Quick Facts: Port of Bayonne–Biarritz | France | No dedicated cruise terminal — ships call at the Port of Bayonne (Port de Bayonne), ~8 km northeast of Biarritz city center | Dock (at Bayonne industrial port) | ~8 km / 20–25 min to Biarritz center | UTC+1 (CET) / UTC+2 in summer (CEST)
Biarritz doesn’t have a traditional cruise terminal — ships dock at the commercial Port of Bayonne, a working river port on the Adour, and the city’s famous cliffs, surf breaks, and belle époque grandeur await a short ride away. That distance is the single most important planning tip here: don’t assume you can stroll off the gangway and onto the beach — budget 20–30 minutes and a few euros to get into town. Once you’re there, though, you’ll understand immediately why Napoleon III built a summer palace here and why surfers still call it Europe’s surf capital.
—
Port & Terminal Information
The Port: Ships calling at Biarritz dock at the Port de Bayonne (Port Autonome de Bayonne), located in Bayonne’s industrial port area along the Adour River. There is no purpose-built cruise terminal here — it’s a working commercial port, and facilities are accordingly basic. You can find the approximate docking location on Google Maps.
Dock vs. Tender: Most cruise calls here are docked, which means you can walk off the ship directly. This is good news — you won’t lose 30–45 minutes to tender queues. That said, confirm with your ship’s daily newsletter the night before, as conditions on the Adour occasionally affect berthing plans.
Terminal Facilities:
- No dedicated cruise passenger terminal building with amenities
- No ATM at the port itself — withdraw cash onboard or head into Bayonne center (walking distance from the dock, ~10–15 min)
- No official luggage storage at the port; ask your ship’s guest services if they offer a storage option for the day
- No tourist information desk at the pier — pick up maps and advice at the Biarritz Office de Tourisme at 2 Avenue du Maréchal Foch (open daily)
- No port shuttle is typically provided — you arrange your own transport (details below)
- Wi-Fi: not reliably available at the dock
Distance to Biarritz City Center: ~8 km southwest of the port, approximately 20–25 minutes by bus or taxi. Bayonne itself is immediately walkable from the dock and worth time in its own right.
—
Getting to the City
You have several realistic options for getting from the port into Biarritz. Here’s exactly what each costs and how long it takes:
- On Foot (to Bayonne) — The old city of Bayonne — with its chocolate shops, Gothic cathedral, and half-timbered streets — is 10–15 minutes on foot from the dock. If you’re short on time or want a quieter morning, Bayonne alone is a legitimate way to spend 3–4 hours without spending a euro on transport. Biarritz itself is not walkable from the port.
- Bus (TXIK TXAK / STAR Network) — The regional bus network connecting Bayonne and Biarritz is operated by TXIK TXAK. Line 14 runs between Bayonne and Biarritz regularly; the fare is around €1.50 one-way. Frequency is approximately every 15–20 minutes during the day. Journey time from central Bayonne to Biarritz center is about 20 minutes. Buy tickets from the driver. The bus does not stop at the industrial port, so you’ll need to walk into Bayonne center first (~15 min) to catch it.
- Taxi — Taxis queue near the port when ships are in, but availability isn’t guaranteed. Expect to pay approximately €15–20 from the port to Biarritz city center (Grand Plage / central area). The return journey from Biarritz can be trickier — ask your driver for a card or arrange a pickup time. Avoid any unlicensed drivers who approach you pier-side.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus — There is no HOHO bus operating in Biarritz or Bayonne. Don’t plan around one.
- Rental Car — Several car rental agencies operate in Bayonne (Europcar, Avis, Hertz). If you’re planning a day trip to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, San Sebastián, or the Pyrenees, renting a car makes excellent sense — the drive south along the coast is spectacular. Book in advance online. Note: parking in Biarritz center is paid and can be tight in summer.
- Ride-Share / Cab App — Uber operates in the Bayonne–Biarritz area with reasonable reliability. Open the app in Bayonne town center (where data coverage is solid) rather than at the port.
- Ship Shore Excursion — Worth it if you’re planning a longer day trip to San Sebastián (across the Spanish border), wine country, or the Pyrenean foothills. The ship handles all the border logistics, timing, and return transport, which genuinely removes stress. For Biarritz city itself, it’s easy enough to do independently — the savings are real and the freedom is valuable.
