Cote des Basques beach

A wide sandy strip, framed by a series of rugged boulders, and the azure sea, through which it is possible to see the Spanish coast with the high Pyrenees far off - this is what Cote des Basques is.

The sea in the Bay of Biscay cannot be called peaceful and gentle. Cool water is combined here with strong waves - echoes of the powerful currents of the Atlantic Ocean. But precisely because of these qualities, the beach is so loved by surfers of every stripe: already in the fifties, Biarritz was universally considered to be the capital of surfing in Europe.

It should be borne in mind that there are days when the waves are so high that they bury all the sand underneath, and the water reaches certainly the rocks at the fence, if not the beach wall. Due to this feature, Cote des Basques is not quite suitable for those who choose it just for lounging on the beach or resting with small children. But on ordinary days, the beach offers ample space for walks and beach games like volleyball. It is possible to bask in the sun and watch extreme surfers performing tricks.

Surfers do not leave the beach year-round, but the hottest time is in the summer when a festival is organized here: competitions are held, and athletes demonstrate their skills.

Due to strong waves, there is a high risk of injury or accidentally swimming farther than planned. To prevent accidents, lifeguards are on duty on the beach from June to September.

Thanks to the ramps, Cote des Basques has become accessible for disabled people. However, special equipment for people with disabilities ends there.

The beach is located south of Biarritz city center. It is possible to reach it by car in two ways: from Boulevard du Prince de Gaulle (in the summer you will have to pay a small fee, and in addition, difficulties may arise: most parking spaces are reserved for the disabled) or from Avenue de la Milady. The trip to the beach will take 5 minutes.

When is the best time to go?

The French Atlantic coastline is a splendid destination for beach enthusiasts, offering a blend of beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and maritime pleasures. Determining the best time to visit for a beach vacation depends on several factors, including weather preferences and crowd tolerance.

• Summer (June to August): This is the peak season, with the warmest weather and the most sunshine. July and August are particularly busy, as both international tourists and locals flock to the beaches. If you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and don't mind the crowds, this is the ideal time to soak up the sun and enjoy water activities.
• Spring (April to June): The weather begins to warm up, making it a pleasant time for those looking to avoid the summer crowds. The water might still be a bit cool for swimming, but it's a great time for beach walks and enjoying the coastal scenery.
• Early Fall (September to October): The water remains warm enough for swimming, and the summer crowds have dissipated. This period offers a more tranquil beach experience with mild weather, ideal for those seeking relaxation.

Ultimately, the best time for a beach vacation on the French Atlantic coast is late June through early September, when the weather is most conducive to beach activities and the ocean is invitingly warm.