Car Hire in Biarritz

About Biarritz

Biarritz is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France. This pretty town was once a small fishing village but experienced its heyday in the late 19th century when it was used as a winter residence by the British royal family.

Today, this town is a very popular destination for travellers and tourists from all over the world. The tourist offer is high quality and diverse, as there is something for everyone. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year and it is one of the most popular destinations in France for windsurfers, who also hold a very popular summer surfing festival here every year. Biarritz is also known as a centre for thalassotherapy. Thalassotherapy is based on the use of seawater, seaweed, mud, and other marine products as a treatment. Besides great beaches, festivals, and treatments, there is much more to see and do in this beautiful town, which by the way is only 18 kilometres from the Spanish border. You can visit many historical and cultural sites and take part in many different activities on the beach and the city.

Biarritz is a perfect destination for all nature lovers. It is a special city because here you can climb the mountains and enjoy the sea on the same day. There are wonderful hiking trails in the mountains surrounding the city and when you finish your hike and return to the city, you can refresh yourself by jumping into the sea.

So if you are taking a road trip through France, Biarritz is undoubtedly a town you will not regret visiting. With such an amazing vibe, great beaches, lots of historical and cultural sites, plenty of activities to take part in, and some truly fabulous restaurants, Biarritz is a city you should visit. If you do not plan any long-term activities here, you can explore the whole town in one day, so make a good plan and enjoy this Basque gem.

Basic info and car hire in Biarritz

• Location: Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, France
• Population: 25,532
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather:  Biarritz has a temperate oceanic climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Biarritz are in good condition.
• Car hire in Biarritz:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Biarritz is at Biarritz airport and  Biarritz Railway Station. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Biarritz!

 Driving in Biarritz

Biarritz is a perfect city for a day trip. So if you are taking a road trip through the southwest of France, you can easily stop here for a day to explore the town and then continue your journey. Since it is a small city, the traffic here is not very heavy, but you may also experience traffic jams, especially during the holiday season. To explore the city, it is best to park your car in one of the many parking lots in the city and then walk or rent a bike and explore Biarritz by bike.

When you leave town, you'll have a special riding experience. The scenic roads in this part of the country will make you feel like you are in a movie. There are amazing roads on this picturesque coast and equally beautiful roads with amazing views inland. For all road trip lovers, this is an unforgettable experience. So all you have to do is come to Biarritz, rent a car, buckle up, and hit the road. Drive safely!

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years.
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passports for all people in the car), the car's registration certificate, and your M.O.T. certificate (for cars over three years old, proving the vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in France)
• Additional requirements:  High-visibility, reflective vest for every person in the car, Warning triangle, Full set of replacement bulbs for head and taillights, Spare pair of glasses, Headlight converters (required if driving from, "Crit'Air" badge (required in central Paris), Breathalyzer.
• Children in the car:  Children under 13 must be in car seats or wearing seat belts appropriate for their age and height. Babies and infants about a year old or under should always be positioned in rear-facing car seats.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: There is a variable maximum speed on French roads, depending on weather conditions. In dry weather, 2- or 3-lane rural roads are limited to 80 km/h, 4-lane expressways (in rural areas) are limited to 110 km/h, and motorways (in rural areas if classified as highways) are limited to 130 km/h. In rainy conditions, the limits are lowered to 80, 100, and 110 km/h respectively. The 50 km/h speed limit in cities is independent of weather conditions. The general speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on all roads in fog or other poor visibility conditions when visibility is less than 50 meters.
• Parking suggestions: In the city area, you must pay for all street parking from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm, and you pay per hour. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Generally, you can park for up to 6 hours at a time if you do not have a resident's permit, and up to a week at a time with a permit.

What to see in Biarritz

Biarritz is a place where everyone can find something for themselves. You have so many great beaches, historical sites, cultural sites, and many activities you can do in or around the city. You can also enjoy some delicious local cuisine at some great restaurants.

You can visit Biarritz at different times of the year. If you want to try windsurfing at one of the famous spots, it is best to come in the summer when there is also a big surfing festival here. To explore the city and its surroundings, you can come all year round.

Many great places might interest you when you spend your time in Biarritz. One of these places is undoubtedly the Port Vieux district, where you can stroll through the pretty little streets and enjoy the small beach in Port Vieux. Another place you can visit is the Biarritz lighthouse. This is a very popular destination with tourists. You can climb it and enjoy a great view of Biarritz and its surroundings. Biarritz Grande Plage is the most popular beach in the city. There are many hotels, bars, and restaurants on this beach. Here you can easily spend a whole day relaxing by the sea. In the centre of the city, you can visit Les Halles, an ideal place to explore the local cuisine and gastronomy of the region.

You have the sea on one side of the town and the mountains on the other. If you prefer the mountains, you must visit the Gorges de Kakuetta. You will be amazed by this amazing place with its picturesque waterfalls and beautiful nature all around.

Other places and activities popular with tourists: Musee de la Mer (Biarritz Aquarium), Musée Asiatica, Play golf, Le Sentier du Littoral, Lac Mouriscot, Church of Sainte Eugenie, Church of Alexandre Newsky, Forest of Pignada, Enjoy the Extra (Basque homeland), Horse riding, Cretes de Iparla, La Rhune Old Train, Rafting...

Best restaurants in Biarritz:

Le Bistrot Gourmet

Manatee

Chez Scott

le O2 verdun

Le CAB

La Marine