The Atlantic coast from Biarritz to St-Jean-de-Luz and beyond is home to a series of beautiful and dramatic beaches. In Biarritz itself there are several wonderful beaches, each with its own unique character. They are connected by a lovely promenade, which includes a variety of gardens and flowers for additional visual interest.

The Grande Plage, which adjoins the Plage Miramar, is the long wide beach of pictures. With beautiful golden sand, benches and paths, and backed by parks, the elegant Hôtel du Palais and the art-deco Casino Municipal, it symbolizes Biarritz. On summer days it is crowded with swimmers and some surfers. Bounded at one end by a historic lighthouse (phare), and at the other by the Rocher de la Vierge, the Grande Plage is a beautiful spot.

For those who want a calmer scene, head to the small Plage Port Vieux, or Old Port Beach. This horseshoe shaped beach forms a natural swimming pool. Napoléon III opened the baths here in 1858, and it's beena popular swimming spot ever since.

Surfers are found in abundance at the Plage de la Côte Basque, as well as beaches farther to the south. On any decent day you'll find dozens of surfers all trying to catch the perfect wave. It's a great scene and fun to watch, though challenging to photograph.

So take your choice. Swim, sun, surf, or just walk and enjoy the beautiful views. The beaches of Biarritz offer a lot of variety.

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