Biscarrosse Beaches

Overview

Biscarrosse offers a unique dual beach experience on the coast of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, defined by a choice between two distinct environments. Visitors can embrace the energy of the vast Atlantic coastline, known for its powerful waves and endless golden sand. Alternatively, they can relax by the calm, warm, and shallow freshwater lakes, which provide a tranquil setting ideal for families and leisurely water sports. This combination of lively oceanfront and serene lakeside makes Biscarrosse a versatile destination for any type of beach holiday.

The region's beaches cater to every preference, from wild, natural landscapes to lively resort atmospheres. For an unforgettable adventure, Plage de la Corniche offers epic views at the foot of the immense Dune du Pilat. Those seeking a classic surf experience will find powerful waves at Plage Sud, a favorite among locals, while Plage du Vivier provides a more rugged and preserved coastal setting. On the other side of the spectrum, Navarosse Beach is the heart of the area's lake life, perfect for activities like sailing and paddleboarding in exceptionally calm waters.

With its remarkable variety, Biscarrosse is perfectly suited for both adventure-seekers and families looking for a relaxing getaway. The ocean beaches, such as the expansive Plage Nord, are hubs for surfing and sunbathing, while the gentle lake beaches offer a safe haven for younger children. The landscape itself, a beautiful mix of pine forests, towering dunes, and sparkling water, provides a stunning backdrop for any activity. For a complete overview of all the options, explore our longer list of the best beaches in Biscarrosse.

Top Beaches

Plage Centrale

The vibrant heart of the resort, this is the main town beach, bustling with activity and easily accessible for everyone. It is the most well-known and frequented beach, serving as a direct extension of the town's central pedestrian street with its shops and restaurants. This vast expanse of fine sand is the epicentre of summer life, where the energy of holidaymakers is palpable from morning to night. While popular for a casual surf, it's truly the social hub for sunbathing, strolling, and soaking in the lively seaside atmosphere. As evening arrives, the beach becomes a prime spot to watch the sun set over the Atlantic, often accompanied by the sounds of nearby evening markets and music. This seamless blend of natural ocean beauty and resort town energy makes it the quintessential Biscarrosse-Plage experience.

FAQ

Should I choose the lake or the ocean beaches in Biscarrosse?

Choosing between the lake and ocean in Biscarrosse depends on your preference. The Atlantic ocean beaches, like Plage Centrale, are known for their vast stretches of sand, powerful waves ideal for surfing, and a lively atmosphere. However, they can have strong currents. The lake beaches, such as at Navarrosse or Maguide, offer calm, shallow, and warmer water, making them perfect for families with young children and for activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing.

Navarosse Beach

Is it safe to swim in the ocean at Biscarrosse?

Yes, you can swim in the ocean, but it's crucial to be cautious. The Atlantic coast here is known for powerful waves and strong rip currents called 'baïnes'. For your safety, always swim in the designated, supervised areas marked by flags and monitored by lifeguards, especially during the summer. If you are not a strong swimmer or have small children, the calm lake beaches are a safer alternative.

What are 'baïnes' and why are they dangerous?

Baïnes are natural tidal pools that form between the beach and a sandbank. At high tide, they appear as calm areas of water, which can be deceptive. As the tide goes out, the water from these pools is pulled out to sea, creating a strong, narrow rip current that can easily carry swimmers away from the shore. It is essential to understand this phenomenon and only swim in lifeguard-supervised zones.

Is Biscarrosse a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Absolutely. Biscarrosse is very family-friendly due to its dual offering of ocean and lake beaches. While the ocean provides the classic beach day experience with supervised swimming zones, the nearby freshwater lakes (Étang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet and Étang de Biscarrosse et de Parentis) are particularly ideal for families with young children, offering calm, warm, and shallow waters for safe play and water sports.

Can you stay right on the beach in Biscarrosse-Plage?

