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Côte des Basques beach, Biarritz

Avenue Beau Rivage, Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Description

The Côte des Basques beach is considered by many as the birthplace of surfing in France. Surrounded by cliffs, it is located just southwest of Biarritz city centre and is popular with surfers and long-boarders. Low tide is good for beginners and high tide is better for the more experienced.

Access & Transport

The most common access is by the couple of staircases that start from the Av. Beau Rivage. There is a parking there. It is easy to get to Biarritz itself by car, plane (Biarritz has an airport) or train. The train station is 3km to the southeast of the city centre and connects the town with Bordeaux (and further on Paris) and Pau / Toulouse. By car one should take exit #4 on the A63 when coming from Biarritz/Bayonne. It is about 1h20' to Pau and 2h30 to Bordeaux using the expressways.

Instructions & Recommendations

Make sure to bring your beach wear, towels, bio sunblock and sunglasses. Also be aware that the currents can be strong if you plan on swimming or surfing.

Meta review

The beach is iconic and widely considered one of the best in France due to its fantastic setting and surf related history. What visitors enjoy the most are the views, the atmosphere and ... the surf. Unsurprisingly, not everybody shares this opinion and some prefer other beaches in the area, but we have not come across any recurring negative comment.

Environmental & Social

No carbon footprint linked to this activity. Marginally positive for the local F&B and surfing school operators.

Conclusion

The beach of the Côte des Basques is worth a look for its views and settings for anybody who happens to visit Biarritz. There are better alternatives for families, but it ranks high on the list of best surfing spots for those who enjoy waves.

Key positive

Beautiful scenery, especially at sunset time

Some of the best surf waves in the region

Close to the city centre

Key negative

Can be crowded in the summer

Some may find the access a little painful (stairs)

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. The beachfront is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility but the access ramps are steep and long so we would recommend coming in on the Bd du Prince de Galles.

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The beach remains open during the off-season but water is cold and many stores will be closed

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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