Where to Stay on the French Basque Coast: Why Guéthary Is the Perfect Base
- lescalesurfhostel
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 9
The French Basque Coast is one of the most beautiful coastal regions in Europe. Known for its world-class surf, dramatic Atlantic cliffs, charming villages, and incredible food, this stretch of coastline attracts travelers from around the world.
Many visitors start their trip by looking at accommodation in Biarritz. But once they explore the region further, they quickly discover several amazing towns nearby.
So where should you stay on the French Basque Coast?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay — and why the charming village of Guéthary might be the perfect base for your trip.
The Best Places to Stay on the French Basque Coast
The Basque Coast is relatively small, which means you can easily explore several towns during your stay.
The most popular places to stay include:
Biarritz
Bidart
Guéthary
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Each destination has its own unique vibe and advantages depending on the type of trip you're planning.
Biarritz: The Famous Surf City
Biarritz is the most famous destination on the Basque Coast.
Once a glamorous seaside resort for European royalty, today it’s known as one of Europe’s top surf destinations.
Highlights include:
iconic beaches like Grande Plage and Côte des Basques
a lively nightlife scene
great restaurants and cafés
beautiful coastal scenery
However, Biarritz is also the busiest and most expensive place to stay, especially during summer and surf season.
For travelers looking for something more relaxed and authentic, nearby villages are often a better choice.
Bidart: Beaches and Nature
Just south of Biarritz and North of Guéthary, Bidart is a beautiful coastal village known for its long sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Bidart is perfect for travelers who want:
wide beaches
scenic coastal walks
a quieter environment than Biarritz
It’s a great option for families and beach lovers.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Culture and History
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a historic seaside town about 20 minutes from Biarritz and 10 minutes from Guéthary.
The town is famous for:
its charming harbor
traditional Basque architecture
amazing seafood restaurants
a protected swimming bay
Saint-Jean-de-Luz has a slightly more traditional and cultural atmosphere compared to the surf vibe of Biarritz.
Guéthary: The Perfect Base on the Basque Coast
Located between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary is one of the most charming villages on the French Basque Coast.
This former fishing village has become a favorite destination for surfers, travelers, and digital nomads looking for a relaxed coastal lifestyle while staying close to the region’s main attractions.
What makes Guéthary special:
✔ Stunning ocean viewpoints
✔ A peaceful village atmosphere
✔ Easy access to world-class surf spots
✔ Fantastic restaurants and cafés
✔ A central location on the Basque Coast
Another big advantage of staying in Guéthary is how easy it is to explore the region without a car.
Getting Around from Guéthary
Guéthary is very well connected to nearby towns thanks to local trains, buses, and coastal walking paths.
🚆 Saint-Jean-de-Luz — 5 minutes by train
The regional train connects Guéthary to Saint-Jean-de-Luz in just a few minutes. It’s one of the easiest ways to explore the town’s harbor, beaches, and restaurants. Train schedules are available via SNCF Connect.
🚌 Biarritz — 15 minutes by bus
Bus Line 18 connects Guéthary directly to Biarritz in about 15 minutes. It’s a convenient way to visit Biarritz’s beaches, surf spots, shops, and nightlife. Timetables can be found on the Txik Txak website.
🚆 Hendaye — 20 minutes by train
You can reach Hendaye in around 20 minutes by train. From there it’s easy to cross the Spanish border and visit San Sebastián, famous for its incredible food and pintxos culture.
🚶 Bidart — walking distance
The nearby village of Bidart is accessible on foot via the beautiful Basque coastal path, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean along the way.
Because everything is so close, Guéthary is an ideal base for exploring the entire Basque Coast, from Biarritz to Spain, while staying somewhere peaceful and authentic.
Where to Stay in Guéthary
If you want to experience the surf lifestyle of the Basque Coast, staying in a surf-focused accommodation can make your trip even better.
L’Escale Surf Hostel is a cozy surf hostel located in the center of the village and within walking distance of the beaches and surf spots.
Travelers love it for:
its friendly community atmosphere
easy access to surf spots and board rentals
its central location in between Biarritz and the nearby towns
the relaxed surf-village vibe
The many places to eat and have a drink
It’s especially popular with solo travelers, surfers, and digital nomads exploring the Basque Coast.
If you're curious about it, check what the guests have to say about L'escale surf Hostel here !
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to stay on the French Basque Coast depends on the type of experience you're looking for.
Quick overview:
Biarritz → vibrant surf city
Bidart → beaches and nature
Saint-Jean-de-Luz → culture and history
Guéthary → charming surf village and perfect central base
If you want a relaxed atmosphere with easy access to the best surf spots and villages near Biarritz, Guéthary might be the perfect place to stay on the Basque Coast.
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