Inspiration

5 UNMISSABLE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS IN BIARRITZ – BASQUE COUNTRY

Designed to inspire your programme development, these five must-do activities highlight Biarritz – Basque country’s key experiences. Easy to integrate into your itineraries, they add value to your stays and respond to your clients’ expectations on the destination.

Table of contents

A strong identity marker, ideal for curious and affinity-based travelers

1. IMMERSING YOURSELF IN A LIVING AND UNIQUE BASQUE CULTURE

Language, festivals, dances, pelota, traditions… the Basque Country offers a rare level of cultural immersion in France, with authentic local experiences that give true personality to travel itineraries.

Hit the Basque village route (Ainhoa, Sare, La Bastide Clairance etc.) to uncover local architecture and beautiful half-timbered houses with red and green shutters.
Feast your ears on the Basque accent at village festivals and pick up the lingo whilst you’re out and about.
Watch the talented Basque pelota players in action from the stands at the village fronton.

An iconic resort, perfect for premium and cultural stays

2. REDISCOVERING THE HISTORY OF A LAND CHERISHED BY KINGS AND IMPERORS

Once favored by royalty and crowned heads, Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz combine heritage, architecture and seaside art de vivre—an ideal setting for upscale city breaks.

Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon and Empress Eugénie in Biarritz on a “glitzy”getaway at the sea resort. Venture up to the Imperial Chapel and don’t miss Grande Plage beach or the Basque coast’s iconic Hôtel du Palais.
Visit the house Louis XIV lived in whilst married to Maria Theresa of Spain in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Soak up the shipowner’s mansion that the same family have lived insince it was built in 1643.

An accessible outdoor offering, highly attractive for active travelers

3. DISCOVERING WATER SPORTS IN FRANCE’S SURF CAPITAL

Surfing, paddleboarding, coastal hiking… here, the ocean becomes a playground, with nature-based and sporting programs adaptable from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.

Hit the waves off the Basque Coast where you can take a class with qualified coaches or hire equipment at the most famous surf spot in Biarritz.
Dive into surf culture at the Maison du Surf with a retrospective to learn everything there is to know about surfing in Biarritz: exhibition, films, art events, surf events… Swell!
Go all out at Surf Camp, a social and sustainable place to stay where you can share your passion with fellow surfers, take part in exciting activities and sample local produce.
Ride the waves like a pro at Cité de l’Océan with an immersive headset and moving board before an underwater adventure at the Aquarium de Biarritz, one of the biggest aquariums in France.
Get together to end the day on a high with post-surf drinks and local produce as you chat with your fellow water babies.

Short supply chains, craftsmanship and conviviality—an essential Basque experience

4. EXPLORING A GASTRONOMY ROOTED IN LOCAL KNOW-HOW AND SHARING

Markets, producers, Espelette pepper, Bayonne chocolate, gourmet tables… the Basque Country tells its story through taste, with experiences perfectly suited to groups and epicureans.

Sate your appetite at the markets in the Basque Country’s towns and villages then head over to a local cookery class to make pintxos, delicious tapas from the region using seasonal produce.
Join an enthusiastic guide in the streets of Bayonne and learn the secrets behind making the local ham, Gâteau Basque and chocolate.
Hit the Basque Gourmet Route to meet local artisans and producers and get involved in making cheese from sheep’s milk at a traditional farm.
Shop local for souvenirs to take home: sweet and savoury food, colourful striped Basque household linen, handwoven espadrilles from Mauléon-Licharre, leather goods, a makhila (traditional walking stick) or the iconic Basque béret.

A spiritual and human dimension, ideal for gentle itinerancy

5. EMBARKING ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY ALONG THE FRENCH ROUTES OF THE WAY OF ST. JAMES

At the crossroads of the pilgrim routes, the hinterland invites travelers to slow down: red-and-green villages, welcoming stops, heritage walks… a more intimate and contemplative side of the Basque Country.

Dive into the history and culture of towns and villages along the way such as Bayonne, Saint-Palais, Ostabat and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with its octogonal bell tower.
Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims as you tick off the markers and shells along the trails and drink in the Basque Country’s scenery: mountains, forests and vineyards.
Recharge your batteries in magical places to stay where you can cosy up and enjoy the local food, drink and hospitality.
Get to know your fellow walkers, their experiences, motivation and emotions to make friends for life and special bonds.
Get an insight into Basque culture, language and traditions with exciting and eye-opening activities such as organic farm tours, local product tastings and making walking sticks.

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