From Biarritz to Guéthary by E-Bike
- Travelling time: 2h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why we love it: This route brings together everything we love about sustainable travel: the slow rhythm of cycling, the raw beauty of the coastline, respect for the environment, and the authentic discovery of local culture — in this case, the deeply rooted Basque identity. It’s a short route, but rich in emotions, landscapes, and flavors.
- Length: 25 km
- Total Elevation Gain: 150 m
- Way to travel: e-bike
- Cost: 0
- Our Advice: While many local cyclists don’t wear helmets, we strongly recommend using one: all bike rental agencies provide them upon request. And remember: despite the short distance, the elevation gain is significant — choosing an e-bike will help you enjoy the day without getting too tired. Take frequent breaks, savor local dishes, snap photos, and let the landscape set your pace.
The journey begins in Biarritz, where you can rent an electric bike if you don’t have your own. From here, following the well-marked bike path, you start pedaling south along a coastal route that alternates between uphill climbs and breathtaking viewpoints.
After about 10 minutes (5 km), you’ll reach a golden sandy beach ideal for families, complete with restaurants and a surf school, accessible even at high tide. Just a bit further on, the Château of Biarritz rises majestically on a hill — a preview of the natural wonders to come.
At 3.5 km, it’s worth stopping at the Belvedere on Chemin Tutilenia, offering a wide-open view over the Espace Naturel Sensible d’Erretegia — a protected 65-hectare reserve of dunes, cliffs, coastal meadows, and the scenic Plage d’Erretegia, where organic material is left untouched to preserve the ecosystem. You can park your bike 250 meters from the shoreline and take a relaxing break.
Just steps away, the kiosk Kanttu offers a simple yet delicious lunch made with local ingredients: razor clams, ribs, stewed baby squid, and fried calamari — all accompanied by fresh juices or craft beer, with a stunning ocean view.
Uphill again, you’ll reconnect with the bike path and ride along the spectacular Cor de la Falaise (1.2 km), where the horizon opens to the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.
The next stop is the Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine, perched on a hill. Once a resting place for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela, it remains a site of reflection and awe, offering views of the Pyrenees, La Rhune, and Mount Jaizkibel in Spain.
In Bidart, we pause for a coffee in front of the fronton — the traditional Basque pelota court — and admire the timber-framed houses painted in the iconic deep red typical of Basque identity.
Pedaling a little further, we arrive at the Plage de Parlementia, a wide sandy beach overlooked by the Tour de Koskenia — a restored tower once used to signal whale sightings.
The route ends at the Port de Guéthary, a former whaling port now home to small fishing boats and quiet charm. At sunset, we treat ourselves to a drink and some pinxtos overlooking the ocean — the perfect end to a memorable day.
