Digital Nomad Guide to Biarritz and Bidart, France
The ultimate digital nomad guide to Biarritz and Bidart including where to stay, coffee shops with Wifi, and coworking spaces.
Where to stay in the Basque Country
Biarritz
Biarritz is a city in South West France, best known for the large indoor market 'Les Halles', vast surf beaches, and great bars and restaurants. This is a popular getaway for Parisians, as it only takes 4 hours to reach by train, and is easy to get around the city on foot. This is also where you'll find our cozy château, Outsite Biarritz.
Bidart
This is a traditional Basque town, located along the coast and atop a hill. It's about a 20-minute driver from Biarritz and is home to Outsite Bidart. The village offers scenic views with most of its beaches located at the base of a cliff.
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
San Sebastian is in the Spanish part of Basque Country. Like Biarritz, it's best known for world-class restaurants and surf culture.
Digital nomad communities in Biarritz, Bidart & Basque Country
Biarritz and Bidart are not as highly populated as Lisbon or Bali when it comes to digital nomads. However, as more and more people become remote in France, this is likely to increase.
Coworking spaces in Biarritz & Bidart
There are a few coworking spaces where you can meet fellow Biarritz and Bidart digital nomads and remote workers.
Outsite Biarritz and Outsite Bidart
These two beautiful homes have been designed for remote workers. Here, you can live, work, and meet fellow digital nomads while experiencing all the comforts of home.
Le Local Coworking
This coworking space has soundproof phone rooms, great for taking client calls without worrying about background noise. There's also a relaxation and dining area where you can socialize and network.
Coworking Pays Basque
They have locations in Biarritz as well as a location in Bayonne. In the Biarritz location, there are workspaces, meeting rooms, and even a photo studio. There's a kitchenette and dining area, as well.
What's the Wifi like in Basque Country?
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.
Best cafes with WiFi in Biarritz
- Milwaukee Cafe
This cafe with unlimited WiFi and plentiful American-style menu options is perfect to spend the day working at. Milwaukee Cafe is a popular Sunday brunch spot and will be quite busy on the weekends, but it’s calmer and better suited for remote workers on the weekdays.
- Dodin
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.
- Ventilo Café
This spacious cafe with free WiFi is not only great for working, it’s also a fun place to socialize and catch some live music or guest DJs late at night. If you’re going to work, though, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide variety of drinks (caffeinated or not) and food.
- Le Palm
For awesome coffee, fresh juices, and healthy food, head to Le Palm. They have loads of options if you are vegetarian or vegan. Not to mention, their latte art is amazing – you might just find the most Instagrammable drinks in Biarritz here!
- Deus Ex Machina
Artfully styled interiors, motorbikes, and surfboards make for a beautiful office backdrop at Deus. There are plenty of spaces to work, free WiFi, and power outlets for patrons.
Best cafes with WiFi in Bidart
- 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.
- 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.
Day trips from Biarritz and Bidart
- San Sebastián, Spain
Take advantage of being so close to the Spanish border. Head to the city of San Sebastián. From Biarritz and Bidart, it's only a 45-minute drive down to this beautiful Spanish resort town. Once you’re in the coastal city, there’s plenty to explore. Relax on La Concha Beach, which is considered to be one of the nicest city beaches in Europe, surf at Zurriola beach, and roam around the Old Town district where you can find loads of Pintxos (Basque country’s version of tapas) bars.
- Bordeaux Wineries & Vineyards
If you’re a wine lover in France, take advantage of all the wine that the country has to offer – and that includes heading to famous Bordeaux. This iconic wine region is just a little over a 2-hour train ride north from Biarritz. If you're traveling from Bidart, the train will get you there in just over 3 hours. There are thousands of vineyards in the Bordeaux region, so you’ll have no shortage of options. You can take leisurely strolls and enjoy tastings at many vineyards, but if you’d like to learn more about the vineyards and how wine is produced in the region, sign up for a wine tour.
- Explore Surrounding French Basque Country Cities & Villages
French Basque Country has so many beautiful spots to visit. It’s easy to get around by bus or train to these surrounding areas, so pack your bag and choose your destination. Some great options are Bayonne, the charming capital of the French Basque Country, Saint-Jean-De-Luz, a beautiful fishing port city, and Anglet, which has 11 beaches and is often called “Little California.”
The Best Surf Spots in the Basque Country
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.
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.
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 and yoga studios in Biarritz and Bidart
Biarritz
- Basic-Fit Gym
This top rated gym is complete with classes, spin bikes and a well equipped weights room.
- Bestraining
This is one of the best gyms in Biarritz for CrossFit/HIIT style classes.
- 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.
Bidart
- Lā kāśa
This studio offers a wide variety of yoga, tai chi, pilates, meditation & more classes.
- 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.
Shopping and groceries in Biarritz and Bidart
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, just a 5-minute drive from Outsite Bidart. 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.
Biarritz FAQs
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.
Getting Around Biarritz
Luckily for Biarritz digital nomads, the city is compact and easy to navigate by foot. It is very walkable. If you need to go a little further than walking distance, there’s a reliable bus with many stops. It can get you around the city with ease, as well as take you to surrounding villages and cities. Taxis are also available.
Safety: Is the Basque Country safe?
Biarritz, Bidart, and the surrounding French Basque Country region are considered very safe for travelers. However, you should always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your wits about you and you’ll be just fine.
