Biarritz City Guide

Seafood and Basque dishes like Axoa and Gateau Basque are local favorites. The city also offers many international options. Vegan and vegetarian choices are growing. Late-night food is limited off-season but available in central bars and restaurants.

Nightlife picks up in summer with bars, pubs, and a few clubs like Carré Coast. Popular spots are near Les Halles and the Grande Plage.

Mix of classic French cafés and new specialty coffee shops. Coffee is usually enjoyed socially rather than to-go.

Tipping isn’t required since service charge is included. Leaving a few euros in restaurants or rounding up taxi fares is common for good service.

SIM cards are sold in provider shops (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile) and some supermarkets. Registration with ID/passport is required. Orange and Bouygues have good coverage. eSIMs are available.

Generally clean, especially in tourist areas. Waste and recycling services are reliable.

Very limited 24/7 services. Most shops and pharmacies close by late evening. Some minimarts may have extended hours.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, E.Leclerc, and Intermarché stock most items, including international foods. Fresh produce is best at Les Halles market. Stores usually open 8:30 AM to 8 PM; Sundays have limited hours.

Most places accept cards like Visa and Mastercard. Cash is handy for small shops and markets.

ATMs are common around the city, mostly from Crédit Agricole, BNP Paribas, and Société Générale. Fees vary, so check with your bank.

There are French public and private schools, plus the bilingual International School of Biarritz. Ask schools directly about enrollment and availability.

Community is small but growing. Events and meetups happen occasionally, mainly at co-working spaces and cafes.

Good parks and coastal paths like Parc Mazon and Jardin Public, suitable for walking or running.

Safe coastal routes along Grande Plage and Côte des Basques with good air quality and local running groups.

Several gyms offer day passes and memberships. Tennis courts and swimming pools are also available.

Tennis courts at clubs like Biarritz Olympique Tennis. Padel courts are becoming more common.

Padel courts are available and increasing in number in the region.

Several studios offer styles like Hatha and Vinyasa. Drop-ins and English instruction are common.

Clubs offer Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, and sometimes BJJ or boxing. Check with clubs for drop-in sessions.

Pyrenees ski resorts like Gourette are 1.5-2.5 hours away. Season runs Dec-April with options for all levels.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular, with rentals and tours offered especially in summer.

Known as Europe's surfing birthplace. Beaches like Côte des Basques and Grande Plage suit all levels. Surf schools and rentals are easily found.

Coastal dive sites have reefs and wrecks. Best in summer and early autumn. Equipment rentals and certification centers are available.

Healthcare is high quality. The main hospital is Centre Hospitalier de la Côte Basque in nearby Bayonne. Private clinics exist too. English speakers are not guaranteed but more common in private facilities. Pharmacies are accessible and offer advice.

Tap water is safe, meeting European quality standards and tested regularly.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés are common. Baby supplies are easy to find. Family attractions include Biarritz Aquarium and local beaches like Milady and Plage du Port Vieux.

Biarritz is safe and welcoming. No many dedicated venues but inclusive spaces are common.

Pet-friendly overall, with accommodations and some restaurants welcoming pets. Dog walking areas exist but beach access can be limited in summer.