If you think the Basque Country is all about surfing and pintxos (local tapas), well… actually, there really is a lot of surfing and pintxos. But Biarritz is something more. It’s a place where Atlantic Ocean waves meet French elegance and Basque temperament. And a spring Saturday here? It’s simply perfect.
I was lucky with the weather — spring sunshine, 18 degrees, and a light breeze from the ocean. I put together a plan for a lovely and relaxed day. Here’s my Biarritz Saturday plan!
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Morning: Les Halles Market and the Beachfront Promenade
The day started at the Les Halles de Biarritz market. This is an Art Deco style market hall dating from 1885, where locals do their Saturday shopping. Here you can get fresh croissants, local cheese, and delicious coffee.
After a market breakfast, I strolled along the beachfront promenade — majestic villas and hotels from the 19th century look down at the ocean. Biarritz became famous when Empress Eugénie built summer palaces here, and that Belle Époque glamour is still in the air. This town radiates a cool mix of hippie surfers and timeless French luxury.
Next, I headed to Rocher de la Vierge — a Virgin Mary statue built on a cliff, accessible via a metal pedestrian bridge. The wind really picks up here, but the view is worth it! To the left is Grande Plage with its surfers, to the right the rugged Basque Country cliffs, and somewhere far on the horizon, Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
From there, onward to the Biarritz Lighthouse (Phare de Biarritz, ticket €5) — 248 steps up and a 360-degree panorama! On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Spanish border. Below, in the little cove of Port Vieux, locals have been swimming since early spring.
Lunch: Palmito Food Market
For lunch, I went to Palmito Food Market — one of the coolest food spots in Biarritz! A modern food market under palm trees where you can choose between different cuisines: tacos, poké bowls, fresh salads, and much more. I ordered tacos and fresh lemonade and sat on the terrace in the sun. The atmosphere is cool and fun, exactly like the spirit of Biarritz itself.
Practical tip: Palmito Food Market is open daily and no reservation is needed — just show up! Prices are reasonable, dishes €8–15. The terrace fills up quickly, so go earlier rather than later.
Afternoon: Beach, Shopping, and Old Town Exploration
After lunch, it’s time to head to the beach! Grande Plage is Biarritz’s main beach — a long sandy stretch where surfers catch waves and sunbathers enjoy the view. If surfing interests you, Biarritz surf schools offer one-hour group lessons from around €60. For beginners, I actually recommend Hendaye beach instead, which is just 30 minutes to the south.
When I’d had enough of the sandy beach, I headed shopping. Biarritz Old Town is full of lovely small shops — surf brand boutiques, Basque craft shops, and of course Maison Adam, the famous pastry shop that has been making almond cakes since 1660! My favourite discovery was the Basque fabric shops — striped traditional fabrics in every colour of the rainbow. And in front of every other shop lay a lazy dog, as if it were Biarritz’s official etiquette.
Note: Biarritz Old Town shops are usually open 10–19, but on Saturday many stay open longer. Maison Adam and other pastry shops are a must-stop! On Sundays, shops throughout France are often closed.
Late Afternoon: Sunset at Port des Pêcheurs
This is the absolute highlight of my Biarritz day. Port des Pêcheurs is a tiny historic fishing port that hides between the cliffs below the city centre. There are a couple of small cafés and stitched canvas awnings. I sat on the rocks, feet dangling, and watched the sun sink into the Atlantic Ocean. The sky turned from orange to pink and then to deep blue.
That moment — salty sea breeze on your face, ocean wind in your hair, watching the sunset — it was one of those moments where you think that life is actually pretty wonderful.
Dinner and Biarritz Nightlife
For dinner, I went to Chez BB — one of the loveliest and most relaxed restaurants in Biarritz! Great atmosphere, warm service, and delicious food. Chez BB is a place where you instantly feel at home — like visiting a friend. The menu is simple but well-executed, and portions are generous. Definitely recommended!
Best Shops in Biarritz: Where to Go
Biarritz is a shopping paradise — where surf culture, Basque traditions, and French elegance meet. Here are my recommendations for where to step in:
Maison Adam — Biarritz’s most famous pastry shop since 1660. Famous almond cakes (mouchous), chocolate, and Basque cake. A must-stop! 27 Place Clémenceau, 64200 Biarritz.
Miremont — Legendary café-patisserie right by Grande Plage. Art Deco interior, incredible desserts, and the best view of the beach over a cup of coffee. 1 bis Place Bellevue, 64200 Biarritz.
Galeries Lafayette Biarritz — French luxury department store in a historic building. Chanel, Dior, Ralph Lauren, and much more under one roof. 1 Place Clémenceau, 64200 Biarritz.
Rue Gambetta surf and fashion shops — Biarritz’s liveliest shopping street! Rip Curl, Billabong, Volcom, and local designer boutiques side by side. Ideal for surf brand and streetwear fans.
Basque fabric shops on Rue Mazagran — Traditional striped fabrics in every colour of the rainbow! Towels, tablecloths, bags, and accessories — the best souvenir from the Basque Country.
Piment d’Espelette shops at Les Halles market — The famous Basque chilli pepper and other local delicacies: cheese, foie gras, Irouléguy wine, olive oil. Ideal for gourmet gifts!
Practical tip: Most shops are open 10:00–19:00, on Saturday also later. Best shopping route: start at Place Clémenceau → Rue Gambetta → Rue Mazagran → Rue du Port Vieux. The loop takes about an hour!
Late Evening: Basque Bar Culture
After dinner, I strolled along Rue de Port Vieux, where there are several cozy Basque bars and restaurants like Errobi-Kanta. No tourist traps here — just locals, good music, and pintxos on the counter. Biarritz isn’t Ibiza, but the atmosphere on a spring Saturday evening is just right. Lively, but not over the top.
Practical Tips for a Spring Day in Biarritz
Weather: In spring 13–20°C, cooler in the morning and warmer during the day. Bring layered clothing!
Transport: Biarritz is compact and everything is walkable. No car needed!
Budget: Market breakfast ~€8, lunch menu ~€20, dinner ~€30–50, surf lesson ~€60.
Airport: Biarritz airport is just 15 minutes from the town.
Combined trip: Biarritz + surfing in Hendaye + San Sebastián = the perfect Basque Country week!
Have you been to Biarritz? What was your favourite spot?
Read also: Surfing in Hendaye: My first waves at the most beginner-friendly beach in the Basque Country
