Only thirty-five kilometers of coastline for the Basque Country is not much compared to the other departments of the Atlantic coast, but it is already a lot given the diversity of its beaches.
While those of the Basque Country are known to surfers all over the world for the quality of their waves, some more sheltered ones will delight families and swimmers.
Some days, in calm weather, the sea takes on turquoise tones, which add to the change of scenery.
All the beaches in our selection are supervised in summer.
The Grande Plage in Hendaye
The Grande Plage d'Hendaye is its 3 kilometers which make it the longest on the Basque coast. OT Hendaye
On the Spanish border, Hendaye offers a long white sand beach that stretches for three kilometers, a treat for walkers or sunbathers. Recognizable among all with the emblematic silhouette of the Deux-Jumeaux, it is part of the top 4 of the most beautiful beaches in France in the Trip Adivsor 2019 ranking. These two rocks are located at the end of the long Hendaye beach. They result from the erosion of the Corniche. But legend has it that these two gigantic rocks were thrown by Roland from Mount Penas de Aia to destroy the city of Bayonne. Roland skidded and the rock snapped in two. The Grande Plage is also one of the safest on the Basque coast because it is very sheltered in the event of strong swells. No dangerous current and softer waves than anywhere else.Which makes it the perfect beach for families with young children or those new to surfing. Two swimming areas as well as a handiplage area and areas reserved for water sports. Inaugurated in June 2012, the new Boulevard de la Mer is a lovely walk or bike ride. It is the last section of the Vélodyssée, the cycle path that connects Roscoff to Hendaye. Boulevard de la Mer is also an essential route to discover the listed facades of 70 neo-Basque villas built between 1900 and 1930.listed as the last section of the Vélodyssée, the cycle path that connects Roscoff to Hendaye. Boulevard de la Mer is also an essential route to discover the listed facades of 70 neo-Basque villas built between 1900 and 1930.listed as the last section of the Vélodyssée, the cycle path that connects Roscoff to Hendaye. Boulevard de la Mer is also an essential route to discover the listed facades of 70 neo-Basque villas built between 1900 and 1930.
GO
Via the A63, take the Urrugne-Hendaye exit and follow the Corniche road to Hendaye.
The panorama on the cliffs and Spain is magnificent.
WHERE TO LUNCH
Itsas Zaldi:
the restaurant only offers good things from the region such as white line tuna from Saint-Jean-de-Luz or a bonito tataki or a free-range chicken burger.
Itsas Zaldi, 9, rue des Figuiers.
64700 Hendaye.
Phone.
: 09.83.03.40.79.
OR SLEEP
Valencia
, a 3-star hotel, ideally located, it enjoys an extraordinary view of the ocean and Spain and a minimalist decor in semi-tones of beige, gray and white.
Some rooms have a terrace overlooking the beach.
Valencia, 29, boulevard de la Plage.
64700 Hendaye.
Phone.
: 05 59 20 01 62. From € 70 per night.
Read the dossier Basque Country: the
Figaro
travel guide
Mayarco in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The small beach of Mayarco, very popular with families.
Marie-Laure Parrent
Nestled between Cenitz and Lafitenia, two legendary surf spots, Mayarco is a very protected beach on the edge of Guéthary.
No construction around, except a few bars and restaurants, a hut atmosphere, a wild side reminiscent of the small coves of Corsica and a sandy beach that will delight children.
At low tide, they can fish on foot or swim in the pools.
A minigolf just at the entrance to the beach allows you to vary the pleasures.
Difficult to access, this beach is all the more desirable.
GO
From the A 63, take exit 3 towards Bidart, Guéthary and join Chemin d'Aguerria, then Route des Plages.
WHERE TO LUNCH
The Bibam Bar
.
In other words, the location is fabulous.
This bar made of odds and ends has several terraces where it is good to rest for hours on the sofas.
Poke bowls
, tapas for the hungry, cocktails at sunset, live concerts, you will understand, time flies at the Bibam.
Le Bibam Bar, 661, route des Plages.
64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Phone.
: 05 59 54 70 34.
WHERE TO STAY
Hôtel Hélianthal
, a newly renovated 4-star hotel, as well as its thalassotherapy center.
It is located in the center of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Double room from 172 € per night, with breakfast.
Hôtel Hélianthal, place Maurice Ravel, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Phone.
: 05 59 51 51 51.
Ilbaritz in Bidart
Ilbarritz beach at the foot of the castle of the same name.
Laurence Poullaouec
The place is magical, the waves unfurl endlessly.
Admittedly, it is not the calmest beach but the spectacle is omnipresent.
