Are you planning to visit Biarritz and the Basque Country? Biarritz lighthouse is a must, as Rocher de la Vierge is.
Tourists, like locals alike, enjoy the view from the lighthouse esplanade and then stroll along the coast to the rock of the Virgin Mary or Côte des Basques.
In this article, I explain to you:
- why visit the lighthouse.
- practical information to prepare your trip.
- some historical facts.
Are you looking for a hotel near the lighthouse? Read my article here
FAQ on Biarritz lighthouse.
No. If you don’t want to go to the top, it’s freely accessible. If you want to go to the top of the lighthouse, you can book your ticket on the official website or buy it directly there.
The best way is to go there and enjoy the view from outside or from the top, but also to walk around. You can also ask me to organise your Basque Country tour. Find the information here
Hotel Regina is on the opposite side of the road. See other suggestions here
The lighthouse is close to Biarritz centre, so Biarritz main attractions like Grande Plage, Rocher de la Vierge, Port des pêcheurs, Port-Vieux, Côte des Basques are at a walking distance. there’s also a lot of interesting houses all around, especially Avenue de l’Impératrice.
Why to visit Biarritz lighthouse?
The esplanade of the lighthouse is a very pleasant place to walk, with a landscape that changes according to the weather and the time of day. You can walk quietly, picnic, eat, admire the sunset. All around, you will also find beautiful residences.
If you position yourself on the right, you have a nice view of Anglet, Bayonne and the Landes coast.
When you position yourself on the left, you have a very beautiful view of the Biarritz coast, the main beach the Pyrenees and even Spain on a clear day.
When the lighthouse is open, you can also climb to the top.
How to prepare Biarritz lighthouse’s visit?
How to access it?
- If you have your own vehicle, you will find free parking spaces in the surroundings: either on the esplanade out of season, or in the street leading to the lighthouse, or in the Avenue de l’Impératrice or in the perpendicular streets.
- Tour buses have parking spaces reserved for them. Don’t park on the unauthorized parkings as you will disturb the buses.
- You can come on foot from the centre of Biarritz, the Grande Plage, the Rocher de la Vierge or the Côte des Basques, by a very beautiful coastal walk. You can also come from the beaches of Anglet, taking the pretty pedestrian path.
- Or take the free Saint Martin shuttle from the city centre or the Floquet car park. Floquet car park is where most of the national busses arrives and leaves. From there, you can also reach Biarritz airport.
Rates and opening hours.
If you want to climb to the top of the lighthouse, you will have to wait until the current work is completed on May 1.
The price is 2.50€ per adult, 2€ per child.
Opening hours may vary according to the season, so it is better to consult the official booking website here
You need a guide for your tour?
Contact me via the quote form.
You will find more information in the section Tour the Basque Country
The history of Biarritz lighthouse.
The lighthouse was built on the promontory of Pointe Saint Martin in 1834. It is 44 metres high and has 248 steps. His Fresnel lenses have a range of 28 miles.
During the Second World War, the lighthouse was so conspicuous that it was painted black, at the time when Biarritz was classified as a forbidden zone.
Conclusion.
You now know why and how to visit the Biarritz lighthouse.
Have you ever visited Biarritz? Do you have other visiting tips to share? Feel free to share it with us in the comment box.
You can read my full guide to Biarritz here
Share this article with your family or friends who are planning their next trip to the south of France.
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