Discovering the surf spots of the Basque coast: Ilbarritz

SURF SPOT IN BIDART: ILBARRITZ

Ilbarritz Beach sits alongside an iconic Biarritz landmark: the “Château d’Ilbarritz,” once the property of the wealthy heir Albert de l’Espée. At the time, the building housed the Baron’s extraordinary organ—the largest ever owned by a private individual. Although the instrument has since been moved to the Sacré-Cœur basilica, the room that once held it remains completely empty, allowing one to see right through the building via its windows. The estate included outbuildings that might surprise visitors today—such as the “Blue Cargo,” which served as the kitchen; the Baron detested the smell of cooking, so meals were prepared there and transported to his table through underground passages.

As for the Ilbarritz surf spot, it is not the easiest on the coast to surf, as the seabed is a mix of sand and rock. Beginners are advised to go around low tide, whereas intermediate surfers can surf right up to high tide (making it one of the few spots that works at high tide). The spot is best with East/South-East winds and swell heights of 1 to 1.5 meters; the main peak is a left-hander that breaks over rocks facing the restaurant.

It is easily accessible by car outside of peak season, but in July and August, your chances of finding a parking spot are very slim. By bike, access is very easy via the Vélodyssée route, which runs alongside the Ilbarritz golf course.