The Biarritz lighthouse: a symbol of the seaside town

Published on June 29, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Recognised as the symbol of the seaside town, it is also considered a must-see historic and tourist monument during a stay in Biarritz. Like the Rocher de la Vierge, it's a must-see for tourists and locals alike, who enjoy climbing to the top of the lighthouse to admire the view and then strolling along the coast to the Côte des Basques. With family or friends, you can try out short hikes or simple walks along the coast.

Summary

History of the Biarritz lighthouse:
Why go there?

History of the Biarritz lighthouse:

Built from 1830 to 1834, the Biarritz lighthouse was designed by the lighthouse and beacon service commission in 1825. The building is presented as a historic monument and an important part of the Basque heritage. The lighthouse was originally octagonal in shape, before being enlarged in 1950 to become cylindrical. The lighthouse has undergone numerous modifications, most recently in 2020, when the lantern room was restored due to dampness problems. Multiple political and diplomatic exchanges took place in 2019 where Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump were welcomed and many more.

Why go there?

Situated on the Pointe Saint-Martin, it rises to a height of 73 metres above sea level and has 248 steps. It marks the boundary between the sandy coast of the Landes and the rocky coast of the Basque Country. Once at the top of the steps, you can admire the monument's 360-degree panoramic view of the Basque coast, the Pyrenees and the Landes coast.

It is made up of Fresnel lenses and catadioptric rings to improve the lighting and therefore the range of the lighthouse's light rays. Its copper dome is made up of twelve bronze lion heads. After a short walk, you can enjoy a picnic and admire the sunset. Whatever the weather, the view is magnificent.

It takes a bit of effort to get to the top of the lighthouse, where the view is breathtaking. It's the ideal place to relax, take a stroll and broaden your general knowledge, as a visit to the lighthouse will inevitably teach you about its symbolic history and its importance in the town.

Practical info

Opening and closing times vary according to the season:

June: daily 2pm to 6pm
July and August: daily 10am to 7pm
September: daily from 1.30pm to 6pm
October: weekends 2pm to 5pm
November to March: 2pm to 5pm

In the event of bad weather, the Biarritz lighthouse may have to close. For safety reasons, no more than 10 people are authorised to be at the summit at any one time. Please note that the final deadline for accessing the lighthouse is 30 minutes before closing time, if there are fewer than 10 people already at the summit.

👛 Access to the Esplanade is free, but to climb to the top of the lighthouse you will need to book a ticket:

Children under 4: free
Children (aged 4 to under 16): €3
Adult ticket: €5

Where to eat

Les Platanes is a restaurant located just a 4-minute drive from the Halles market. Its relaxed style tends to seduce its clientele, although its exquisitely flavoured dishes also delight us with their authentic flavours.

How to get there

You can walk to the lighthouse from the centre of Biarritz, which takes around twenty minutes. Free parking is available in the vicinity of the lighthouse, in the Avenue de l'Impératrice or in the Floquet car park near the Asiatica Museum, from where a free shuttle bus takes you to the lighthouse in just a few minutes. From the city centre, take the free Saint-Martin shuttle bus.

Where to stay?

The hotel le Garage in Biarritz is located on the seafront, a 10-minute walk from the lighthouse and a 5-minute drive by car. Originally, the site was a garage that housed the most beautiful cars of the Belle Epoque and has been completely renovated into a luxury hotel. Comprising 27 rooms and suites with a neo-retro design style, an outdoor swimming pool and a beautiful terrace. Every morning a buffet breakfast is served, you will also taste local products typical of the Basque coast and you will also discover the Sunday brunch.

Booking.com

Le Garage Biarritz Hotel

Hotel by the sea

9.1 Fabulous

From

£203 / night

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by Jude JONES | Staff Writer

Jude Jones is a writer and editor from Manchester, England. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in History and Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge. He has a keen interest in art, film and literature.

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