—
Top Things to Do in Biarritz, France
Biarritz is compact, walkable once you’re in the center, and rewards slow exploration on foot. Here are the best ways to spend your hours ashore, from the iconic to the quietly wonderful.
—
Must-See
1. La Grande Plage (Free) — This is the heart and soul of Biarritz: a sweeping crescent of golden sand backed by the ornate Municipal Casino and flanked by the town’s famous cliffs. Even if you don’t swim, walk the length of it at least once. The view from the Hôtel du Palais end looking south captures the whole theatrical backdrop of the resort at its best. Allow 30–60 minutes just to walk and take it in.
2. Rocher de la Vierge (Free) — Biarritz’s most photographed landmark: a dramatic sea rock connected to the cliff by a iron footbridge built under Napoleon III, topped with a white statue of the Virgin Mary. Walk out onto it and feel the Atlantic swell crash below you on three sides — it’s viscerally beautiful even on a calm day. Come at any time; it’s always open and always worth it. Allow 20–30 minutes.
3. Musée de la Mer (Biarritz Aquarium) (€16 adults, €11 children, under 3 free) — One of the finest aquariums in France, housed in a stunning 1935 Art Deco building right on the cliffs above the ocean. The shark tank, the seal feeding shows (11am and 5pm daily), and the rooftop terrace with panoramic Atlantic views are the highlights. Open daily; check seasonal hours. A guided walking tour of Biarritz often includes a stop near here. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
4. Musée du Chocolat (€9 adults, €6 children) — Bayonne and Biarritz share a deep chocolate heritage — Jewish refugees from Spain brought chocolate-making to this corner of France in the 16th century, making this one of the oldest chocolate regions in the country. The museum at 14 Avenue Beaurivage tells that story well, with tastings. Buy a box to take home. Allow 45–60 minutes.
5. Guided Walking Tour of Old Biarritz — The best way to understand how this fishing village became Europe’s most glamorous resort town. Local guides walk you through the imperial legacy of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, the Art Deco architecture, and the surf culture that transformed the town in the 1950s. Viator offers walking tours from USD 23.70 with English-speaking guides. 🎟 Book: Walking tours of Biarritz Allow 1.5 hours.
—
Beaches & Nature
6. Côte des Basques (Free) — Walk south along the cliffs from the center and descend to Biarritz’s legendary surf beach — the one that started European surfing when American actor Peter Viertel caught a wave here in 1957. At low tide the beach is enormous and the cliff backdrop is breathtaking. Non-surfers love it for the spectacle and the atmosphere. Allow 1–2 hours; check tide tables before you go as it can disappear at high tide.
7. Phare de Biarritz (Biarritz Lighthouse) (€3 to climb) — The 1834 lighthouse at the southern end of the bay is one of the town’s most peaceful spots. Climb 248 steps for a panoramic view of the coast from the Pyrenees to the Spanish border. Opens daily — hours vary by season so check with the tourism office. Allow 30 minutes.
8. Plage de Miramar and Cliff Walk (Free) — North of Grande Plage, this more sheltered beach leads into a coastal path hugging the cliffs. Walk it in both directions for the best light and the best angles on the town. Wildflowers in spring, dramatic Atlantic swells in autumn. Allow 45–60 minutes.
—
Day Trips
9. Saint-Jean-de-Luz (~18 km south, 25 min by car or bus) — This perfectly preserved Basque fishing port is one of the most charming towns on the French coast. Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain here in 1660. The old town, covered market, tuna quayside, and beautiful beach are all within easy walking distance of the bus stop. Bus from Bayonne takes about 40 minutes; fares are around €3. Allow 2–3 hours minimum.
10. San Sebastián (Donostia), Spain (~50 km south, 45 min by car across the border) — One of the great food cities of the world, and entirely reachable on a cruise day if you have 7+ hours ashore. The pintxos bars of the Parte Vieja (old town) alone justify the trip. A Biarritz and French Coast tour from San Sebastián or Bilbao on Viator can also be operated in reverse — check current listings for the most practical routing from Biarritz. 🎟 Book: Biarritz and the French Coast from San Sebastian or Bilbao Allow at least 3 hours in San Sebastián itself.
11. Bayonne Old Town (Free to explore) — Don’t overlook the city you actually dock in. Bayonne’s Gothic Cathédrale Sainte-Marie (free entry, construction began 1213), the medieval ramparts, the covered Les Halles market, and the legendary chocolate shops of Rue du Port Neuf make it a genuinely rewarding few hours. Take a 90-minute Basque culture visit in Biarritz or Bayonne on Viator from USD 42.66 to get the most from both towns. 🎟 Book: Basque visit in Biarritz Allow 2–3 hours.
