Foodies can have Lyon. Shopaholics can keep Paris. But Biarritz belongs to the waveriders.
In the southwest of France, Biarritz is where European surf culture was born. Hotels in Biarritz cater to these crowds, offering everything from surf lessons to post-surf-sesh recovery in the spas.
Don’t worry: if there’s no sex wax in your luggage or quiver in your garage, you’ll still thoroughly enjoy this French oceanside escape, especially if you stay at one of the best hotels in Biarritz.
Image Credit and Location: Regina Experimental, Biarritz, France
Where is Biarritz?
Biarritz is located in southwestern France, roughly 17 miles from the Spanish border. This French town sits on the Bay of Biscay and is known as the historic surfing capital of Europe.
How can I get to Biarritz?
Don’t let Biarritz’s location near Spain’s border confuse you: you can get from Paris Montparnasse to Biarritz in just over 4 hours by train. But if you’re looking for a travel hack, take the train with a connection in Bordeaux so you have an excuse to sip a few wines before hitting the beaches of Biarritz.
Where to stay in Biarritz?
Near the beach, of course! La Grange Plage is where the surfers flock. Port Vieux is where you’ll find a lot of tourists congregating, particularly near the Rocher de la Vièrge.
Image Credit and Location: Hyatt Hotels, Hotel du Palais, Biarritz, France
The best hotels in Biarritz, France
Looking for where to stay in Biarritz? If you’ve got a swimsuit, we’ve got suggestions.
Hotel du Palais
Best for vacationing like a French monarch
Hotel du Palais is one of the best Biarritz hotels, and the former owner of this imperial residence—a certain Napoleon III—would probably agree. Panoramic views from the seat of a 1-star Michelin restaurant: you’ll be convinced that Hotel du Palais is the best stay you’ve ever had before dinner is over. By the time you settle into the Cruise Liner Ambassador Suite and peer through the ocean view port holes, no other argument will change your mind.
Hôtel Sofitel Biarritz le Miramar Thalassa
Best for a relaxing luxury spa
Next door to the Hotel du Palais is the Hôtel Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar Thalassa. This 5-star hotel has a saltwater spa and a seawater pool, plus breathtaking views from its restaurant, so we think a night here is well worth it.
Brindos
Best for a secluded getaway
We’re crazy enough to suggest not staying by the beach and instead sleeping adjacent to the airport because Brindos ain’t the roadside runway motel you’d expect in such a location. This château on a private lake is a quiet retreat with floating lodges, a spa, and its own chocolaterie.
Les Baigneuses
Best boutique hotel in Biarritz
Sunset is the best time to find yourself at Les Baigneuses: the rooftop bar screams vacation photos and will induce envy the moment you post them. Only a dozen rooms fill this Biarritz hotel, providing the privacy you want within walking distance of the beach.
Image Credit and Location: Regina Experimental, Biarritz, France
Regina Experimental
Best for bay views
Atop a cliff, before the bay, and beneath the ciel bleu français, Regina Experimental is one of the best hotels in Biarritz for whatever getaway you desire. An 18-hole golf course next door is the best on the Basque Coast. The Atrium bar has Spanish and French-style tapas for you to nibble on. And the aesthetic throughout? Let’s just say you could create your own Accidentally Wes Anderson photo album if you wanted to.
Hotel de la Plage
Best for parents
With babysitting services at the ready, parents staying at Hotel de la Plage might not know what to do with their newfound freedom. We’d suggest booking a boat trip on the Basque Coast, having a private driver chauffeur you to a child-free dinner, or ordering a champagne and mignardises pairing delivered directly to your room. All of the above can be requested right at the hotel, though we’re sure you can find a way to occupy yourselves in an ocean view suite without any assistance.
Nami House
Best hostel in Biarritz for surfers
Nami House is the kind of hostel you’ll want to spend your entire summer at. And you can, even if you don’t speak a lick of French or know how to ride a wave. Surf and French classes are just a few of the activities on the schedule. Rent a bike to explore the shoreline or make friends in your dorm and grill out on the barbecue.
Surf’s up!
You deserve a surf break, a spa break, and quite simply, a Biarritz break. Download the Trainline app and book your train tickets to Biarritz from Paris, Bordeaux, and more today.
Header Image Credit and Location: Hyatt Hotels, Hotel du Palais, Biarritz, France