Biscarrosse Plage = Biscarrosse Beach
If you are travelling in France and you love the ocean, then “plage” is a French word that should be on your radar. It’s definitely on mine.
France is gifted with coastlines. To name a few, the Bay of Biscay, the Celtic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the English Channel. And what about the Mediterranean Sea? Craggy cliffs, wide expansive beaches, and hidden coves are all part of the allure of France.
How much time is too little time at the beach?
I had that decision to make last summer when I was unable to extend my car rental without paying a hefty ransom. I decided to make a dash for the Atlantic coastline. Biscarrosse Plage was highly recommended to me by a well-travelled woman. Her favourite beach in the world, Biscarrosse Beach, needed to be sussed out by me!
It was a temptation that was impossible to turn down. A whirlwind visit to Biscarrosse Beach on the Landes coast west of Bordeaux, the wild Atlantic Coast of France.
With that in mind, I raced through the country roads of the Aquitaine region past lush vineyards, verdant fields, passed many a donkey (my fav!), horses and scooted through one round-about after another as I wound my way on an extremely windy route to Biscarrosse Plage. Did I mention that driving solo in a foreign land can be a challenge? That is a story for another day!
1. How Does the Ocean Make You Feel?
And why did I make the dash to the coast when I was definitely short on time and prefer slow travel? It was all about the feeling. I know how even a short dose of the ocean feeds my soul. How does the ocean make you feel?
Alive?
Expansive?
Windblown?
I always jump at the chance to be near the ocean. Do you?
Cold days and hot ones alike, I savour winds blowing salty air across my cheeks,
I dream of wave crests colliding with my shins and the relentless crash of breaking surf.
Gulls dip and soar.
Tide pools wait expectantly to be explored.
I reach some magical grounded place,
I breathe easier, rhythmically.
I find a moment to treasure life.
How does the ocean make you feel?
As I drove my circuitous route to the coast, I wondered if the Atlantic beach Biscarrosse would be any different?
Read More | Bordeaux used to be nicknamed the Sleeping Beauty of France. Not any more! Have you seen these Bordeaux highlights?
2. Biscarrosse Beach |Wide Open
This is how Biscarrosse Plage greeted me upon arrival. Four kilometres of expansive golden oceanfront wearing blue evening hues. I immediately knew the rush had been worth it.
This part of France’s coast is called the Silver Coast or Côte d’Argent. It stretches from the tip of the Parc Régional de Landes et Gascogne all the way to Biarritz near the Spanish border. This glorious beach is, of course, no secret. It is very popular in the summertime with surfers and families.
3. Biscarrosse Plage |Surf’s Up
I rose early to saunter along Biscarrosse beach and only shared it with a few dog-walkers and a couple of eager surfers dashing back to carve up another wave.
Word on the street is that Biscarrosse Plage is a reliable place to learn how to surf as there are good waves all year long. Maybe surf camp is on your agenda for the summer. Look no further than right here.
Don’t let the photos fool you. This Atlantic beach Biscarrosse is a highly popular destination in the summer and even this wide-open area can get crowded.
Read More | This Atlantic beach in France is also a surfing mecca, nicknamed the California of France!
4. The Town Of Biscarrosse
Behind the dunes is the town of Biscarrosse which is full of bistros, bars and even a casino. Get into the coastal spirit and enjoy some mussels and fries, followed up with ice cream! It’s a little touristy with shops selling souvenirs and beach gear but the croissants make up for it!
5. The Lakes By Biscarrosse
As you can see on the map, aside from the crashing Atlantic Ocean there are also two large lakes by Biscarrosse Plage. Lac de Biscarrosse et de Parentis and Étang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet are perfect for family camping and adventures!
6. Beyond Biscarrosse Plage
Biscarrosse Plage can be your ultimate destination or a place to use as a base for exploring. There are beaches all along the Atlantic coast waiting to be explored with a beach towel and a picnic basket.
Have you heard of Mimizan? This beach is also great for surfers and the town has a lively atmosphere. Just south of Mimizan is Plage L’Éspecier. You can ride a bicycle to this beach from Mimizan.
Pay attention to which beaches have supervised swimming areas in the summer as the Atlantic currents can catch you off guard.
There are multiple bike rentals locations around Biscarrosse Plage and plenty of bike paths for exploring. The mixed scent of the Landes Forest and the salty air will accompany you along your ride. Try riding all the way to the Dune du Pilat (just over an hour on a bicycle). Keen for more? Ride the bike path past the Dune du Pilat all the way to Arcachon.
