10 Things to Do in Biarritz on a Small Budget

<p>Biarritz has a wealth of options when it comes to exciting things to enjoy without breaking the bank, including tours, beaches, markets, and more. Even something as simple as riding the bus has much to offer travelers to this lovely city.</p><p>Being a coastal town, it’s easy to find fun without having to spend any money. Sometimes, all you have to do is go for a stroll, and you’ll be met with stunning views and opportunities for exciting outdoor adventures. Plan your journey with some of the best things to do in <a href=“/go/france/biarritz”>Biarritz</a> on a small budget.</p>

Biarritz Hotels

1. The Chronoplus public transit system

The affordable way to see the city

Good for: Families, Budget

<p>The Chronoplus public transit system is one of the best ways to get around town, where you can enjoy affordability and stunning views of the city. It’ll only take a few euros to get everybody with you a ticket, whether you’re taking them to a tobacco shop or one of the Biarritz’s numerous landmarks.</p><p>When you ride the bus, you’ll find several other package deals that you may be interested in, thanks to the city pass program. You can get a bus ticket as well as free entrance to select museums and a guided tour of the area. You’ll find the bus office on the east side of town around Bayonne.</p>

2. Plateau de l’Atalaye

Stunning views of the coastline

Good for: Couples, Families, Budget

<p>The Plateau de l’Atalaye is a viewpoint set atop some cliffs along the coast where you can see out over the water. Looking straight down is especially impressive, as you can see waves crashing onto the cliffs below when you visit.</p><p>This viewpoint is also home to a statue of the Virgin Mary that dates back to 1865. You can still cross a small bridge to reach it to this day. Additionally, you may be able to do some whale watching here, depending on what time of year you visit. You’ll find it all in Port Vieux on the western coast.</p>

3. Downtown Biarritz

Streets filled with beautiful architecture, stores, and cafes

Good for: Shoppers, Food, Budget

<p>Downtown Biarritz is a grand place to visit if you’re traveling on a budget, thanks to its impressive architecture and shopping. A lot of the architecture sports a combination of French and Spanish influences, and you can see it all simply by walking down the street.</p><p>During your visit to this area, you can check out several local stores and cafes. Whether you’re grabbing something decorative to take home or a pastry to satisfy your sweet tooth, you won’t have to look far to find something within your budget. Try it out for yourself, just east of Port Vieux.</p>

See nearby properties

4. The Côte des Basques beach

A prime spot for surfing

Good for: Adventure, Budget, Families

<p>The Côte des Basques beach is a popular surfing location where you can either ride the waves yourself or take in the impressive views. This beach plays a major role in history as well, since it was the birthplace of French surfing when Peter Viertel popularized the sport more than half a century ago.</p><p>When you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy surfing regardless of skill level. If you stop by during the low tide, conditions will be perfect for beginners, but rising tides can give a nice challenge to more experienced surfers. It’s all located along the coast south of Port Vieux and is one of the more thrilling things to do in Biarritz on a budget.</p>

5. The Biarritz Lighthouse

A historic lighthouse with spectacular coastal scenery

Good for: Budget, History, Photo

<p>Biarritz Lighthouse (Phare de Biarritz) is a historic lighthouse that you can visit while enjoying breathtaking views of the Basque coast. The lighthouse dates back to 1834, and it’s been remarkably well-maintained in the nearly 2 centuries since its construction.</p><p>Climbing the lighthouse can be an adventure of its own, with 258 twisting steps that will take you to the top, which reaches 240 feet high. From there you can take in sweeping views of the coast. It’s conveniently located just north of La Grande Plage, on the end of a natural peninsula.</p>

Location: 60B Espl. Elisabeth II, 64200 Biarritz, France

Open: Saturdays and Sundays from 1 pm to 6 pm (closed during the week)

Phone: +33 5 59 22 37 10

Explore Biarritz Lighthouse Hotels

6. Cité de l’Océan

All the wonders of the sea in an interactive museum

Good for: Budget, Families, Unusual

<p>Cité de l’Océan is an interactive museum that lets you experience and learn all about the wonders of the sea. This museum houses a dynamic 4D cinema that they have named “The Bathyscaphe,” where you can learn all about the world under the waves.</p><p>Virtual reality experiences using the latest technology are among the most popular attractions here, with the Seaborg experience letting you virtually explore a 360-degree journey that takes you deep underwater. You can experience it all with affordable tickets, just north of Katalinenea.</p>

Location: 1 Av. de la Plage, 64200 Biarritz, France

Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm

Phone: +33 5 59 22 75 40

Explore City of the Ocean Museum Hotels

7. La Rhune

Hiking with an incredible view across the Pyrenees

Good for: Adventure, Budget, Families

<p>La Rhune, also known as Larrun, is a towering mountain peak near Biarritz where you can enjoy satisfying hikes and stunning views of the surrounding area’s impressive natural features. The summit here will have you 2900 feet high, with hikes to the top taking between 3 and a half to nearly 5 hours.</p><p>Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated with a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, where you can see the bay, the ocean, the forest, and the Franco-Spanish border. The mountain is easy to find, just a few miles south of town.</p>

Location: 64310 Ascain, France

Explore La Rhune Hotels

8. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

An unspoiled village full of historic buildings

Good for: Couples, History, Budget

<p>Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a nearby village you can visit to see a lovely town and vibrant landscape, perfect for travelers seeking relaxation. When you visit Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you’ll find it remarkably quieter than Biarritz proper, with plenty of historic buildings to see.</p><p>This village is set on a river, with several houses being located right on the river itself. You’ll also want to visit the bridges of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, especially the Eyheraberry Bridge if you’re feeling particularly romantic. It’s located just a few miles southeast of Biarritz.</p>

Location: 64200, France

Explore Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Hotels

9. The Biarritz markets

A vibrant and varied shopping experience

Good for: Shoppers, Food, Budget

<p>The Biarritz markets provide some of the best shopping experiences you’ll find on a budget, with food and other items available throughout town. At local markets, you can enjoy a vibrant array of color among fresh produce that’s all grown and sourced locally and sold by the producers themselves.</p><p>In addition to food, you’ll find quite a few different items on sale, like books and apparel. Antiques are quite popular as well, especially around the flea market. You’ll find the markets located throughout town, with some available only during certain days of the week. Be sure to check in advance, as the markets are not to be missed.</p>

10. Restaurant Chez Nous in Anglet

Affordable and delicious French cuisine

Good for: Food, Budget

<p>Restaurant Chez Nous in Anglet is a popular and budget-friendly restaurant that lets you enjoy classic French cuisine with great taste and service. On the menu here, you’ll find options like fillet steaks, risotto, and even daurade, which are fairly unique when compared to other budget-friendly restaurants.</p><p>The restaurant has a selection of wine, as well as sangria, and various liqueurs if you’re looking to spice up your dining experience a bit. The service is also consistently top of the line, and you get to enjoy a laid-back and peaceful ambiance when you visit. It’s all available on the east side of town, around Anglet.</p>

Location: 98 Av. de Biarritz, 64600 Anglet, France

Open: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon to 2 pm, Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 2 pm and from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, Saturdays from noon to 2.30 pm and from 7.30 pm to 10 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

Phone: +33 (0)6 19 95 15 40

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.