Côte des Basques at a glance
As the birthplace of surfing in Europe, the Côte des Basques beach in Biarritz sits between the iconic Rocher de la Vierge and the Cité de l'Océan, an interactive wave-shaped museum. You will find a distinct athletic energy here. With its expansive stretch of fine sand and waves reaching up to 8 feet, it is a primary destination in this resort town. Watching the powerful ocean and the surfers is a show in itself. Be careful, as high tide can cover the entire beach, leaving only the rocks behind. When the tidal coefficient exceeds 45, the sand disappears completely, so check the tide charts before you head out.
The beach is a favorite for sunset views from avenue Notre-Dame at the top of the cliff, drawing about 4,000 visitors daily. Lifeguards are on duty from June through September, and they provide free child identification bracelets and sunscreen. If you are looking to get out on the water, there are 8 surf schools and 2 clubs available. Casual restaurants and bars with panoramic terraces line the area, which is a major draw for summer vacationers.
Many visitors also come with friends or family to play at the nearby pétanque courts or just to hang out. On clear days, you can even see the Spanish coastline in the distance.
2m en moins chaque année !? Ca me paraît énorme et inquiétant ! Est-ce du à la montée des eaux ou à l'érosion du sable ?