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Top 10 Most beautiful beaches in the French Basque Country
10 Most beautiful beaches in the French Basque Country
The French Basque Country is renowned for the beautiful beaches it offers. Wild beaches, beaches close to cities, there is something for everyone. With his thirty kilometers of beaches, there is something to be amazed at. Prepare your cameras and surfboards because some beaches are considered the most beautiful in France.
10. Miramar – Biarritz
Snuggled in between cliffs and watched over by the light house, Miramar beach is best known for the lone large rock not far from the shore line. Swimmers can swim around the rock and on low tide the rock makes a bridge to swim under. Slightly further away from the town centre of Biarritz, this beach is still one of the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country.
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9. Chambre d’amour – Anglet
This beach takes its name from a forbidden love story between a couple, Saubade and Laorensse, in the 17th century. With the lighthouse of Biarritz towering over this beach, the view from the top of the cliff and from the beach itself are as beautiful as each other.
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8. La Grande Plage – Saint Jean de Luz
Seconds away from shopping, restaurants, an incredible old gothic church and a gorgeous little port, La Grande Plage in Saint Jean de Luz is right on the edge of the town. Protected by a huge sea wall, there is so much activity happening in this picturesque bay. From small sail boats and water slides there is even a winemaker making wine under these waters.
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7. Ilbarritz – Bidart
A fine white sandy beach renowned for its slightly wild side, Ilbarritz is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in the French Basque Country. Surrounded by greenery and located at the foot of the proud Ilbarritz manor house, the manicured promenade tops off the beauty of this beach.
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6. The Grande Plage – Biarritz
It’s easy to see why this beach is one of the most photographed beaches on the Basque Coast. Surrounded by historic buildings, the Grand Plage Biarritz is known for its photo worthy striped tents lacing the edges of the sand. The grand hotel du Palais to the right and gorgeous rock formations to the left make this beach a beautiful beach to visit in the French Basque Country.
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5. Madrague – Anglet
Sand as far as the eye can see. We included Madrague beach Anglet in the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country because of its vast stretch of sand both wide and long. There are no boundaries looking out the ocean here. Perfect for large groups wanting to throw a ball or fly kites and there is no risk of being too close to anyone here.
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4. Parlementia – Guéthary
Parlementia, the wave, is one of the most famous big wave surfing waves in the world however it is a good few 100 meters away from the shallow rockpools of Parlementia beach. Parlementia beach is high up on our list of the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country because of it’s unique swimming holes, rockpools and beautiful outlook to the Pyrenees mountains.
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3. Port Vieux - Biarritz
In the heart of Biarritz can be found Port Vieux which translate to Old Port in English. This little beach is nestled between two headlands and cannot be left off the list of the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country. Not a wave in sight, this beach is protected from the wind and swell. With golden sand, glistening water and a diving board on the side, Port Vieux is a favourite for families, sunbakers and swimmers wanting to swim out the large rock out in the bay.
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2. Erretegia – Bidart
Located in Bidart is the beautiful Erretegia beach. Watched over by a cast iron cross that can be seen from the road, this beach is a little gem waiting to be enjoyed. With a meandering path taking you from the road down to the beach, every step has a beautiful view point.
Word of Warning : Clothing is optional on the next beach down to the right of Erretegia.
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1. Côte Des Basques – Biarritz
Possibly the most famous French surf beach, the Côte Des Basques Biarritz is our top choice for the most beautiful beach in the French Basque Country. Whether you are looking at the beach from the Cliff of ‘cent marche’, (which means 100 steps in French and let us tell you there are a lot more than 100 steps) or are strolling along the shore line, both options give you a beautiful outlook of this picturesque beach. Looking to the right stands the neo-medieval style Villa Belza in all its glory and to the left you can’t miss the sprawling Pyrenees mountains. The glistening blue water filled with surfers, swimmers and the odd instagrammer makes this beach a must see in the Basque Country.
Word of Warning : This beach disappears at hightide so check the tides so you don’t get caught as the water slowly creeps up the shoreline.
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There are still other emblematic beaches in the french basque country. If you want to surfing or enjoy the sun, you should ask to the local merchants, especially surfboard rental. They will advise you on the best spots of the French Basque Country.
Enjoy,
Marty