The glamour capital of France's Atlantic coast — where Belle Époque grandeur meets world-class surf breaks and vibrant Basque character. Most cruise ships anchor offshore and tender into this dramatic clifftop resort.
Biarritz has no dedicated cruise terminal. Ships anchor offshore and run tenders to the small Port des Pêcheurs fishing harbour, a short walk from the town centre.
💡 Pro move: Tender tickets are typically distributed aboard ship. Book ship-organised excursions to receive priority tendering.
Biarritz is a tender port — no cruise ships dock at a pier here.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (small/luxury vessels) | Port des Pêcheurs, Biarritz📍 | Tendered |
| Larger ships (occasional) | May operate shuttles from Bayonne (~8 km)📍 | Tendered |
From an easy town walk to surfing lessons, a day-trip to San Sebastián, or exploring Basque villages — Biarritz punches well above its size for a half-day port call.
The signature Biarritz experience: cross Gustave Eiffel's metal bridge to the Virgin's Rock for dramatic Atlantic views, then stroll the golden sweep of Grande Plage past the Hôtel du Palais.
Find Biarritz walking tours →Biarritz is the birthplace of European surfing. Beginner-friendly surf schools operate on Côte des Basques beach, offering 1.5–2 hr lessons with boards and wetsuits included.
Find Biarritz surf lessons →A guided walk covering the Belle Époque heyday — Hôtel du Palais (the former Villa Eugénie, built by Napoleon III for Empress Eugénie), the Phare de Biarritz lighthouse, Casino Municipal, and the colourful old fishing quarter.
Find Biarritz guided tours →Visit the elegant fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz (where Louis XIV was married) and the medieval city of Bayonne, famous for its chocolate tradition and half-timbered old town.
Find Basque Country day trips →A longer full-day excursion across the Spanish border to San Sebastián — arguably Europe's greatest food city — for a pintxos crawl through the old town and views of the stunning La Concha bay.
Find San Sebastián excursions →Set in a striking 1930s building above the Rocher de la Vierge, this aquarium displays 60 tanks of Atlantic and Basque coast marine life. Ideal for families or rainy-day port calls.
Find Biarritz aquarium tickets →Biarritz's coastal path links all the main sights in a single scenic loop — hilly but very walkable from the tender landing.
From the fishing port, follow the clifftop path south past Villa Belza to Côte des Basques beach, double back north along the Esplanade to Grande Plage, cross to Rocher de la Vierge via the Eiffel bridge, then loop back through the old town.
Head north from Grande Plage along the Avenue de l'Impératrice to the Phare de Biarritz on Pointe Saint-Martin. Climb 248 steps for 360° views over the whole coastline. Return via Plage Miramar.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Biarritz, Basque Country, France (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F / 11°C | 41°F / 5°C | 16 |
| Feb | 55°F / 13°C | 42°F / 6°C | 14 |
| Mar | 58°F / 14°C | 45°F / 7°C | 16 |
| Apr | 62°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 12 |
| May | 66°F / 19°C | 54°F / 12°C | 14 |
| Jun | 72°F / 22°C | 60°F / 16°C | 13 |
| Jul | 75°F / 24°C | 64°F / 18°C | 10 |
| Aug | 76°F / 24°C | 64°F / 18°C | 10 |
| Sep | 74°F / 23°C | 61°F / 16°C | 11 |
| Oct | 69°F / 21°C | 56°F / 13°C | 11 |
| Nov | 60°F / 16°C | 48°F / 9°C | 17 |
| Dec | 56°F / 13°C | 45°F / 7°C | 14 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Biarritz, Basque Country, France. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.