And while you are in Arcachon, how about sampling the oysters? Arcachon is known for its deluxe oysters. Here is How to Eat Oysters Like the French if you are thinking of diving into a platter of these briny molluscs.
Read here for details on visiting the highest dune in Europe.
For me, even a short window of time is an invitation to breathe deeply and connect with the vast ocean. Would you make a mad dash to spend 24 hours at Biscarrosse Plage?
More Travel Info
Travel In France:
What else have I written about France? Check out this page.
Accommodation In Biscarrosse Plage:
This is where I stayed, although not right on the beach, it is within a 10-minute walk. Here are places to stay in Biscarrosse and also suggested hotels in Biscarrosse Plage.
Travelling to Paris?
All my Paris resources are right here on this page.
If you love that village feel in Paris these areas might interest you:
Montmartre, much like Ile Saint- Louis, feels like a small village. This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places on the hill.
Le Marais is one of the oldest areas of Paris. Once marshland, it is hopping with boutiques, cafés, gorgeous old mansions and museums. Read my full guide to le Marais.
Canal Saint-Martin is great fun to explore. Here is what to do in this Bobo quartier.
These hidden gems of Paris will lead you to uncover some super secrets in Paris.
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Alison, Your photos are exquisite.
beach are the best! can’t live without it x for me i mean haha
They sure are!
My love affair with France only just started last month. I’ll be sure to add this part of France on to my “must see and experience” list.
Oh so exciting that you are at the beginning of your love affair with France.. mine has been going on for years and I still can’t get enough!
I love beaches too, there’s just something about them that makes me feel at home and relaxed. Perhaps it’s the cancerian in me. Thanks for sharing, this one is going on my list for our next visit to France.
You are welcome! I feel immediately grounded by the water!
Amazing post and beautiful photos! Love it!
Thank you! Easy to take photos of this gorgeous spot!
Gorgeous photos. Looks like it was worth the quick trip!
It really was! Amazing how even a short jaunt by the ocean can rejuvenate me!
The ocean is always so relaxing and peaceful no matter if its the summer or the winter. If anything the winter is more special as its quieter and chilled out! I’ve never been to the beach in France and think especially off the south coast it’s pretty off the beaten track.
This beach looks amazing! I am always happiest near the ocean!
Me too!
Oh how I love this post. Your photos are beautiful. This has definitely inspired me to move this destination higher up on my list. I have pinned for future reference too!
So glad you enjoyed this post! I hope you enjoy Bisccarrosse (and the surrounding area) as much as I did!
I am more a Mediterranean type of girl but I do love the expense of these Atlantic beaches. Nothing beats the long stretches of sand bordered by dunes and ocean. And indeed, plages like Biscarrosse are great places to learn how to surf, though the currents like you pointed out can be challenging and even dangerous. So better know what you are doing before headed into the water.
I love the Mediterranean also but there is something about the wild Atlantic beaches that I just LOVE!
OMG this post of yours is making us all nostalgic! Back in 2003 when we both graduated from highschool (or actually still waiting for the results of our final exams) we drove down to Biscarosse for a week. That’s what made is decide to study in Bordeaux! A couple of months later, we moved down there and spent many many weekends at the Biscarosse Plage (and also exploring the whole area in the Aquitaine and northern Spain of course). I suppose you also went to the Dune de Pilat and Arcachon. How did you like it there? And did you also visit St Emilion and other medieval towns in the region?
Oh – I am excited that this revitalized your memories! Lucky you, studying in Bordeaux. I loved Aquitaine (I did a housesit in La Réole) and also visited the Dune, Arcachon, Bordeaux and St Emilion. This region definitely warrants a lot more time and exploration!!!
Biscarosse is so beautiful through your expert lens! Make me want to go!
Thank you, Carol. If you get there… ENJOY!!!!
Stunning photos and lovely text. Like you, I find myself happier, calmer and more at peace when surrounded by the sea. I grew up along the endless golden coast of California, but have living among the wild Atlantic coastlines of the Canary Islands for the last years, and can only imagine the coast of Biscarrosse to be equally as stunning and dramatic. Great post!
Thank you, Erica. I think I would love to visit the Atlantic coastlines of the Canary Islands!
To answer your question, yes, I jump at any opportunity to be at the beach! It’s so interesting to see the Atlantic from the European side. It does remind me a bit of some of the beaches I’ve been to along the American East Coast. The colors, especially during sunset, are so stunning!
I know, seeing the Atlantic from the European side is fascinating – I always think – yup this ocean goes all way to Canada!
I forget that France his some cute beaches. There are so many that need to be explored!
Yes, France has some amazing beaches!