Camping near Biarritz
Surfers and jetsetters spend their summers at this Basque Coast seaside resort.
- Biarritz
Popular camping styles for Biarritz
Dog-friendly getaways
5 top campsites near Biarritz
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Camping near Biarritz guide
Overview
Forget the French Riviera—the best surf is over on France’s Atlantic Coast. With its sandy beaches, Belle Epoque villas, and Art Deco casino, Biarritz is the southwest’s answer to St Tropez. Head down to the Grande Plage to surf, swim, and try your hand at any number of water sports, then follow the coastal trails around Le Vieux Port and admire the views from the Rocher de la Vierge. Biarritz camping is all about the beach, too, whether you prefer a seaside mobile home, a quiet rural campground, or a 4-star campsite with a swimming pool and on-site kids’ club.
Where to go
Basque Coast
South of Biarritz, the Basque Coast runs to the border of France and Spain—some 25 miles of sandy beaches, rugged headlands, and crashing waves. Sunseekers and water sports enthusiasts congregate at the beach towns of Bidart, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Hendaye, where beach life merges seamlessly with Basque culture. Spend the morning at the beach and the afternoon watching a traditional Basque pelota match, attending a traditional festival, or feasting on Basque cuisine.
Along the Adour River
North of Biarritz, the beaches around Anglet are a dream for surfers, stretching all the way to the mouth of the Adour River. Further east, riverside Bayonne is the quintessential Basque Country town, with its picturesque Old Town, annual Basque Festival (July), and scenic setting at the meeting point of the Adour and Nive rivers. Campers will also find a number of rural campgrounds and caravan parks over the river in the Landes department.
Pyrenees Mountains
The vast landscapes of the Pyrenees Mountains blanket the border of France and Spain, affording miles of forested peaks and lush valleys right on the doorstep of Biarritz. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular activities in the Pyrenees, while winter visitors can go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This is the place for campers looking to escape to the wild, whether backcountry camping along the trails or renting out a mountaintop chalet.
When to go
Surfs up in Biarritz year-round, but while pro surfers take to the water in the winter months, beginners will want to stick to the summer months when the waves are more manageable. June through August see huge crowds of vacationers take over the seaside resort, and this is the liveliest time to visit, with the Biarritz Surf Festival, free music concerts, and beachside fireworks displays providing the entertainment. Plan your camping holiday from April to October—many campgrounds close out of season.
