Things to Do in Biarritz — New Aquitaine: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Rocher de la ViergeMustPort Vieux & Rocher de la Vierge4.7(17,000)

This is Biarritz's defining rocky-outcrop view: sea, surf, cliffs, and the town all read clearly from here. Walk it as part of a coastal stroll rather than treating it as a long standalone stop.

30m FreeGo early or near dusk; midday in summer is busiest.

Pairs with: Biarritz Aquarium · Plage du Port Vieux · Église Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz

#2Biarritz AquariumMustPort Vieux & Rocher de la Vierge4.3(17,000)

The town's Museum of the Sea is the best substantial indoor stop for understanding the Bay of Biscay through marine life and maritime themes. It is especially useful on a wet or overly hot afternoon, and works well for families without being only a children's attraction.

1.5h Book aheadTake the first entry of the day or visit later in the afternoon.

Buy online for a preferred entry time in summer; walk-up is usually workable outside peak periods.

Pairs with: Rocher de la Vierge · Plage du Port Vieux · Église Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz

#3Phare de BiarritzMustGrande Plage & Centre-Ville4.6(7,300)

The lighthouse anchors the northern end of Biarritz's seafront and rewards the effort with a broad coastal perspective. Combine it with a walk around Miramar rather than making a special cross-town trip solely for the interior.

35m Walk upChoose a clear morning for the best views and cooler conditions.

Check opening days and weather locally, as access can be more limited than the exterior viewing area.

Pairs with: Miramar Beach · La Grande Plage · Casino Barrière Biarritz

#4La Grande PlageMustGrande Plage & Centre-Ville

Biarritz's central beach and promenade are essential for taking in the resort's grand, public-facing side. Come to walk, people-watch, or swim if conditions suit; it is often crowded, so do not expect solitude.

1.3h FreeWalk it early in the morning or at sunset; the beach is most crowded in the middle of sunny days.

Pairs with: Casino Barrière Biarritz · Miramar Beach · Phare de Biarritz

#5Beach Cote des BasquesMustCôte des Basques & Beaurivage4.7(3,100)

This is the signature surf beach and one of the clearest expressions of modern Biarritz. Go for the long coastal view and surf atmosphere even if you do not surf, but plan around the tide because the usable sand changes dramatically.

1.5h FreeLow tide is the key time for a proper beach walk; early morning is best for a quieter surf atmosphere.

Pairs with: Plage de La Milady · City Ocean · Rocher de la Vierge

#6Casino Barrière BiarritzShouldMiramar & Pointe Saint-Martin4.1(3,900)

The casino is more important as part of the Grande Plage waterfront scene than as an essential gambling stop. Admire its setting and architecture while walking the promenade; go inside only if casinos are genuinely your thing.

20m FreeThe exterior is most photogenic in the softer light near sunset.

Pairs with: La Grande Plage · Miramar Beach · Les Halles de Biarritz

#7Église Sainte-Eugénie de BiarritzShouldLes Halles & Place Clemenceau4.4(1,700)

This prominent church is a worthwhile short stop between the old-port area and central Biarritz, with a position that makes it easy to fold into sightseeing. Use it as a quiet contrast to the beach crowds, not as a destination requiring a long visit.

20m FreeDrop in during the morning or late afternoon, outside services.

Pairs with: Rocher de la Vierge · Plage du Port Vieux · Musée Historique de Biarritz

#8Miramar BeachShouldGrande Plage & Centre-Ville4.5(1,500)

Miramar is a quieter stretch of sand and promenade between the bustle of Grande Plage and the lighthouse. It is best used as a scenic walking link or a less hectic place to sit, rather than the city's principal beach experience.

45m FreeMorning is calmer; avoid the middle of a hot summer beach day.

Pairs with: Phare de Biarritz · La Grande Plage · Casino Barrière Biarritz

#9Plage du Port VieuxShouldPort Vieux & Rocher de la Vierge4.6(357)

This sheltered old-port beach is a useful swimming alternative when the larger surf beaches feel rough or exposed. It also makes a natural pause on the walk between the aquarium, Sainte-Eugénie, and Rocher de la Vierge.

1h FreeGo early on warm days; check sea conditions before swimming.

Pairs with: Biarritz Aquarium · Rocher de la Vierge · Église Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz

#10Chapelle ImpérialeShouldGrande Plage & Centre-Ville

This elegant chapel is one of the better historical counterpoints to Biarritz's beaches and surf culture. It is a short, worthwhile detour for architecture-minded visitors, especially when combined with the Grande Plage and lighthouse end of town.

25m Walk upAim for a morning opening if you want to see the interior.

Opening can be limited, so check current visiting hours before planning around the interior.

