Scenic Road Trips to Take From Biarritz

Drive past some of the most prestigious wine properties in the Médoc
Drive past some of the most prestigious wine properties in the Médoc | © www.twin-loc.fr /Flickr
Jennifer Migan

The south of France offers endless options for poster-like road trips that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Surrounded by coastal surf towns, historic natural sights, and charming Basque cities – and with the Pyrenees just a short drive away – Biarritz is the perfect starting point for a four-wheel adventure. Before you fill up your gas tank and hit the road, check out our guide to the best road trips you can take from Biarritz.

Biarritz to San Sebastian

This is an ideal, short day-trip that will allow you to see one of the most beautiful places within the Basque Country without having to drive too far. San Sebastian is about a one-hour drive from Biarritz, so leave early in the morning to arrive in time to see the fishermen bring in their fresh fish, then enjoy some delicious pinxtos – the local tapas-like snack.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Drive along San Sebastian coast|

Biarritz to Bordeaux

Take advantage of your time in the Basque region to make your way up to Bordeaux, the capital of the Aquitaine region. When leaving Biarritz, pause for a hot-water treatment in Dax, which is internationally known for its excellent thermal centres. Afterwards, drive alongside the Gers, a small part of the Occitanie Region, famous for its liquors and spirits. Pass through Agen (get out of the car to walk across the Pont Canal, which is France’s second-longest bridge) and stop in the Dordogne valley for the weekend, a place laden with history. Among the most famous sites in the area are the Lascaux Caves, a wonderful way to learn more about prehistoric art. Venture a little further south and you’ll arrive in Sarlat-la-Canéda, a charming town with picturesque streets and a renowned gastronomic market.

Gorgeous view over the Dordogne |

Once you get to Blaye, take your car on the ferry for €15 (sign up for the La Blaye-Lamarque journey) and admire the beauty of the Estuaire de la Gironde. You’ll arrive in Médoc, home of some of the most prestigious wines in the world. Take the ‘Route des Châteaux’ (Castles Road), where you’ll come across over one hundred wine properties. If you’ve planned some wine tasting along the way, then it’s book to night at Le Domaine du Papillon, an exceptional guest house located in Lesparre-Médoc.

In the morning, it’s an easy drive to Bordeaux, which has plenty of activities to choose from. If you’re thinking of staying for a few days and your car rental company allows it, then it’s worth dropping your car off in Bordeaux, as you won’t need it much – the city is bike-friendly and all the major attractions are accessible via public transport. Thus, you can use the money you saved to treat yourself to one of the best restaurants in town.

Drive past some of the most prestigious wine properties in the Médoc|

The surf trip

Do you like surfing? If so, Biarritz allows for trips full of dream-like beaches, amazing landscapes and outdoor camping. Start your journey in Hendaye (only 40 minutes from Biarritz) and schedule surf sessions at each spot within the area. After stopping at the beach in Hendaye, head to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and stay for a few days. The city is famous for its incredible surfing spots in Cenitz, Lafitenia and (every experienced surfer’s dream) the Bellhara Reef break. Next drop by Les Alcyons Beach in Guethary, a cool spot to surf and hang out after a session.

Welcome to Biarritz|

Once back in Biarritz, ride the waves at La Grande Plage and La Côte des Basques Beach. Just a few minutes away lies the VVF Beach (also known as La Chambre d’Amour, which means ‘the love room’). In the evening chill out by the sea and recover before your last stop. If you get an adrenaline rush, drive up to Soorts-Hossegor and defy the ocean at La Gravière Beach – though keep in mind that only very experienced surfers should venture here. After your last set, look for the Mango Tree food truck for an excellent brunch cooked with fresh products.

Try every surfing spot while in Biarritz|

Biarritz to the Pyrenees

One of the best assets of Biarritz is that you can visit the city at any time of the year and still have a great time. In the summer it’s a constant hustle and bustle, while in the winter there’s a more quiet, relaxed city atmosphere. Whatever the season, it’s worth planning a road trip to the Pyrenees. This region is a true hiking heaven and will delight nature lovers. Gavarnie, Cauterets, and Bagnères-de Bigorre are some of the towns you’ll drive through that will make your jaw drop. Also, do not miss the opportunity to go to Lourdes, one of the world’s most popular pilgrimage sites and France’s second most-visited city.

The Pyrenees mountain range

Road trip across the Basque Country

Opt for an alternative road that will take you along the Atlantic Coast and its breathtaking sites. After leaving the Port-Vieux neighbourhood, go down Saint-de-Luz, where you will be mesmerised by the 17th- and 18th-century architecture and the famous Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church. Continue until Saint Sebastian, where you can stop for lunch and a quick stroll around the Old Town. Leave around 5pm to be in Bilbao in the early evening. Stay for the night and in the morning have a hearty breakfast before you hit the sights. Complete your visit to Bilbao by stopping by the Guggenheim Museum, a stunning, internationally acclaimed venue dedicated to modern art.

Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao|
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

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.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article