BIARRITZ WITH KIDS: YOUR ULTIMATE FAMILY GUIDE TO FRANCE'S BASQUE COAST

Planning a family trip to France that goes beyond Paris? Discover Biarritz, the jewel of the French Basque Country, where golden beaches meet world-class surfing, child-friendly activities abound, and every meal becomes a culinary adventure. This charming coastal town offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for families with children of all ages.

Learn all about it through the experience of Jessica Dickinson, her husband and her two daughters.

Family's Adventures in Biarritz

Our family's French adventure began in Biarritz, the beating heart of the French Basque coastal region. Late August greeted us with a magical morning fog that drifted along the shoreline, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captivated our children. Watching dedicated surfers wake early to catch the perfect waves, our daughters were immediately inspired to join in the fun.

Surf Lessons for Kids in Biarritz

One of the highlights of our trip was introducing our girls to surfing. In nearby Anglet, just north of Biarritz, we discovered Remy, an exceptional English speaking surf instructor who specializes in teaching children. The beginner-friendly waters provided the perfect learning environment, and by day's end, both girls were confidently riding waves. Few activities compare to seeing your children's faces light up as they catch their first wave on the French Atlantic coast.

Family Tip: Book morning surf lessons when the waters are calmest and your children have the most energy.

Family-Friendly Activities in Biarritz

Biarritz offered our family of four several days' worth of exploration and discovery. The city's layout is wonderfully walkable with children, and there's something new to experience around every corner.

Markets and Local Culture with Kids

The covered markets scattered throughout Biarritz operate on dedicated days throughout the year, offering a fantastic opportunity to immerse your children in French culture. We were fortunate to visit during the Wednesday Saint-Martin market, where our kids delighted in browsing handmade goods and sampling treats from various food stalls. It's an excellent way to teach children about local traditions while picking up picnic supplies for beach days.

Evening Coastal Walks: A Family Tradition

Our favorite family ritual became evening strolls along Biarritz's scenic coastline. Armed with gelato (essential for any family outing in France), we'd wander the long promenade that winds past the iconic Rocher de la Vierge, a must-see landmark that fascinated our children. The path leads under dramatic rocky outcrops, where waves crash against the rocks below, sending spectacular plumes of seawater into the air. Our kids made a game of timing our walks to dodge the spray, adding an element of adventure to our leisurely evenings.

Kid-Friendly Highlight: The Rocher de la Vierge features a footbridge perfect for family photos, and children love watching the powerful Atlantic waves from this safe vantage point.

Where to Eat with Kids in Biarritz and Beyond

The Basque Country's reputation for exceptional cuisine is well-deserved, and we were delighted to find that most restaurants warmly welcomed families with children. Here are our tried-and-tested family-friendly dining spots:

Best Family Restaurants in Biarritz

Le Petit Café Biarritz quickly became our family favorite (we returned twice!). The stunning beach views kept our children entertained while we savored our meals, and the relaxed atmosphere made dining with kids stress-free.

Le Saleya offered another wonderful family dining experience with menu options that appealed to both adults and children.

Sweet Treats and Afternoon Breaks

Every family trip needs sugar stops, and Biarritz delivers beautifully:

• Henriet: Perfect for afternoon pâtisserie breaks with children
• Miremont: Offers delightful pastries and tea (hot chocolate for the kids!)

Day Trip to Guéthary: A Hidden Gem for Families

A short drive south to the charming village of Guéthary proved well worth the trip. Hétéroclito restaurant combines a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere with delicious seafood that even our pickier eaters enjoyed. The relaxed vibe means children can be themselves without worry.

Shopping Tip: While in Guéthary, don't miss Parlementia surf shop, where you can pick up stylish logoed sweatshirts and beach gear that won't scream "tourist." Our kids still wear their purchases proudly back home.

Planning Your Biarritz Family Vacation

Biarritz and the surrounding French Basque region offer families an authentic French experience away from the tourist crowds of Paris. With child-friendly beaches, excellent surf schools, walkable towns, welcoming restaurants, and stunning coastal scenery, it's an ideal destination for creating lasting family memories.

Whether your children are first-time surfers, budding foodies, or simply beach lovers, Biarritz welcomes families with open arms and delivers adventures that will have your kids asking, "When can we go back?"

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