Pairs with: La Grande Plage · Miramar Beach · Phare de Biarritz

#11Les Halles de BiarritzShouldLes Halles & Place Clemenceau

The covered market is the most useful food stop in the center, giving a direct taste of Basque ingredients and everyday local life. Come for breakfast, aperitif supplies, or a casual lunch rather than treating it as a formal museum-like visit.

45m FreeGo in the morning, when the stalls are most active and choice is best.

Pairs with: Musée Historique de Biarritz · église Saint-Joseph de Biarritz · Casino Barrière Biarritz

#12Musée AsiaticaIf timeMiramar & Pointe Saint-Martin4.5(365)

This small museum of Asian art is a thoughtful optional diversion for travelers who want something beyond Biarritz's surf-and-sea identity. It is not a reason to displace the coast on a short first visit, but it fills a rainy hour well.

1h Walk upA midday or rainy-day visit is ideal.

Walk-up admission is normally sufficient; check current opening hours before detouring.

Pairs with: Musée Historique de Biarritz · Les Halles de Biarritz · église Saint-Charles de Biarritz

#13Le Petit Train de Biarritz (Tourist attraction)If timeMiramar & Pointe Saint-Martin

The tourist train offers an easy orientation ride for visitors with limited mobility, young children, or little time. Independent walkers can see the same waterfront and central sights more rewardingy at their own pace.

45m Walk upTake an early departure before the busiest beach hours.

Buy at the departure point; arrive a little early in peak-season afternoons.

Pairs with: La Grande Plage · Rocher de la Vierge · Les Halles de Biarritz

#14Plage de La MiladyIf timeMilady & Ilbarritz4.6(99)

La Milady is a good choice when you want a more relaxed beach break away from the central promenade. It is more of a beach day or coastal-walk stop than a must-see for a one-night city visit.

1.5h FreeCheck conditions and tides before going, particularly if swimming is the plan.

Pairs with: Beach Cote des Basques · City Ocean

#15City OceanIf timeMilady & Ilbarritz4(5,700)

Cité de l'Océan is an interactive, ocean-focused stop that makes most sense for families, science-minded visitors, or a rainy day. It is farther from the compact central sights, so do not prioritize it over the coast on a short first visit.

2h Book aheadVisit at opening or on a rainy afternoon.

Reserve online in school holidays or summer; otherwise same-day admission is generally practical.

Pairs with: Plage de La Milady · Beach Cote des Basques

#16Musée Historique de BiarritzIf timeLes Halles & Place Clemenceau4(192)

The local-history museum gives useful context to how Biarritz became the resort town visitors see today. It is a compact, niche stop best saved for history enthusiasts or a rainy spell, rather than a first-day priority.

45m Walk upGo around midday or when beach weather is poor.

Walk-up admission is normally fine; verify opening hours before visiting.

Pairs with: Église Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz · Les Halles de Biarritz · Parish Our Lady of the Rock - St Martin Church

#17église Saint-Charles de BiarritzNicheSaint-Charles4.4(53)

A modest local church that suits visitors already exploring the Saint-Charles side of town. It has little reason to compete with Sainte-Eugénie or the coast for a first-timer's limited time.

15m FreeVisit only when it is open and you are already nearby.

Pairs with: Musée Asiatica · Phare de Biarritz · Miramar Beach

#18église Saint-Joseph de BiarritzNicheLes Halles & Place Clemenceau4.6(78)

This is a pleasant neighborhood church and a brief stop only if you are passing through central Biarritz. First-time visitors should give their church time to Sainte-Eugénie unless they have a particular architectural or devotional interest.

15m FreeVisit outside service times if the interior is open.

Pairs with: Les Halles de Biarritz · Musée Historique de Biarritz · La Grande Plage

#19GALERIE D'ART BARTHELEMY BOUSCAYROL BIARRITZNicheGrande Plage & Centre-Ville4.8(29)

This is a small commercial-gallery stop for travelers who enjoy browsing contemporary art and happen to be nearby. It is not a core Biarritz sight, and its value depends entirely on the current exhibition.

20m FreeCheck opening hours, as gallery schedules can be limited.

Pairs with: Les Halles de Biarritz · Église Sainte-Eugénie de Biarritz

#20Parish Our Lady of the Rock - St Martin ChurchNicheCôte des Basques & Beaurivage4.4(45)

Saint-Martin is a local parish church rather than a defining visitor sight. See it only as a quiet, quick addition while exploring away from the main waterfront.

15m FreeTry during regular daytime opening hours, avoiding services.

Pairs with: Musée Historique de Biarritz · Musée Asiatica · Les Halles de Biarritz