Digital Nomad Guide to Biarritz, France

Planning a trip to the Basque Country while working remotely? This beautiful part of France and Spain is an ideal spot for digital nomads with a love for surfing and food. Here are our top recommendations for staying in the Basque Country as a digital nomad.

8 min read time

Biarritz
Biarritz is a vibrant coastal city known for its surf culture, the bustling Les Halles market, and a walkable layout perfect for exploring. You’ll find plenty of cafes, bars, and coworking spaces nearby.

Guéthary
Guéthary is a quaint seaside town, just south of Biarritz and minutes from the Spanish border. You'll find great surf spots, similarly to Biarritz - but with none of the crowds.

San Sebastian
Cross the border into Spain to visit San Sebastián, a foodie haven with world-class restaurants and a laid-back vibe. Surfing is a way of life here, and the city also offers coworking spaces and cafes with fast WiFi.

While the digital nomad scene here is not as large as Bali or Lisbon, it’s steadily growing. Outsite locations in Biarritz and Bidart provide a built-in community of remote workers. Le Local Coworking and other spaces also host events and networking opportunities.

There are a few coworking spaces where you can meet fellow Biarritz and Bidart digital nomads and remote workers. 
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Located in Biarritz, this coworking space offers soundproof phone booths, a dining area, and networking opportunities. It’s perfect for client calls or focused work.
 

With locations in Biarritz and Bayonne, this coworking space includes meeting rooms, a photo studio, and a kitchenette.‍

In Biarritz and San Sebastian, it's easy to find high-speed WiFi. If you're planning on staying in the smaller towns, make sure to contact your host to check the speed before booking.

Let's take a look at the best options for remote workers:

This bright, cozy cafe offers an extensive American-style menu, perfect for digital nomads. With unlimited WiFi and plenty of tables, it’s a great spot to spend a productive weekday. Their specialty coffees, pancakes, and hearty brunch options make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It’s quieter during the weekdays, so you can focus on work.
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Head to Dodin for coffee or tea with a view. This cafe is right on Grande Plage. Watch the waves go by while you get some work done and enjoy your food and drink. Try one (or many) of their traditional French macarons to satisfy your sweet tooth. 
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A spacious and stylish cafe with free WiFi, Ventilo Café is perfect for working during the day and socializing in the evening. Known for hosting live music and guest DJs, it transforms into a lively spot at night. Their menu features a variety of drinks (both caffeinated and non-caffeinated) and tasty snacks, making it easy to stay productive for hours.
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Deus Ex Machina offers a unique workspace with its artfully designed interiors featuring motorbikes and surfboards. You’ll find plenty of power outlets, free WiFi, and comfortable seating. It’s a great mix of a laid-back vibe and functional work environment.
 

• L'Oeuf Poché
  ‍This is a cozy little cafe situated close to the beach serving coffee and what many call "the best brunch around". Loved for their fresh and local ingredients, it can get a little busy, but there are tables inside to work from.
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• Le 210
  A coffee shop meets artisanal ice cream parlor, Le 210 is a great little spot to grab a drink and a snack and get some work done. Inside, it's relaxed and spacious with plenty of table space to work from.
   

San Sebastián, Spain

Just a 45-minute drive or bus ride from Biarritz, San Sebastián is a must-visit destination for its stunning beaches and vibrant food culture.

What to Do:

• Relax on La Concha Beach, one of Europe’s most beautiful city beaches, perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
• If you’re a surfer, head to Zurriola Beach, which offers consistent waves and a laid-back vibe.
• Wander through the Old Town (Parte Vieja) to explore cobbled streets, historical landmarks, and an array of pintxos bars (the Basque version of tapas). Make sure to try local specialties like grilled octopus and Basque cheesecake.
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Bordeaux Wineries & Vineyards

The iconic Bordeaux wine region is about a 2–3 hour train ride north of Biarritz and Bidart, making it an easy day trip for wine lovers. 
if you’d like to learn more about the vineyards and how wine is produced in the region, sign up for a wine tour. 

What to Do:

• Tour some of the world-renowned vineyards such as Château Margaux or Saint-Émilion. Most vineyards offer tastings, and many include guided tours of the facilities to explain the winemaking process.
• Stroll through the UNESCO-listed medieval village of Saint-Émilion, known for its charming cobbled streets and wine cellars.
• Enjoy a wine tasting experience or a gourmet lunch at one of the many châteaux that welcome visitors.
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French Basque Villages

The French Basque Country is home to some of the most picturesque villages and small towns in the region. Each offers a unique mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty.

• The historic capital of the French Basque Country, Bayonne is famous for its half-timbered houses, Basque museums, and chocolate shops.
• Don’t miss the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie and the riverside markets.

• A quaint fishing port with a rich history, Saint-Jean-De-Luz is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood by the water.
• Visit the Church of Saint John the Baptist, where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain.

• Often called “Little California”, Anglet boasts 11 beaches, ideal for surfing and sunbathing.
• Enjoy coastal walks and relaxed beachside cafes.

Top Surf Spots in Biarritz:

Cote des Basques
This legendary surf spot is noted as the birthplace of surfing in France. It's one of the most well-known spots around, and its beautiful views of the Villa Belza and Spanish Coast are reason enough to head here.  
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Grande Plage 
This exposed beach break has consistent year-round surf. It's centrally located, and you're likely to find swell all year long. It's an especially popular spot, and is usually busy.

Top Surf Spots in Bidart:

‍Plage Bidart 
Plage Bidart has swell perfect for both beginner and experienced surfers. The beach is small and relaxed, and there are incredible views of the Bay of Biscay. 
 

Ilbarritz
This is a nice spot for experienced surfers, though during low tide it can be suitable for beginners. 

Gyms in Biarritz:

• Basic-Fit Gym  - This top rated gym is complete with classes, spin bikes and a well equipped weights room. 
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• Bestraining - This is one of the best gyms in Biarritz for CrossFit/HIIT style classes. 
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• YOGANG - The first and only hot yoga studio in the Basque Country. This boutique space is beautiful and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. They offer a variety of classes with and without heat and there's a small shop on-site.
   

Gyms in Bidart:

• Lā kāśa - This studio offers a wide variety of yoga, tai chi, pilates, meditation & more classes.
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• Proxiforme - A standard gym with a cardio-training area, bodybuilding, cross-training area, and group classes.

Wondering about taking classes in French? Let the teacher know at the start of the class, and they'll usually be able to help you during the class.

Grocery stores:

Carrefour is the most convenient and common supermarket in Biarritz. If you'd prefer a more traditional shopping experience, head to Les Halles for fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and dried foods.

Lidl and Intermarché are both common supermarkets. Every Saturday during the summer months, there's a traditional market held in the town hall square from 9am-1pm. There you will find different local food products and also some craft stalls.

Health food stores:

Les Trésors de Gaia stock herbal teas, essential oils, palo santo, and more supplements if you're looking for superfood products in Biarritz.

Bidart's L'eau-vive is a great option for organic and local food and products.

Digital Nomad Visas for France

‍For US citizens, no visa is required for stays under 90 days. For Europeans, France is part of The Schengen Area, making it extra simple for citizens from Schengen Area counties to travel to France. Read more about digital nomad visas here. 
 

Looking for a place to stay in Basque Country, France? Check out Outsite locations nearby.