—
Family Picks
12. Cité de l’Océan (€12 adults, €7.50 children 6–17, under 6 free) — An interactive ocean-science museum on the edge of Biarritz, designed by Steven Holl Architects in the shape of a wave. Kids can simulate surfing, learn about tsunamis, and explore deep-sea environments through engaging hands-on exhibits. Open daily; check current hours. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
13. Surf Lesson on Côte des Basques (€30–45 per person) — Several surf schools on Côte des Basques run beginner lessons for all ages, even on cruise day. Book in advance (see options on GetYourGuide). The instructors are patient, the waves are perfect for beginners, and it’s one of those experiences children talk about for years. Allow 2 hours including equipment and instruction.
—
Off the Beaten Track
14. Les Thermes Marins / Spa de Biarritz (from USD 41.47) — Thalassotherapy — seawater spa treatments — was pioneered on this coast in the 19th century and Biarritz still does it better than almost anywhere in France. If your ship has a sea day before or after and you’d like to pre-book a proper spa morning ashore, access to the spa in Biarritz is bookable on Viator from USD 41.47. It’s an indulgent, deeply French way to spend 2–3 hours. 🎟 Book: Access to the SPA in Biarritz
—
What to Eat & Drink
Biarritz sits at the intersection of the French southwest and Basque Country, which means the food is extraordinary — rich, generous, and deeply regional. You’re in Bayonne ham territory (the real jambon de Bayonne, not the supermarket kind), world-class pintxos are 30 minutes south, and Basque piperade (peppers, tomatoes, eggs) appears on almost every bistro menu.
- Jambon de Bayonne — The DOP-protected dry-cured ham of the region; order it as a starter in any brasserie. Find it sliced to order at the Les Halles market in Bayonne. €8–14 for a plate.
- Pintxos (pinchos) — Basque tapas on bread, eaten standing at a bar with a glass of txakoli (local sparkling white wine). The best pintxos bars are technically in San Sebastián, but Biarritz’s old town has respectable options. €2–3.50 per piece.
- Ttoro — The Basque fisherman’s soup, similar to bouillabaisse but richer and spicier; a speciality at port restaurants in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. €12–18 at a sit-down restaurant.
- Gâteau Basque — The region’s signature pastry: buttery shortcrust filled with either black cherry jam or pastry cream. Buy a whole one from Maison Adam (9 Rue de la République, Biarritz) to take back to the ship. €6–9 for a small individual.
- Chocolat Chaud at a Bayonne Chocolatier — Bayonne is considered the birthplace of French chocolate. Cazenave (19 Arcades du Pont-Neuf, Bayonne) has been serving its famous whisked hot chocolate with a tower of whipped cream since 1854. €5–7 a cup; non-negotiably worth it.
- Izarra Liqueur — The local herbal liqueur, made in Bayonne since 1835, in green (milder) or yellow (sweeter) varieties. Buy a small bottle at any épicerie. €15–20 for 35cl.
- Côte du Basque rosé — The local IGP wines are light, dry, and perfect with seafood. A glass at a cliffside café runs €5–8.
- Bar du Marché, Les Halles de Bayonne — The covered market café inside Bayonne’s main market hall; order an espresso and a slice of local cheese and just absorb the scene. Under €5.
—
Shopping
The best shopping in Biarritz proper is along Rue Mazagran, Avenue Edouard VII, and around the Les Halles de Biarritz covered market on Rue du Centre — a compact but excellent food market with local producers selling Bayonne ham, Espelette pepper, Basque cheeses, and regional honeys. In Bayonne, the covered Halles de Bayonne (Quai du Commandant Roquebert) is open every morning and is one of the finest food markets in the southwest of France. Buy here rather than at tourist shops near the beach if you want genuine local quality.
What to buy: Piment d’Espelette (dried Basque chilli pepper, the essential souvenir — look for the AOC label); Bayonne ham (vacuum-packed, airline-safe); Gâteau Basque from Maison Adam; locally made espadrilles (shoes) from a proper artisan like Maison Garcia in the Bayonne old town; and artisan chocolate from any of Bayonne’s historic chocolatiers. What to skip: the “
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
This page contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
📍 Getting to Biarritz, France
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
Leave a Reply