# Essential Biarritz Travel Guide: What to See & Do

**Discover Biarritz: Atlantic Surf and Belle Époque Charm**

Biarritz is a refined yet relaxed seaside city on France’s southwest coast, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the traditions of the French Basque Country. Located a short distance from Spain and backed by the Pyrenees, it combines elegant architecture, a lively food scene, and some of Europe’s most celebrated surf.

## Biarritz’s Imperial Heritage

Once a fashionable imperial retreat, Biarritz became famous after Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie established their summer residence here. Their presence helped shape the city’s distinctive character, which can still be seen in its grand villas, historic hotels, and the striking Hôtel du Palais.

Today, Biarritz has a more relaxed atmosphere. Surfers share the shoreline with beachgoers, while cafés and market stalls bring local energy to the city’s streets.

## Beaches and Coastal Sights

Biarritz’s beaches are central to its identity. La Grande Plage curves beneath the town center, offering an iconic seaside setting, while the Côte des Basques is known for its dramatic coastal scenery and dependable waves.

One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks is the Rocher de la Vierge. Reached by a footbridge over the sea, it offers expansive views across the Bay of Biscay.

## Basque Food and Local Flavors

Food is another essential part of the Biarritz experience. At Les Halles, visitors can discover regional flavors, including fresh seafood, local cheeses, cured meats, and Espelette pepper.

Traditional bistros and sophisticated restaurants reflect Biarritz’s ability to balance Basque heritage with cosmopolitan style.

## Things to Do in Biarritz

For travelers researching things to do in Biarritz, the city’s main attractions are woven into its compact, walkable streets. History, ocean landscapes, surfing, and gastronomy come together naturally, making Biarritz an appealing introduction to both Atlantic France and Basque culture.

## Walk Biarritz with Neywo

Neywo turns Biarritz into a self-guided audio tour. Stories arrive as you reach the place they belong to, and the route reshapes when you wander off it.

## More in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

- [Bidart](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/bidart.md)
- [Bordeaux](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/bordeaux.md)
- [Brantôme](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/brantome.md)
- [Cognac](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/cognac.md)
- [Domme](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/domme.md)
- [La Rochelle](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/la-rochelle.md)
- [Oradour-sur-Glane](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/oradour-sur-glane.md)
- [Saint-Jean-de-Luz](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/saint-jean-de-luz.md)
- [Sarlat-la-Canéda](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/sarlat-la-caneda.md)
- [Uzerche](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/uzerche.md)
- [Bayonne](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/nouvelle-aquitaine/bayonne.md)

## Elsewhere in France

- [Albi](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/albi.md) — Occitania
- [Béziers](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/beziers.md) — Occitania
- [Cahors](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/cahors.md) — Occitania
- [Carcassonne](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/carcassonne.md) — Occitania
- [Collioure](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/collioure.md) — Occitania
- [Lourdes](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/lourdes.md) — Occitania
- [Millau](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/millau.md) — Occitania
- [Montpellier](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/montpellier.md) — Occitania
- [Narbonne](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/narbonne.md) — Occitania
- [Nîmes](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/nimes.md) — Occitania
- [Rocamadour](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/rocamadour.md) — Occitania
- [Sète](https://neywo.com/destinations/france/occitania/sete.md) — Occitania

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