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Where to stay in Biarritz
Biarritz is tightly squeezed between the cliffs of the Côte Basque and long sandy stretches rolling north toward Landes. The town operates on two distinct levels: the clifftop Belle Époque center where everything clusters around the Grande Plage, and the flatter, salt-sprayed southern surf hub of Côte des Basques. Choosing your base depends entirely on whether you want morning espresso by the market or board-in-hand access to the Atlantic breaks.
Le Centre-Ville
This is the bustling historical core, pivoting around the grand Place Sainte-Eugénie and the covered Les Halles market. It feels lively and walkable, packed with boutiques, seafood bistros, and Belle Époque architecture. From here, you can easily walk down to the iconic Grande Plage, stroll across the footbridge to the Rocher de la Vierge, or reach the port in under ten minutes.
Côte des Basques
Perched right above the birthplace of European surfing, this area offers dramatic cliff views and a relaxed, salt-crusted energy. It is slightly removed from the heavy commercial center but completely walkable to the main surf breaks and local ocean-facing cafes along Boulevard du Prince de Galles. The walk down to the sand involves steep steps, rewarding you with the best sunset views in town.
Saint-Charles
Saint-Charles feels like an affluent, independent neighborhood rather than a resort town. Centered around Rue de Saint-Charles, it is lined with high-end concept stores, bakeries, and organic grocers. It is a pleasant ten-minute walk north of the Grande Plage and close to the quieter beach of Plage Miramar, making it ideal if you want peace without total isolation.
Milady / Beaurivage
Located further south past the Côte des Basques, this residential area is centered around Plage de la Milady. It feels distinctly unpretentious, with quiet apartment blocks and local neighborhood bars rather than luxury hotels. It is a twenty-minute walk into the hyper-center, but rewards you with expansive sandy beaches, wide grassy parks, and immediate access to the coastal walking path.
Rent a car in Biarritz
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Compare car rentals in BiarritzOne thing to think about
Think twice about booking hotels directly on the main strip of Boulevard du Général de Gaulle if you are a light sleeper. The traffic rumbling off the coastal roads combined with late-night crowds leaving the central bars can generate persistent noise through the night.
Other places to stay in France: lastminute.com · Megabon · Center Parcs
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Biarritz are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Biarritz
Common questions
Do I need a car when staying in Biarritz?
No, if you stay within the central districts or near the beaches, everything is easily walkable. Biarritz is compact, and walking is often faster than driving through narrow coastal streets. A car is only necessary if you plan to explore the wider French Basque Country or surf spots further down the coast toward Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Which area is best for surfing?
Côte des Basques is the historic heart of European surfing and the best area to base yourself if you want immediate access to the waves. Milady further south is also excellent for a slightly more relaxed surf scene, while the Grande Plage is better suited for beginners taking lessons during the summer months.
Is Biarritz too expensive to visit?
Biarritz leans upscale, particularly around the central districts and during July and August when prices peak significantly. However, you can manage costs by staying slightly further out in Beaurivage, eating at the Les Halles food market instead of sit-down restaurants, and visiting during the shoulder seasons of May, June, or September.
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