South of the town centre, the Côte des Basques is the beach that put Biarritz on the surfing map. In 1956, during the filming of a Hollywood movie nearby, a visiting screenwriter brought a board and paddled out, and the sport took root on this shore. Seven decades on, the long, cliff-backed beach is still the heart of Biarritz surf culture, with longboarders gliding in on the soft, rolling waves, surf schools in colourful vans and an easy beach-bar scene along the clifftop. Even if you never touch a board, the beach is a showcase for the town’s relaxed side. Walk the promenade above, take the steps down to the sand and watch the surfers at sunset, when the whole bay glows orange and the Spanish mountains stand out in the distance.
How the visit works
The beach lies below a cliff path, and you reach the sand by a flight of steps from the road above. The key fact to know is the tide. At high tide the beach almost disappears and the waves break against the sea wall, so check tide tables and plan to arrive when the water is mid to low.
Parking in the area is limited and busy in summer, so walking or taking a bus from the centre is easier. The beach is free, and there are lifeguards in the summer season, but the surf can be strong and conditions change quickly.
What to see and do
This is a beach for watching and for joining in. Longboard surfing is the local speciality, and the gentle, long waves suit beginners and experienced riders. Surf schools run lessons and rent boards, and you can rent a wetsuit as well, since the Atlantic stays cool for much of the year.
Above the beach, the clifftop path is lined with cafés, bars and viewpoints, and the sunset here is among the best on the coast. If you prefer a quieter pace, walk south along the cliff to enjoy the views toward the Spanish coast and the green hills inland.
Making the most of it
Arrive an hour before low tide with a plan for the sunset, and bring a layer for the evening because the wind can be sharp. Respect the local etiquette in the water: stay out of the way of surfers, never swim in the surf zone with the red flag up and keep valuables out of sight in your car.
If you are a beginner, book a lesson rather than copying the experts, and consider the quieter shoulder months when the beach is less crowded and the water is calmer. Pair the visit with a drink on the cliff and dinner back in the old town.
Good to know
The cliff path above the beach is a popular evening promenade, and the bars there are happy to serve a drink without a full meal. In windy or stormy weather, the beach can be dangerous and may be closed to bathing, so respect the signs. Dogs, drones and glass are often restricted, and parking tickets are common in summer, so leave the car at a larger car park and walk. Surf shops in town hire boards and wetsuits by the hour or day if you want to practise after a lesson.
What to expect
The experience
A free public beach below a cliff promenade, with surf schools, board rental, beach bars and sunset views.
Best time
Mid to low tide, ideally late afternoon. At high tide the beach nearly disappears.
How long
One to three hours, depending on whether you surf.
Tips
Check the tide table, respect the flags, and book lessons rather than copying the experts.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Surf culture, sunsets and a relaxed seaside atmosphere away from the busiest beach.
- Families
- Fine with older children at low tide, but the steps and surf make it harder than the Port Vieux for little ones.
- Couples
- Watch the sunset from the clifftop bars, then walk back into town.
- Pair with
- A surf lesson, the Cité de l’Océan and a sunset drink on the cliff.
- Time needed
- Two hours, longer with a lesson.
Good questions
Why is the Côte des Basques famous?+
It is where surfing arrived in Europe in 1956 and where Biarritz surf culture took off, with long, gentle waves ideal for longboards.
Does the beach disappear at high tide?+
Almost. At high tide the waves reach the sea wall, so check the tide table and visit at mid to low tide.
Is it good for beginners?+
Yes, with a lesson from a surf school. The waves are long and forgiving, but currents and crowds can be tricky without guidance.
Is there parking?+
Parking nearby is limited and busy in summer, so walking or taking a bus from the town centre is easier.
Is it free?+
Yes. The beach is public and free. You only pay for lessons, rental or drinks.
