An Alternative Guide To Biarritz

Biarritz is a great place to come for a holiday and has a large variety of activities that will entertain tourists all year long. Though many may know some of the city’s main attractions, here are three off-the-beaten-path experiences to try that will make a trip to Biarritz a more unique one.

Spend a Day in San Sebastián

For those staying in Biarritz for longer than one weekend, plan a day trip to San Sebastian. Located a short distance from Biarritz, visitors will certainly enjoy their time in this atypical place near the Spanish frontier. Make sure to go to the old part of the city to get a better feel of the warm-local atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to wander on the city’s small street and enjoy some pintxos (local food similar to tapas) with a glass of white wine. Those who arrive early enough can take a walk along the ledge and buy some fresh fish.

San Sebastian, Spain

Biarritz is known for being the birthplace of surf in France. Surfers may already know that and have all the surfing spots to hit already listed somewhere. While in Biarritz, take some time to learn about the history of surfing as well at the Sylvain Cazenave Gallery. As a photographer and a former surfer (he was part of the French national team in his younger days), his amazing photography has graced the pages of Vogue and Elle, and he has worked with Quicksilver, Oxbow, Rip Curl, and other surf powerhouses. His last exhibition featuring surf legend Laird Hamilton is a must-see.

Galerie Sylvain Cazenave, 8 Rue Gambetta, 64200 Biarritz, France, +33 6 03 82 17 75

Try a Food Tour with a Local Guide

When in Biarritz, why not taste the great variety of food the city and the Basque region has to offer? Guides take visitors through Les Halles Market, the epicenter of local food. While there, meet local producers and taste the region’s best food from Bayonne ham to foie gras. Those wanting to cook should definitively join the cooking class of l’Atelier Culinaire et Vous (The Culinary Atelier and You) and learn from a chef (who speaks English) how to cook several specialties from the region.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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