Biarritz and Anglet
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- Variety of consistent waves
- Big-wave venues
- Sheltered spots
- Basque cultural interests
- Summer and winter breaks
Negatives
- Wet climate year-round
- Pollution and crowds
- Cold water in winter
- Expensive
- Summer traffic
Biarritz and Anglet surf travel guide
Biarritz beaches have been a popular tourist destination since Napoleon III chose it to launch the craze of sunbathing in the 19th century. Surfing in France began in 1956, when the first surfboards arrived in the luggage of a Californian surfer and filmmaker named Peter Viertel. He was amazed by the quality of the waves that he found on the beaches of Biarritz and surfing caught on quickly, due, in no small part to the Basque peoples love of the ocean. There are coves, headlands and a series of jetties in Anglet, offering wind protection not found on the beaches to the north.
Surf spots in Biarritz and Anglet
Research the 15 surf breaks in Biarritz and Anglet and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Biarritz and Anglet.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Biarritz and Anglet
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Biarritz and Anglet.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 89,322,000
- Population
- 65,273,511
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 Euro EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +33
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- French
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ek
Visas
France is a Schengen state and citizens of most European countries, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas. All others, including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the French consulate in their home country.
Getting There
It’s a 1hr expensive internal flight with Air France from Paris, but many low cost airlines fly direct to Biarritz (BIQ), including many from all over Europe, the UK, and also Canada.
It takes 6hrs to get from Paris to Biarritz on the TGV. Rent cars in train stations and airports.
Getting Around
The road network is very efficient, although the Pays Basque is busy. There are car parks close to most spots but they quickly get rammed in summer and autumn. Regular buses run to the town centre and Anglet beaches. Since 2011, a new bus network called Chronoplus serves BAB and all journeys are a flat €1 ticket, valid for one hour.
Accommodation
Many hotels, from budget up to 4-star. On the N10, you can expect a double from $25, but the average in town is $35, especially in high season. Campsites are plentiful from May to September but beware of the wet climate. Typically, a restaurant bill is $20 not including wine. Hypermarkets have a huge selection of cheap food for self-caterers.
Activities
There is an aquarium in Biarritz (refreshed in 2011), as well as a surf museum - Cité de L'océan et du Surf has finally been completed after six years. If you are in the area in early August, then don’t miss the Fêtes du Bayonne, 3 days of non-stop partying on the streets. There are more festivals in summertime. Bars and nightclubs are very lively in peak season. Pelote and courses de vaches are interesting spectator sports.
Hazards & hassles
Jetty rocks and shallow reefs can be threats. River runoff and tourist crowds equate to bad summer pollution, especially after storms. In the winter, beaches get covered in rubbish washed in by the big storms. Driving and parking are tricky during July and August.
Handy Hints
This is a well developed area with everything you will need. Some surf shops are open year round and in general gear is expensive. Try and learn some French, as it will be appreciated.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.