Direct beachfront hotels or rentals with private access are uncommon in Biscarrosse-Plage due to the protected dunes that run along the coast. However, there are many hotels, apartments, and surf houses located just behind the dune, offering a very short walk (1-5 minutes) to the sand. Areas like Biscarrosse-Lac offer accommodation with direct lake access.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

What is the water temperature like for swimming?

In the Atlantic Ocean, the water temperature is quite cool, peaking at around 20-22°C (68-72°F) in August. The swimming season is generally from July to September. In contrast, the water in the freshwater lakes is significantly warmer, often reaching 24-28°C (75-82°F) in the summer, making it much more comfortable for swimming, especially for children.

Which beach is best for surfing in Biscarrosse?

Biscarrosse is a renowned surf destination with several spots. For beginners, the Plage Centrale and Plage Nord are great choices as they have numerous surf schools and are supervised. More experienced surfers often prefer the Plage Sud, a local favorite known for its powerful waves at high tide, or the more remote Plage du Vivier, which offers a wilder setting.

How does Biscarrosse compare to Mimizan for a beach holiday?

Both are classic Landes coast resorts. Biscarrosse is larger and defined by its three distinct areas: Biscarrosse-Ville (the town), Biscarrosse-Plage (the oceanfront), and Biscarrosse-Lac (the lakes). Its major advantage is the large, calm lakes for alternative water sports. Mimizan-Plage has a more compact, traditional seaside town feel, with everything clustered behind the main beach. Both offer great surfing and family-friendly atmospheres.

Mimizan Plage

People Also Ask

What's the best time of year to visit Biscarrosse for a beach holiday?

For a classic sun and swimming holiday, the best time is July and August when the weather is warmest and all services are operational. However, this is also the busiest period. For pleasant weather, warm water, and fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September. Surfers often find the best wave conditions in the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November).

Do I need a car to get around Biscarrosse?

It is highly recommended. The three main areas—Biscarrosse-Ville, Biscarrosse-Plage, and Biscarrosse-Lac—are several kilometers apart. While there are bike paths and a summer shuttle bus ('Biscabus'), a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the different beaches, lakes, and the surrounding forest. Getting between the town and the beach without a car can be limiting.

Which Biscarrosse beach is best for avoiding crowds?

To escape the main summer crowds, head to the beaches further from the central access point. Plage Sud and Plage du Vivier (to the north) are generally less crowded than the Plage Centrale. Reaching them may require a slightly longer walk from the parking areas. For a truly peaceful experience, the numerous small coves and beaches around the lakes offer a tranquil alternative.

Plage Sud

Plage du Vivier

Plage Centrale

Is Biscarrosse just for a beach holiday or is there more to do?

While famous for its beaches, Biscarrosse offers much more. The vast Landes forest provides extensive cycling and hiking trails. The lakes are centers for a huge range of water sports. The town also has a seaplane museum (Musée de l'Hydraviation), a lively market, mini-golf, and tree-top adventure courses. It's a destination that combines relaxation with outdoor activities.

Are there nudist beaches in or near Biscarrosse?

While Biscarrosse's main beaches are not designated for naturism, a section of the beach at Le Vivier, to the far north, is known to be unofficially naturist-friendly. Additionally, the nearby Plage de Lespecier in Mimizan, a short drive south, is a well-known and respected naturist beach.

Plage de Lespecier

What is the vibe like in Biscarrosse-Plage in the evening?

During the summer, Biscarrosse-Plage has a lively and festive evening atmosphere. The main pedestrian street and the area behind the Plage Centrale are filled with restaurants, ice cream shops, and bars that stay open late. There are often street performances and night markets, creating a vibrant holiday buzz popular with families and younger crowds.

Which beach has the easiest access and parking?

Plage Centrale in Biscarrosse-Plage offers the most straightforward access, as it's located at the end of the main town avenue with large parking areas nearby. However, these can fill up quickly in summer. For the lake, Navarrosse beach has good parking and facilities right near the water. Plage du Vivier requires a walk of about 700 meters from the car park through the forest to reach the beach.

Navarosse Beach

Plage du Vivier