Biarritz
Biarritz' splashiest sea-themed attraction is part museum, part theme park and part educational centre. It takes a fun approach to learning about the sea in all its forms – attractions range from a chance to explore a marine lab to a simulated dive into the depths in a bathysphere. It's good fun, but probably of greater interest to older kids.
In July and August a free navette (shuttle bus) runs between Musée de la Mer and the Cité de l'Océan. Tickets can be booked online.
26.7 MILES
Though modern St-Jean has expanded considerably, during medieval times the entire town was enclosed by defensive ramparts guarding France's southwestern…
23.4 MILES
Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) is easily…
23.22 MILES
Fear for your life as huge sharks bear down behind glass panes, or gaze at otherworldly jellyfish. The highlights of a visit to the city's excellent…
22.34 MILES
Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…
6.83 MILES
The plain façade of France’s largest and finest Basque church conceals a splendid interior with a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. It was in front of this…
5.18 MILES
The twin towers of Bayonne's Gothic cathedral soar above the city. Construction began in the 13th century, and was completed in 1451. Above the north…
Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne
5.35 MILES
If you're still getting to grips with the complex culture and history of the Basque region, this excellent ethnographic museum is a great place to start…
22.55 MILES
Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…
0.25 MILES
A flat arc of sand backed by golf courses and a kids' playground, Plage de la Milady is about 2.5km south of Port Vieux. Look out for the grand edifice of…
0.48 MILES
Plage de Marbella is about 2km south of Port Vieux. Bus 10 or 13 heading south will get you here.
3. Plage de la Côte des Basques
1.04 MILES
A long, exposed beach popular with surfers and walkers, said to be one of the first where boardriders hit the waves around Biarritz.
1.41 MILES
Out on the edge of town is this unexpected treasure trove of ancient Indian, Chinese and Tibetan statues, monuments and temple artwork. The layout is a…
1.43 MILES
A good option for families due to its sheltered aspect, this tiny wedge of sand is just under the Musée de la Mer.
1.48 MILES
The neo-Gothic Église Ste-Eugénie was built in 1864 for – who else? – Empress Eugénie, and sits on a prominent spot in the old port.
1.5 MILES
Housed in a wonderful art deco building near the old port, Biarritz' Musée de la Mer is seething with underwater life from the Bay of Biscay and beyond,…
1.53 MILES
If the swell's big, you might get a drenching as you cross the toy-town-like footbridge (closed in high wind) at the end of Pointe Atalaye to Rocher de la…