Town in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Biarritz
Belle Époque seaside town on the Basque coast, known for surf, pintxos and easy beach days. Great for a summer or shoulder-season stay; expensive in July–August and quiet and rainy in winter.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,590–3,600Comfortable, one person · €2,300–3,200Details
- Value for money22/100Better value than 21% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 27°CDetails
- Air quality13.8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2010) · ModerateDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe; restaurants serve free carafes on request.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work almost everywhere; carry some euros for markets and beach snack shacks.Details
Where to stay in Biarritz
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centre-ville and Grande Plage | Beach, shops and restaurants all within walking distance |
| Port-Vieux and Rocher de la Vierge | Old fishing quarter, calm swimming, cafés |
| Côte des Basques | Surf beach, surf schools and laid-back stays |
| La Négresse and Milady | Cheaper stays near the train station and beaches |
Apps that work in Biarritz
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Few cars; taxis are more reliable |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Covers Biarritz centre and parts of Anglet |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: Taxis wait at the station and airport; book by phone for early or late rides, especially in the off-season.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work almost everywhere; carry some euros for markets and beach snack shacks.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.