Biarritz, Bayonne & St Jean de Luz: French Coast Day Trip

Summary

French Basque coastlines, Belle Époque stories, markets and chocolate

You’ll wander elegant Biarritz with its Atlantic views, taste fresh chocolate in Bayonne’s market streets, and maybe lose track of time among Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s pastel houses if you choose the small group option. Local guides share stories you won’t read online — and somewhere between sea air and city bells, something will probably stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s the Grand Plage — see how the light hits the sand?” our guide, Maialen, said as we stepped out in Biarritz. I could smell the salt in the air before I even saw the waves. It was early but already there were a few locals with their dogs, and one older man reading his paper on a bench like he’d done it every morning for decades. We wandered past the Hôtel du Palais (I tried to picture royalty here but mostly just noticed how grand it looked against the sky), then Maialen pointed out Rocher de la Vierge — she told us about shipwrecks and old fishermen’s stories. I didn’t expect to feel so quiet just watching the tide come in; you know that feeling when you’re somewhere new but it feels weirdly familiar?

After that we drove to Bayonne — only about half an hour away but it felt different right away. The streets were narrow and full of those timbered houses with red shutters, and everywhere there was this warm smell of chocolate drifting out of shops. Our guide let us loose in the market for a bit; I bought a tiny square of dark chocolate that melted instantly on my tongue. There was a wedding at Cathédrale Sainte-Marie (bells ringing, people hugging outside), so we waited under an awning while it rained for five minutes — then sun again, just like that. I liked how everyone greeted each other in Basque or French; I tried “egun on” and got a smile back.

We finished in Saint-Jean-de-Luz (if you do the small group tour), which is this fishing town with pastel houses and laundry flapping from balconies. Rue Gambetta had bakeries selling buttery pastries — I caved and ate two croustades before we even reached Louis XIV square. Maialen told us about smugglers and royal weddings here; honestly, I was distracted by all the colors and just how alive everything felt by the sea. The drive back to San Sebastián was sleepy-quiet except for someone quietly humming in the back seat. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you needed a change of scenery until you’re already heading home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour Biarritz, Bayonne, and St. Jean de Luz

• 9:00am Pick up from San Sebastian
• 10:00am Visit Biarritz Casino and Rocher de la Vierge
• Visit Hotel du Palais and Sainte Eugenie church
• Free time for lunch in Biarritz
• 12:30pm Explore Bayonne: Sainte Marie cathedral and Port Neuf
• Visit Bayonne city hall and market
• 3:30pm Tour St. Jean de Luz: rue Gambetta and Saint-Jean church
• Visit Grande Plage and Louis XIV square

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Biarritz day trip?

If you book the small group option, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What cities are visited on this French Basque tour?

The tour visits Biarritz, Bayonne, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz (the last is only for small group bookings).

How long does it take to get from San Sebastián to Biarritz?

It takes about one hour by private transport from San Sebastián to Biarritz.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is provided but there is free time to eat in Biarritz or Bayonne.

Can infants join this French coast tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and infant seats are available.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide is bilingual (Spanish/French) for all options.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, bring your ID or passport as you'll cross into France from Spain.

Does this tour operate if it rains?

Yes, tours run in all weather conditions — dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from San Sebastián with a professional bilingual guide throughout; hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the small group option; stops at Biarritz’s main sights like Grand Plage and Rocher de la Vierge; time to explore Bayonne’s cathedral area and market; plus Saint-Jean-de-Luz visit if booked as a small group tour before returning comfortably home.