Sprawling alongside Biarritz, Bidart is a coastal commune in the far south-west of France. It occupies what was once the traditional Basque province of Labourd, which hugged the Bay of Biscay from the Pyrenees to the River Adour. Today, Bidart is a lively beachside resort at the start of a legendary coastal walking trail.
Things to do in Bidart
Spend your days relaxing on Plage d’Erretegia, which stretches along the length of Bidart and is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer months. It lies alongside the designated Sensitive Natural Area of Cirque d’Erretegia and serves as the starting point of the Basque Coastal Path, which extends south to Hendaye.
On Bidart’s promenade is the Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine, a small, whitewashed house of worship that is a popular stop on the Camino de Santiago. It’s located alongside a memorial highlighting local World War II events, including the bombardment of Biarritz, the construction of the Atlantic Wall and the escape of Basque refugees from Spain.
Ocean lovers can visit the Cite de l’Ocean et du Surf, which occupies an award-winning building designed by the American architect Steven Holl. Beneath its strongly curving roof, you’ll find gallery spaces and exhibitions that explore the marine environments, with a focus on historic explorations and the impacts of climate change. Light meals and hot drinks are available at the on-site Sin Cafe while the Sin Restaurant offers gourmet cuisine accompanied by coastal views.
Getting around Bidart
Bidart is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Biarritz and 20 minutes from Bayonne. Biarritz Pays Basque Airport is 10 minutes away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains stop at the Guethary railway station on the southern edge of Bidart while buses travel throughout the commune.