.
Book with IMPT →Welcoming 3-star near the Côte des Basques, popular with surfers and families. On-site spa, spacious apartment-style rooms, and free parking. A short walk down to the surf breaks and cliff paths.
Book with IMPT →Voir Tous à Biarritz Hôtels sur IMPT →
Que Faire — Attractions & Places to Visit in Biarritz
Walking & Hiking Near Biarritz
Sentier du Littoral — Coastal Path
The Sentier du Littoral is one of the great walks of the French Atlantic coast. From Biarritz, the path hugs the cliffs south toward Bidart and Guéthary, offering continuous ocean views, wild headlands, and hidden coves. The section from the Phare de Biarritz to Bidart is about 7 km and takes 2–3 hours at a relaxed pace. The trail passes the Côte des Basques, the Plage de la Milady, and several dramatic rocky promontories. In spring, the clifftops are carpeted with wildflowers. Wear sturdy shoes — some sections are steep and can be slippery after rain.
La Rhune Mountain Hike
La Rhune (905 m) is the sacred mountain of the Basque Country, located 30 km south of Biarritz near the village of Sare. You can take the charming petit train de la Rhune — a rack railway dating to 1924 — to the summit, or hike up via several trails ranging from 2 to 4 hours. The views from the top are extraordinary: the entire Basque coastline from Biarritz to San Sebastián, the Pyrenean peaks, and on clear days, the forests of the Landes stretching north to infinity. Wild pottok ponies roam the upper slopes. A perfect half-day or full-day excursion.
La Barre to Anglet Beaches Walk
For a flat, easy stroll, walk the continuous sandy beach from La Barre in Anglet south through Les Cavaliers, Les Corsaires, and the Plage des Sables d'Or toward Biarritz. This 4 km stretch offers uninterrupted Atlantic views, excellent surf-watching opportunities, and a scattering of beach bars and cafés along the way. Best done at low tide when the sand is widest. The Chronoplus bus can return you to your starting point if you prefer a one-way walk.
Nearby Cities
Biarritz Travel Guides
Questions Fréquentes
When is the best time to visit Biarritz?+
The best time to visit Biarritz is from June to September, when ocean temperatures reach 20–23°C and average air temperatures sit around 24°C. July and August are peak surf season, though September offers warm weather with fewer crowds. The Biarritz Surf Festival in early July and the Fêtes de Bayonne in late July are major highlights. Spring (April–May) is ideal for hiking and cultural visits at lower prices, while winter brings dramatic storms, cosy pintxo bars, and discounted thalassotherapy packages.
Is Biarritz good for surfing beginners?+
Absolutely. Biarritz is widely considered Europe's best destination for beginner surfers. The Côte des Basques beach has gentle, consistent waves perfect for learning, and the Grande Plage offers a sandy bottom with manageable breaks. Dozens of surf schools operate year-round, with group lessons typically costing €35–50 for a 90-minute session including wetsuit and board hire. The water is warmest from July to October, making summer and early autumn the ideal time to start.
How do I get from Biarritz to San Sebastián?+
San Sebastián (Donostia) is only 50 km south of Biarritz. The PESA bus runs several times daily from Biarritz train station, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes and costing around €7 one way. By car, the A63 motorway takes approximately 35 minutes. There is no direct train service — you would need to change at Hendaye on the French side. Many visitors also take organised day trips that include stops in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hondarribia along the coast.
What is thalassotherapy?+
Thalassotherapy is a therapeutic treatment that uses seawater, marine mud, seaweed, and ocean-climate conditions to promote health and wellbeing. Biarritz has been a thalassotherapy capital since the 19th century, and several luxury hotels — including the Sofitel Le Miramar Thalassa — offer multi-day thalasso programmes. Treatments typically include heated seawater pools, jet massages, algae wraps, and aqua fitness sessions. It is considered particularly beneficial for joint pain, skin conditions, and stress relief.
Are there hôtels écologiques in Biarritz?+
Yes. Biarritz has a growing number of sustainability-certified accommodations, from eco-conscious boutique hotels to larger properties with Green Key or EU Ecolabel certification. Many hotels have adopted energy-saving measures, local sourcing, and waste-reduction programmes. Through IMPT, you can browse over 8 million hotels worldwide — including eco-certified options in Biarritz — at the same price as Booking.com, with every booking removing 1 tonne of CO₂ from the atmosphere, EUR 5 free credit on first booking, and 5% cashback in IMPT tokens. IMPT partners with over 25,000 green-certified properties globally.
Sustainable Travel with IMPT
Every hotel booking made through IMPT removes 1 tonne of CO₂ from the atmosphere through verified carbon removal projects. With access to over 8 million hotels worldwide at the same prices as major booking platforms, there is no premium for choosing sustainability. New users receive EUR 5 free credit on their first booking, and every reservation earns 5% cashback in IMPT tokens. IMPT works with over 25,000 green-certified partner properties around the world, making it easy to find accommodation that aligns with your values — whether you are booking a Belle Époque palace on the Grande Plage or a surf-side guesthouse on the Côte des Basques.
Biarritz is a natural fit for sustainable travel. The compact city centre is walkable, the Chronoplus bus network connects the BAB agglomeration efficiently, and the coastal paths offer car-free ways to explore. Many local restaurants source from Basque Country farms, and the region's strong food traditions — from Bayonne ham to Espelette pepper — reflect centuries of sustainable agriculture. Choosing an eco-certified hotel through IMPT means your visit actively contributes to climate action while you enjoy one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines.