Surf rental
Biarritz
Biarritz, also known as the surfing capital of Europe, is home to some of the best surf spots on the Basque Coast. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn how to surf or an experienced surfer, Biarritz’s beaches welcomes all skill levels depending on the conditions—be sure to check the surf reports.
The History of Biarritz
From a small whaling village to a resort favored by Napoleon III, and eventually becoming the surfing capital of Europe, Biarritz has stood the test of time.
Whaling
In the Middle Ages, the town of Biarritz was a simple village known for its whaling; it was merely a fishing port where meat and oil were extracted from these cetaceans within the Old Port, under the watchful eye of the great Virgin Mary perched on her rock.
Biarritz, a luxury destination
In 1843, Victor Hugo described Biarritz as a “charming and magnificent place”; although he feared the city might become “fashionable,” Biarritz transformed into a true seaside resort where life was good. Its reputation was such that in 1855 the imperial couple had their vacation home, Villa Eugénie, built there, which would later become the Hôtel du Palais.
Biarritz then became a luxury tourist destination that attracted the European aristocracy as well as many Russian oligarchs; Coco Chanel even set up her first workshops there.
European Surfing Capital
It wasn’t until surfing arrived in the 1950s that the city of Biarritz really began to thrive. In fact, while in town to film a documentary, videographer Peter Viertel rushed into the water between takes and, for the first time, rode the waves of Biarritz on a longboard. When he left to film in Spain, he left his board with the legendary “surfing uncles,” who would go on to popularize the sport in the region and across Europe.
“Little California”
Culturally, Biarritz is considered the “Little California” because of its proximity to the ocean, surfing, and its active, healthy lifestyle. It’s impossible to walk through Biarritz without coming across a surfer heading toward the water or a shop dedicated to the sport. Today, surfing has become widely popular and very accessible. Numerous
surf schools and rental shops, such as Marty Surf Delivery, are there to help you ride the best waves on the Basque Coast, whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly spot in Biarritz or a more challenging one.
Surf Spots in Biarritz
Discover the best surf spots in Biarritz based on the conditions, the tide, and your skill level.
La grande plage
Located across from the Hôtel du Palais and the casino, the large beach gets slightly less swell than Anglet but is surfable in almost all conditions. Rocks like Channing and La Roche Plate add to the beauty of the setting while shielding the breaks south of the beach from south/southwest winds. It’s a very changeable spot—sometimes well-formed and easy, other times very weak and closing out. It can be a good backup spot when the swell is big and a bit disorganized. The Côte des Basques is better for beginners; however, the lack of free parking, the number of surfers, and the swimming area often make sessions difficult. It’s also an interesting spot to keep an eye on when conditions get tricky elsewhere.
La côte des Basques
Considered the best beginner surf spot in Biarritz, the Côte des Basques is a must-visit, even for surfers of all skill levels. This spot is perfect, but be aware that it’s only surfable at low tide. It’s an easy and super fun spot for waves up to shoulder height that can really heat up with a nice, solid swell—especially on the sandbars and reefs further south. The offshore islets slow down and shape the swell, making it a great summer spot that handles a bit of onshore wind—which is often the case in the late afternoon during the summer. You’ll find easy waves for beginners in the north, flat waves for longboarding in the center, and hollower waves with good bowls for more experienced surfers. Between the locals, visitors, numerous surf schools, and tourists, it’s often packed. At high tide, the beach disappears, confining tourists to the seawall.
La Milady
Another beach that can offer some pleasant surprises when the sandbars are in the right place. You can find a nice left-hand break starting from the rock south of the beach, or—if the swell is from the northwest and the tide is right—a nice right-hand break behind the rocks to the north. It may be suitable for beginners who aren’t too intimidated by the rocks. It’s occasionally crowded but has the advantage of being less crowded than nearby spots. Parking is easy. Water quality can sometimes be questionable.
Miramar
Miramar Beach, located between the casino and the Biarritz lighthouse, is a fairly exposed spot that works best with a well-oriented swell. At medium to high tide, it can offer clean waves that break in a fairly scenic setting, though they’re rarely powerful. It’s a fairly technical spot, often better suited for intermediate surfers due to the current and the proximity of the rocks. It’s generally less crowded than Grande Plage, which can be a real advantage during peak season. Parking is easy, but access can sometimes depend on tourist traffic.
How can I find out about the surfing conditions in Biarritz?
Where can I check the surf report and webcams in Biarritz?
For beginner surfers, the easiest-to-read and most accessible surf report is Ya Du Surf. It clearly lists essential information such as tides, wave height, swell period, wind speed, and wind direction.
For surfers with a little more experience, the most comprehensive site is Windguru, which allows you to analyze conditions in greater detail.
You can also check out live surf webcams on several websites, such as Go Surf or the official website of the city of Biarritz. They let you check the conditions in real time before heading to the beach.
How can you find out what the best surfing conditions are in Biarritz?
The best winds for surfing in Biarritz are southerly, southeasterly, and easterly winds. These offshore winds, which blow from the land toward the ocean, make the waves cleaner, smoother, and better formed. However, the best conditions are still on days with little or no wind.
The swell size that works best for most of the spots in Biarritz is 80 cm to 1 m 50 with a period between 9 and 12 seconds. A larger swell with a longer period will blow the spots, making it nearly impossible to reach the peak (you’ll need to head to the rocky spots to the south when the beaches in Biarritz get too fat).
The best time of day to surf is often early in the morning or late in the day, when the winds are lighter. You also need to take the tides into account, which change every day and have a huge impact on wave quality depending on the spot.
When is the best time to surf in Biarritz?
You can surf year-round in Biarritz. Summer generally offers smaller, more accessible waves, ideal for beginners, while fall and winter bring more consistent swells for intermediate and advanced surfers.
The best time for surfing is often between September and November. The swells become more consistent, the winds are often offshore, the water is still relatively warm, and there are fewer people in the water than in the middle of summer.
Can you surf in Biarritz when the waves are big?
Yes, some spots in Biarritz remain surfable when the swell builds, particularly certain sheltered areas of the Grande Plage or the northern part of the Côte des Basques at low tide.
However, when the waves get big, conditions can quickly become technical and dangerous even for experienced surfers due to the current, the rocks, and the power of the waves.
How to Surf in Biarritz
Learn to Surf in Biarritz: Schools, Lessons, and Camps
Biarritz is one of the best places to learn to surf in France, thanks to its many schools and beaches suitable for all skill levels. You can take group lessons, private lessons, or multi-day courses led by certified instructors. The schools we recommend are Delpero Surf Experience, Biarritz Eco Surfschool, and Biarritz Paradise Surf School, which offer a variety of options with passionate instructors.
A surfing lesson in Biarritz generally costs between €40 and €120 per session, depending on the duration (often 1.5 to 2 hours), the season, and the type of lesson (group or private). Surfing camps (3 to 5 days) are more economical on a per-day basis and allow for rapid progress.
Lessons for children are very common, with programs tailored for even the youngest children, including all necessary gear and equipment.
It is strongly recommended that you book your classes in advance, especially in the summer, when demand is very high.
What’s the best surf spot for beginners in Biarritz, and what equipment do I need?
Biarritz is perfect for beginners. The most recommended spot to start is the Côte des Basques, a beach with a sandy bottom that’s ideal for learning the basics safely.
Other beaches, such as Milady, may also be suitable depending on the conditions. Beginners often enjoy gentle waves, which are ideal for learning to stand up and catch their first waves.
When taking a surfing lesson, there’s no need to buy or rent equipment. Schools usually provide everything: a wetsuit and a foam board (softboard).
For beginners, a wide, voluminous board is essential for catching waves more easily. A wetsuit is almost indispensable for much of the year, as the water is rarely warm outside of the summer.
How can a beginner learn to surf in Biarritz?
The city of Biarritz has many great surf spots, and there are plenty of surf-related businesses (surf schools, surf clubs, surf shops, surfboard rentals, etc.) to help you catch your first wave or perfect your moves.
Generally speaking, if you’re a beginner who’s never been on a surfboard before, we recommend starting with surf lessons. These are open to anyone who can swim or feels comfortable in the water; you don’t need to bring anything (boards and wetsuits are provided)—just bring your good spirits. If you’re looking for a surf coach in Biarritz or personalized instruction, the local schools are the perfect choice.
Here are the top 3 surf schools we recommend in Biarritz:
- Biarritz Paradise Surf School
- Biarritz Eco surf school
- Delpero surf experience
You can find all the gear you need to get started with surfing in Biarritz here at martysurfdelivery.com
Where can an intermediate surfer go surfing in Biarritz?
For intermediate surfers, you can take lessons at surf clubs, where you’ll be guided by instructors whose goal is to help you improve. You can also go surfing on your own and ask for advice from surfboard and wetsuit rental shops.
Marty Surf Delivery will share all of its experience with surfing in the Basque Country and advise you on the surfboard (foam board, hybrid, mini Malibu) (link) best suited to your skill level. We’ll also explain how to analyze surf forecasts (Biarritz surf report), tide schedules, and how to choose a surf spot.
Rent your intermediate surfboard here with martysurfdelivery.
What are the best surf spots in Biarritz for experienced surfers?
For experienced surfers, please note that we offer a range of high-end surfboards for rent, including performance shortboards (Firewire), retro fish boards, mid-length boards, and performance or retro longboards. No need to travel with your own boards—you can choose from the many models available on our website (link).
In addition, we offer free delivery of your surfboards throughout the Basque Coast and the Landes region.
What if there aren’t any waves?
What can you do in Biarritz when there are no waves?
Although Biarritz’s beaches offer a variety of conditions that allow for surfing whether the waves are big or small, there are days when surfing is simply impossible.
To help with that, Marty Surf Delivery suggests a few cool places to see and visit in Biarritz.
The Cite de l’ocean
It’s the perfect place to learn a little more about surfing and, in particular, about the ocean. You’ll learn how swells form, what makes certain waves—like those at Nazaré or Belharra—bigger than others, and more…
You can also try your hand at 3D surfing and ride the waves at Teahupoo.
Diving off the diving board at Old Port Beach
Port Vieux Beach, located right in the center of Biarritz, is known for being sheltered from the swell; in fact, it’s very rare for waves to break in this small cove. This makes it an ideal spot for doing frontflips, backflips, and other tricks off the diving board built on the rock. You can also go for a quick swim—summer or winter—with the members of the very friendly “Ours Blanc” club. What makes this club unique is that its members (young and old alike) swim every day of the year in their swimsuits, no matter if it’s windy or snowing.
Explore the Basque Coast by electric bike
Renting an electric bike is another great way to explore all the small villages along the Basque Coast, from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-de-Luz. What used to be reserved for seasoned cyclists—and felt more like a sporting feat than a leisurely sightseeing trip—is now possible thanks to electric bikes. In fact, in just one day, you can explore every nook and cranny of the Basque Coast—its breathtaking ocean views, churches, pelota courts, and small restaurants. You can also take the opportunity to discover all the surf spots from Anglet to Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Our Top 3 Surf Shops & Shapers in Biarritz
Lastage-Concept (Patagonia)
Lastage Surfshop is a concept store located in downtown Biarritz with a pretty “eco-friendly” philosophy. It carries technical gear (boards, wetsuits, accessories, etc.) as well as the entire Patagonia apparel line. The staff are really cool, and they have a little barista corner if you just want to hang out.
Lastage Eco Friendly Surf Shop
44 rue gambetta,
64200 Biarritz
Deus Ex Machina
Deus Ex Machina Biarritz is an iconic concept store in Biarritz that blends the worlds of surfing, motorcycles, and streetwear, featuring a boutique, a café, and a welcoming space housed in a former hardware store just a stone’s throw from the ocean.
Deus Ex Machina Biarritz
55 Avenue de la Marne,
64200 Biarritz
Spoe surfboards
Thibaut Paruite, also known as SPOE, is a passionate shaper who crafts surfboards entirely by hand, treating each board as a unique work of art. His goal is to blend the art of boardmaking with the art of surfing, seeking out harmonious lines for an optimal experience on the waves.
SPOE Surfboards
13 rue des Mésanges,
64200 Biarritz
Our top 4 “Eat in Biarritz”
Lobita (the best coffee)
Lobita Café (LOBITA Atelier) in Biarritz is a coffee shop that serves specialty coffees and brunch in a relaxed atmosphere. People come here just as much for a relaxing coffee break as they do to work or unwind in a cozy setting, just a stone’s throw from downtown.
Lobita
1 All. de l’Aeropostale,
64200 Biarritz
et Halles de Biarritz
La tantina de Burgos (the most local)
La Tantina is the quintessential Basque bistro! In a warm and welcoming atmosphere (with wooden tables and traditional decor), you can enjoy classics like veal axoa or black pudding. A simple setting, delicious dishes, and reasonable prices for the quality offered—perfect for an authentic Basque experience!
La tantina de Burgos
2 Pl. Beau Rivage,
64200 Biarritz
+33 (0)5 59 23 24 47
Le Saline Ceviche Bar (healthy et abordable)
Le Saline in Biarritz is the perfect spot for fans of ceviche and fresh fish. In a laid-back atmosphere, you can enjoy dishes inspired by Peruvian and Hawaiian cuisine, including ceviches, poke bowls, and cocktails to share with friends. A cool, refreshing place you’ve got to try!
Le Saline
62 Rue Gambetta,
64200 Biarritz
+33 (0)5 59 43 65 98
Le Bar du marché (Convivial et bon marché)
Le Bar du Marché is the perfect place to stop by for a drink, enjoy a rib of beef or some hake, or kick off the evening with friends! Tapas, great wines, and a laid-back atmosphere in the heart of Les Halles, featuring fresh market ingredients and very affordable prices. It’s the go-to spot for many locals in Biarritz!
Le bar du marché
Rue des Halles,
64200 Biarritz
+33 (0)5 59 23 48 96
Our Top 3 “Go out in Biarritz”
L’artnoa (le plus convivial)
L’Artnoa, located on Rue Gambetta in Biarritz, is both a wine cellar and a cozy bar. Founded in 2007, it offers more than 1,000 wines and a selection of wines by the glass, served with charcuterie and cheese platters. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, ideal for wine tastings and exploring new wines. The owner, Antoine, is also a lover of surfing and the Basque Coast and often hosts themed evenings that combine his two passions: wine and surfing.
Artnoa
56 Rue Gambetta,
64200 Biarritz
+33(0)5 59 24 78 87
Olatua Biarritz (most beautiful view)
Olatua Biarritz, perched above the Atalaye gardens, offers an exceptional view of the ocean. This welcoming bar serves tapas, cocktails, and homemade dishes made with fresh ingredients. It’s the perfect place to end a beautiful summer day with an aperitif at sunset. During the season, it regularly hosts concerts and other events.
Olatua
Jardins de l’Atalaye,
64200 Biarritz
Le bar de la plage (all night long)
Le Bar de la Plage, located right next to Biarritz’s Grande Plage, is the perfect place to chill with friends. With its ’90s California vibe and fun, colorful decor, this spot offers fresh dishes, tapas to share, and creative cocktails. On weekends, DJs get the dance floor going until 2 a.m. And on Sunday at noon, don’t miss their generous brunch with options to suit every taste.
Bar de la plage
de Biarritz, 4 Pass. Gardères,
64200 Biarritz
+33 (0)5 59 22 31 32
Our Top 3 “Where to Stay in Biarritz”
Utopy Coast biarritz (cheapest)
Utopy Coast Biarritz is a youth hostel with real style! Just a stone’s throw from the Côte des Basques, this stylish and eco-friendly hostel offers super-stylish dorms and private rooms, a laid-back atmosphere, and an international vibe. It’s the perfect spot for globetrotters looking to combine affordability, comfort, and a great atmosphere.
Utopy Coast
22 rue Harispe, 6420
Surf Club Hotel Biarritz (work & surf)
The Surf Club Hotel in Biarritz is a modern, surf-themed hotel located just a few minutes from Biarritz’s Grande Plage. With its surf-inspired atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and convenient location, it’s a great option for exploring the surf spots, Les Halles, and downtown Biarritz on foot. The hotel also features a coworking space, a bar, and a surf shop.
Surf Club Hotel Biarritz
19 Avenue Reine Victoria,
64200 Biarritz
Le Saint Julien (Our “favorite” hotel)
Le Saint Julien is a chic and intimate little gem! Nestled in a charming villa just a stone’s throw from the Côte des Basques, this 4-star hotel combines elegance with a cozy atmosphere. Thanks to its ideal location, you can walk to the Biarritz market halls for lunch or head to Rue Gambetta for dinner and a drink. The surf spot on the Côte des Basques is also within walking distance; for us, it’s by far the most consistent spot in Biarritz and the best suited for surfers of all skill levels.
Hôtel Saint Julien
20 Av. Carnot, 64200 Biarritz
+33 (0)5 59 24 20 39
All Your Questions and Answers
Where can beginners go surfing in Biarritz?
The Côte des Basques spot is probably the best place to learn to surf; it’s a beach with a sandy bottom and relatively little current. The northern part of the beach is definitely the best for beginners, as the waves are often less powerful and less hollow. Note, however, that the spot is only accessible at low tide, and it’s best to go when the swell is less than 1 meter.
You can always ask lifeguards and surf schools for advice.
What’s the best tide for surfing in Biarritz?
Each beach has a different layout and can even change depending on weather conditions (sandbars can appear and disappear after each storm).
The main beach in Biarritz is generally best at mid-tide (though this can vary depending on the swell and sandbars). As for the Côte des Basques beach, it’s only accessible at low tide, simply because it becomes inaccessible at high tide (the waves break directly against the rocks).
What’s the best beach for longboarding in Biarritz?
Côte des Basques Beach is known for its waves, which are ideal for longboarding; in fact, most of the longboard competitions in the Basque Country take place on this beach. This beach is recognized worldwide by all longboard enthusiasts.
What are the dangers of surfing in Biarritz?
When is the best time of year for waves in Biarritz?
The best time of year is definitely from September through November, when the swell starts rolling in more consistently, the wind is more offshore, and the spots are less crowded since summer vacation is over. We call it “Indian summer” because the water is still warm and the days can still be very long and beautiful—it’s the time of year the locals look forward to the most.
Is there a place to hang out in Biarritz?
When the waves are too big and most surf spots are crowded, you can always find smaller waves on the northern end (against the wall) of Côte des Basques Beach at low tide. This part of the beach actually catches less swell than the other spots, but be careful of the current if the forecast swell exceeds 2 meters.
Where can you surf at high tide in Biarritz?
In Biarritz, as along the rest of the Basque Coast, there are few spots that work at high tide. In fact, aside from the Côte des Basques—where the beach disappears completely at high tide and becomes unsurfable—it depends on the sandbars. Still, the best spot is Grande Plage.
What is the water temperature in Biarritz?
The water temperature in Biarritz generally ranges from 12°C in winter to 22°C in summer. We recommend wearing a wetsuit when surfing, at least between November and May.
What kind of wetsuit should you wear for surfing in Biarritz in summer, fall, spring, or winter?
Season
water temperature
Recommended Equipment
Winter
(December through February)
12°C to 15°C
4/3 mm wetsuit + booties + hood
(for the coldest or windiest days)
Spring
(March through May)
13°C to 16°C
4/3 mm Full-Length Wetsuit
Summer
(June through August)
18°C to 25°C
3/2 mm wetsuit, shorty, or neoprene top, depending on the weather
Fall
(September through November)
16°C to 19°C
3/2 mm full-length wetsuit
