Basque Coast

Travel Guide

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

Biarritz City Centre

Travelers come to Biarritz City Centre for its seaside views, and you can see top attractions like Casino Barriere and Grand Beach while you're in town.

Biarritz City Centre
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Iraty

When in Iraty, you can plan a visit to Lac Marion and Lake of Mouriscot, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Iraty
Grand Tonic Hotel & SPA NUXE

Grand Tonic Hotel & SPA NUXE

4 out of 5
58 Avenue Edouard VII, Biarritz, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,416 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
P8,416
P11,361 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Biarritz. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (983 reviews)
"Fantastic location"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Grand Tonic Hotel & SPA NUXE
Hotel Florida

Hotel Florida

4 out of 5
3-5 Place Sainte Eugénie, Biarritz, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
The price is P8,076 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P8,076
P9,383 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Biarritz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Cote des Basques and Saint ...
7.2/10 Good! (282 reviews)
"Charming hotel in a lovely area. There was so much to do within a 3-10 minute walk of the hotel. Shops, restaurants, fresh food market, beach, etc. The room was very comfortable for 3 people. The bathroom was quite large with a nice shower. AC was a bonus, as was the mini fridge. Comfortable beds. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hotel Florida
Hôtel les Genêts Bayonne

Hôtel les Genêts Bayonne

2 out of 5
Giratoire de Maignon, 86 Avenue du 8 Mai 1945, Bayonne, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
The price is P3,340 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
P3,340
P3,866 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bayonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (750 reviews)
"Far exceeded my expectations"

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024

Hôtel les Genêts Bayonne
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 WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (771 reviews)
"Good location and clean. Within walking distance from beach, shops and dining. Good local culture and atmosphere."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Résidence Vacances Bleues Le Grand Large
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 WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Hossegor Beach and Ondres Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (179 reviews)
"Safe and clean. Good food and fun for the kids."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Espace Blue Océan
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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St-Jean-de-Luz ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (250 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 Jul 6, 2025

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Eguzki
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.

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