Biarritz (France)
Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news
Region
France Rivers
Local Time
2026-09-21 09:10
17°C
1.2 m/s
54 °F / 13 °C
Port Biarritz cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Biarritz, France. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
| Day | Ship | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 October, 2026 Thursday |
Biarritz (aka Miarritze) is a port city on France's Atlantic coast (Bay of Biscay), part of Pyrenees-Atlantiques department (Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Basque Country's Labourd province). The city has population around 25,000 is is located close to the France-Spain border (approx 35 km / 22 mi to the north). Biarritz is a very popular premium seaside resort destination (for both domestic and foreign tourists), best-known for the mid-19th-century Hotel du Palais, as well as a great French destination for windsurfing.
The city is also part of Eurociudad Vasca Bayonne-San Sebastian/Eurocity - a cross-border region (between Spain and France, along the Bay of Biscay's coast) that integrates 42 communities (total population around 650,000) in both countries. These integrated communities share common projects (tourism, freight transportation, infrastructures) based on their common Basque cultural base. The largest cities (with population 10,000+) in this "eurodistrict" are France's Bayonne, Anglet, Biarritz, Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Spain's Donostia-San Sebastian, Renteria, Hernani, Fuenterrabia, Passages, Andoain, Lasarte-Oria, Zarauz. The Agglomeration Cote Basque-Adour includes the French cities Anglet and Biarritz.
The town started to develop from trade and commercial fishing, but its current economy is based mainly on tourism (spa/Thalassotherapy, sports/golfing, surfing, rugby) and transportation.
The city is served by the Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (aka Biarritz-Parme Airport) located just 5 km (3 mi) southeast of downtown. The airport serves regular flights linking to domestic airports (Lyon, Paris) as well as international flights linking to Belgium (Charleroi) and the UK-England (London). Seasonal flights connect to Switzerland (Geneva, Basel), Ireland (Dublin), Corsica Island (Bastia), Germany (Berlin), Luxembourg City. TGVs (high-speed trains) link to Paris City and Bordeaux.
Biarritz City's landmarks and tourist attractions include Musee Asiatica (an Asian art museum with collections from India, Nepal, Tibet, China), Aquarium (with sharks and seals), Cite de l'Ocean et du Surf (museum), Musee Historique (historical museum), Planete Musee du Chocolat (chocolate-themed museum), Surf Festival (held annually since 1993/one of Europe's top- surfing events), Eglise Saint-Martin (12th-century church), Eglise St-Alexandre (19th-century Russian orthodox church), Chapelle Imperiale (19th-century Catholic church), large casinos (Barriere, Bellevue, Hotel du Palais), scenic waterfront views (The Rocks of Biarritz/cliffs), film festivals, 6x beaches, 3x gardens (in downtown), nature parks (120 hectares / 300 acres including the Marion and Muriskot/two recreational lakes).
Biarritz is compact, scenic and easy to explore on foot once passengers reach the center. The main sights follow the Atlantic waterfront between the Côte des Basques, Rocher de la Vierge, Grande Plage and the lighthouse. Expect slopes, steps and exposed coastal paths rather than a completely flat promenade.
At a Glance
- Independent sightseeing: Easy once in central Biarritz.
- Best for: Coastal walks, ocean views, beaches, Basque food and cafés.
- Minimum useful visit: About 3 hours.
- Important: Biarritz has no conventional cruise terminal for large ships. Follow the cruise line’s instructions for the tender landing, coach transfer or excursion meeting point used on your particular call.
Getting into Biarritz
The small Port des Pêcheurs is a historic fishing harbor, not a deep-water cruise berth. Small cruise vessels may operate a tender call when sea conditions permit, while some itineraries list Biarritz as an excursion or pre-cruise destination reached by coach from another port. Tender operations can be affected by Atlantic swell.
If passengers are delivered near Port Vieux, Port des Pêcheurs or the central seafront, most principal attractions are within walking distance. Taxis are more useful for the lighthouse, Biarritz railway station or trips beyond the town. Local Txik Txak buses connect Biarritz with Anglet and Bayonne, but schedules should be checked for the day of the call.
Best Ways to Spend Your Time
Walk the Central Coastline
Allow 2–3 hours for the signature waterfront sights. Visit Port Vieux, cross the footbridge to Rocher de la Vierge when conditions allow, look into the small Port des Pêcheurs, and continue past Sainte-Eugénie Church to Grande Plage. The route is straightforward independently, although it includes gradients and occasional steps.
Visit the Biarritz Aquarium
The aquarium stands close to Rocher de la Vierge and fits easily into a waterfront walk. Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours inside, plus time for the nearby viewpoints. It is a practical choice during poor weather or for families, but opening times should be checked before visiting.
Explore the Market and Town Center
Les Halles de Biarritz and the surrounding streets offer food stalls, cafés and local products within a short walk of the seafront. Combine the market with Place Georges Clemenceau, Sainte-Eugénie Church and Grande Plage for a relaxed 2–3-hour visit.
Continue to Biarritz Lighthouse
The lighthouse stands on Pointe Saint-Martin, north of Grande Plage. It is roughly 2 km (1.2 mi) from the central waterfront and can be reached on foot along the coast or more quickly by taxi. Allow 2–3 hours for the round trip from central Biarritz. Access to the lighthouse viewpoint involves a long staircase and may not suit passengers with limited mobility.
Take an Excursion to Bayonne
Bayonne offers a historic center, riverside streets, a cathedral and stronger Basque cultural character. It is approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) from central Biarritz. Taxi or the T1 Tram’bus makes an independent visit possible, but allow at least 4 hours and protect extra time for the return. A guided transfer is preferable when the call is short or the ship is using tenders.
Self-Guided Coastal Walk
Port Vieux to Grande Plage
Route: Port Vieux → Rocher de la Vierge → Biarritz Aquarium → Port des Pêcheurs → Sainte-Eugénie Church → Grande Plage → Hôtel du Palais.
- Distance: Approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mi) one way.
- Pure walking time: About 40–50 minutes.
- Recommended time: 2–3 hours with viewpoints and stops.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with slopes, steps and exposed sections near the water.
From Hôtel du Palais, return through the town center and Les Halles rather than retracing the entire waterfront. Confirm the location and deadline for the return tender or coach before setting out.
Beaches and Ocean Conditions
Grande Plage is the most convenient beach for a short call, while Port Vieux has a smaller, more sheltered setting. Côte des Basques is best known for surfing and coastal views but requires descending and later climbing back from the seafront. Swimming conditions can change quickly because of surf, currents and tides; follow posted flags and lifeguard instructions.
Practical Tips
- Wear shoes with good grip for slopes, wet paving and coastal steps.
- Carry a light waterproof layer because Atlantic weather can change rapidly.
- Do not plan a tight independent trip to Bayonne if the call involves tendering.
- Allow a generous return margin, especially when tenders, traffic or public transport are involved.
- Passengers with limited mobility may prefer the town center and Grande Plage; the lighthouse, Rocher de la Vierge approaches and Côte des Basques involve more demanding terrain.
