Pau Beaches

Overview

While Pau itself is an inland city nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, it serves as a fantastic and strategic base for exploring the wild Atlantic coast. The nearest golden-sand beaches are just over an hour's drive away, allowing you to easily combine urban culture and mountain scenery with exciting coastal day trips. This unique position offers a holiday experience with more variety than a typical beach resort, blending city life with the powerful surf and natural beauty of the Basque and Landes coastlines.

The beaches of this region are renowned for their dramatic character, defined by vast sands and world-class surf. Our editor's picks highlight legendary spots like Beach Cote des Basques in Biarritz, celebrated as the birthplace of European surfing. For those seeking more formidable waves, Plage La Graviere in Hossegor is a must-see, famous for its powerful breaks that challenge expert surfers. In contrast, the sheltered bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers the calm and family-friendly Grande Plage, ideal for relaxed swimming. The coastline presents a dynamic environment where powerful ocean energy meets protected, tranquil coves.

The atmosphere along the coast is a relaxed blend of proud Basque heritage and an active, outdoorsy surf culture. It feels a world away from the polished glamour of the French Riviera, focusing instead on the raw beauty of the ocean and landscape. Whether you are looking to ride the waves, relax on the sand, or simply soak in the unique vibe, the beaches near Pau offer a memorable and diverse experience. For more ideas, be sure to explore our longer list of the region's best beaches.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Are there any beaches in Pau?

No, Pau is an inland city located at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains. The nearest beaches are on the Atlantic coast, which is about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive away. While Pau doesn't have sea beaches, there are some local lakes with designated swimming areas, like at Baudreix.

Is Pau a good base for a beach holiday?

Pau can be an excellent base if you want to combine a cultural city break with day trips to the coast. It's perfect for travelers who appreciate history, food, and mountain views but also want to spend a few days at the ocean. However, if your main goal is a daily beach experience, it is more practical to stay in a coastal town like Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, or Hossegor.

What is the closest beach to Pau?

The closest ocean beaches to Pau are on the southern Landes and Basque coasts. Coastal towns like Capbreton, Hossegor, and Anglet are among the nearest, typically taking between an hour and an hour and a half to reach by car.

Do I need a car to visit the beaches from Pau?

Yes, a car is highly recommended. While there are train and bus connections from Pau to coastal cities like Biarritz and Bayonne, a car provides the flexibility to explore the different beaches along the coast at your own pace. Public transport to the beaches themselves can be indirect and time-consuming.

What is the ocean like for swimming on the Basque coast?

The Atlantic Ocean on this coast is known for powerful waves and strong currents, making it a world-famous surfing destination. Swimming is safe only in designated, lifeguard-supervised areas, which are clearly marked. The water can be cool, even in summer. Be aware of strong rip currents known locally as 'baïnes'. For calmer swimming, the sheltered bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is an excellent choice.

Which beaches near Pau are best for families?

The Grande Plage in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is widely considered the best for families. Its location in a sheltered bay protects it from large waves, creating calm conditions for children. Hendaye's beach, the longest on the Basque coast, also offers very safe, shallow waters. Milady Beach in Biarritz is another good option with a playground right by the sand.

La Grande Plage

Milady Beach

What's the difference between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz?

Biarritz has a more glamorous, cosmopolitan, and surf-centric vibe with grand 19th-century architecture and a lively nightlife. Its main beaches face the open ocean with strong waves. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a more traditional and charming Basque fishing town with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Its main beach is in a protected bay with calm waters.

Which beach is best for surfing?

The region is a surfer's paradise. Hossegor is legendary for its powerful, world-class beach breaks like La Gravière, attracting experienced surfers. Biarritz, particularly the Côte des Basques, is the historic home of European surfing and offers waves suitable for all levels. The long stretch of coast in Anglet provides numerous consistent surf spots.

Plage La Graviere

Beach Cote des Basques

How do the beaches near Pau compare to the French Riviera?

The two coasts are completely different. The Atlantic coast near Pau features vast, wild, golden-sand beaches with powerful surf and a laid-back, outdoorsy culture. The French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) on the Mediterranean is known for its calmer, turquoise water, pebble beaches in many areas, and a more glamorous, resort-focused atmosphere.

When is the best time of year for a beach trip?

July and August are the peak season, with the warmest weather and water temperatures, but also the largest crowds and heaviest traffic. For a great balance of pleasant weather, warm water, and fewer people, June and September are ideal. Surfers often prefer the autumn months for the best and most consistent swells.

Are there less-crowded 'hidden gem' beaches?

Yes, to escape the crowds of the main resorts, you can explore the beaches north of Anglet, such as Plage des Dunes, which have a wilder feel. South of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the coastal path towards Hendaye reveals smaller, more secluded coves like Erromardie. These often require a bit more walking to access but offer a more peaceful experience.

Plage des Dunes

What is the general vibe of the Basque coast beaches?

The atmosphere is a unique blend of relaxed surf culture and proud Basque heritage. It's active and outdoorsy rather than purely for lounging. You'll see surf vans and schools next to towns with traditional red-and-white Basque architecture. The vibe is less about glamour and more about appreciating the dramatic natural scenery and ocean.