Supervised by an outstanding team of lifeguards, children can enjoy playing in the foams or taking a few waves by bodyboard or surfing on the shore.
The older ones will go a little further to bodysurf.
At low tide, you can reach the Côte des Basques beach in Biarritz on the right, the village of Guéthary on the left, but be careful to start at the start of low tide so as not to get caught.
GO
On leaving Biarritz heading south, turn right at the Cité de l'Océan.
WHERE TO LUNCH
At
La Plancha d'Ilbaritz
, the huge terrace offers a 180 ° view of the ocean.
Classic local cuisine: grilled fish, Spanish hake, prime rib.
Please note, no reservations are possible, arrive early or late to find a table.
La Plancha d'Ilbaritz, avenue du Lac, Ilbaritz beach.
64210 Bidart.
Phone.
: 05 59 23 44 95.
WHERE TO STAY
No crush on nearby hotels, on the other hand the Villa l'Arche, 4 stars, a few minutes by car or by bike (a cycle path leads there) is a little gem with its pretty lawn and swimming pool overlooking the Cliff.
Villa l'Arche, rue Camboénéa.
64200 Bidart.
Phone.
: 05 59 51 65 95. Double room from € 180 per night.
Miramar in Biarritz
At the foot of the lighthouse, the Miramar beach in Biarritz.
Aurelia Mathieu
In the extension of the Grande Plage, that of the Miramar has a more intimate side.
Moreover, the Empress Eugenie, who was staying a stone's throw from her property, Villa Eugénie, the current Hôtel du Palais, liked to walk there and chat with the local fishermen.
Since then, the fishermen have disappeared and have been replaced by swimmers and surfers.
This beach, considered the most chic in the city due to its proximity to luxury hotels and pretty villas, was for a long time forbidden to surfers, the city certainly saw it as a drawback for the upscale clientele who came to vacation in the beautiful villas.
Nowadays, bodyboarders like to come and take a few waves in front of the pierced rock.
GO
The Miramar beach is located in the extension of the Grande Plage on the right when looking at the ocean.
The easiest way is to park in the Grande Plage car park, free spaces in the neighboring streets are extremely rare.
WHERE TO LUNCH
The Hôtel du Palais:
after extensive renovations, the only palace on the Atlantic Coast reopened its doors last spring.
The opportunity to test the menu of the new chef Aurélien Largeau: red tuna with spices, grilled fish from the Saint-Jean-de-Luz auction, croq 'Napoléon, the Basque version of the croque-monsieur made from sheep's cheese.
From the lounge terrace, you will never tire of the spectacle of the Grande Plage below.
The Hôtel du Palais, 1, avenue de l'Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz.
Phone.
: 05 59 41 12 34.
WHERE TO STAY
Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar,
a 5-star hotel located right in front of the beach.
Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar, 13, rue Louison Bobet, 64200 Biarritz.
Phone.
: 05 59 41 30 00. Double room from 159 € per night.
Read alsoIn Biarritz, the imperial renovation of the Hôtel du Palais
Ocean Beach in Anglet
One of the most beautiful beaches in Anglet: the Ocean beach.
RiBLANC
With its eleven beaches, it's hard to choose one in Anglet.
It is not for nothing that we nickname Anglet, the little French California.
Located between Bayonne and Biarritz, the beaches stretch over 4.5 kilometers of fine sand.
There really is something for everyone, but if you had to choose just one, it would certainly be the Ocean.
A little less accessible than the others, it is obviously quieter.
If you are looking for the atmosphere, go instead to
La Madrague beach
or that of
Sables d'Or
with its beach volleyball courts where frenzied games can be improvised.
The
Cavaliers beach
is very convenient for families because it has a large green area with games.
GO
On boulevard de l'Océan in Anglet, take avenue de l'Océan.
WHERE TO LUNCH
A little further on at Cavaliers beach, the Paillotte Bleue is one of the best tables directly on the beach.
Asian or Mediterranean-inspired salads with a twist of originality or different versions of
poke bowls
will delight the most difficult.
Sun loungers on the lawn allow you to relax while keeping an eye on the children.
La Paillotte Bleue, Cavaliers beach.
Phone.
: 05 59 48 12 75.
WHERE TO STAY
Atlanthal
.
This 4-star hotel and thalassotherapy center is located on Cavaliers beach.
Atlanthal, 153, boulevard des Plages.
64600 Anglet.
Phone.
: 05 59 52 75 55. Double rooms from € 139.
Read alsoThalasso, hydrotherapy, spa… Our decompression bubbles to start summer on the right foot
