10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Biarritz

The best places to go shopping in Biarritz include historic market halls, narrow town center lanes and an upscale department store. While exploring the town center, you’ll outlets ranging from local cheese shops to quirky bookstores. If you’re into surfing, many stores specialize in beach gear and apparel along streets near the town’s beaches.

Biarritz is brimming with bars, rooftop terraces and restaurants in its main thoroughfares, giving you plenty of places to rest your feet after a day of shopping. Read on for our favorite places to go shopping in Biarritz.

1. Markets of the City of Biarritz

Historical market halls selling fresh produce and local goods

Good for: Shoppers, History, Food

The Markets of the City of Biarritz have a history spanning over 2 centuries. Along with outdoor stalls, you can find several covered halls, with 1 dedicated to seafood and another to meat, vegetables and preserves. You’ll also find plenty of vendors selling clothes, hats and accessories.

The Markets of the City of Biarritz open every day, though things start winding down closer toward 1 pm. You’ll probably need to spend around 2 hours at this market. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a handful of French restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlors on the same street, Rue des Halles.

Location: Rue des Halles, 64200 Biarritz, France

Open: Daily from 7.30 am to 2 pm

Phone: +33 (0)5 59 41 99 91

2. Galeries Lafayette Biarritz

The town’s premier destination for upmarket shopping

Good for: Shoppers, Luxury

Galeries Lafayette is one of Europe’s largest chains of high-end department stores. Galeries Lafayette Biarritz is a landmark of this coastal town. It’s home to luxury brands like Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Dior and Gucci. You can also purchase clothing, footwear and accessories from high-street names such as Converse, Nike, and The North Face.

Galeries Lafayette Biarritz occupies a historical building along Places Georges Clemenceau, where you’ll also find many French and Basque restaurants. Throughout the week, this department store opens until 7.30 pm, making it a great place to visit before or after dinner in Biarritz.

Location: 17-19 Pl. Georges Clemenceau, 64200 Biarritz, France

Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 7.30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm

Phone: +33 (0)5 59 22 72 72

3. Avenue de Verdun

Street lined with some of Biarritz’s quirkier stores

Good for: Shoppers

Avenue de Verdun is one of the longest shopping streets in Biarritz. Located just east of the town center and busiest tourist neighborhoods, it’s a great place to find some of the town’s quirkiest stores. These include a few surf shops and jewellery stores, among others. When you need a break from shopping, you can grab a bite at a restaurant or fast-food outlet on this street.

We recommend starting your visit at the corner of Rue Pringle and heading west along Avenue de Verdun toward central streets such as Place Georges Clemenceau.

4. Place Georges Clemenceau

A prominent shopping hub in Biarritz

Good for: Shoppers

Place Georges Clemenceau is one of the busiest shopping streets in Biarritz. You can find independent stores, high-street shops, and the famous Galeries Lafayette department store. It’s also a great place to shop for jewelry, including authentic Rolex watches. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and historic sites along Place Georges Clemenceau and its surrounding streets.

You can turn into several popular shopping streets along Place Georges Clemenceau, so you might want to reserve at least half a day to see everything the area has to offer. Avoid huge crowds by exploring Place Georges Clemenceau just before lunch.

5. Bookstore Biarritz

A classic yet chic shop

Good for: Shoppers

Bookstore Biarritz is one of the top-rated shops in this coastal resort town. In addition to being a local landmark, this bookstore attracts tourists with its vintage shop fittings like antique mirrored ceilings and leather handrails. There’s also a suspended office above the store entrance.

Bookstore Biarritz also stocks a vast collection of books, including English-language titles. A visit to this shop is an experience in itself, regardless of whether you’re shopping for books. The best time to visit is early in the afternoon on Monday or Tuesday, when you’re unlikely to jostle with crowds.

Location: 27 Pl. Georges Clemenceau, 64200 Biarritz, France

Open: Monday–Friday from 9.30 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm

Phone: +33 (0)5 59 24 48 00

6. Avenue Victor Hugo

A pedestrianized lane with independent shops and historical landmarks

Good for: Couples, Shoppers, Food

Avenue Victor Hugo is a narrow, long street with many quirky shops, such as a contemporary furniture store and an independent toy store. Foodies can visit dedicated cheese shops and gourmet grocery stores. You’ll also find a handful of stores selling clothing, shoes, and sunglasses.

While you’re exploring Avenue Victor Hugo, you can learn about the town’s heritage at the Biarritz History Museum. You can also browse halls of fresh seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables at the historic Markets of the City of Biarritz.

7. Rue Mazagran

Home to some of the biggest names in the surfing industry

Good for: Shoppers

Rue Mazagran has several stores specializing in surfing gear, accessories, swimwear, and beachwear. It’s a great place to get what you need if you’re visiting Biarritz for the waves. Green-minded shoppers can stock up on eco-friendly swimwear at Lastage. You can also buy surfing gear from independent retailers.

Streets surrounding Rue Mazagran have outlets of well-known brands, such as Billabong, Volcom and Rip Curl. If you need to take a break from shopping, head to Le Bar Basque Biarritz for evening beverages and tapas.

8. Rue Gambetta

A historic, narrow street and popular shopping destination

Good for: Shoppers, Food

Rue Gambetta is lined with countless shops and eateries with dining tables spilling onto the sidewalk. This narrow, oneway street is known for its extensive range of clothing boutiques, but you can also find goods ranging from organic groceries to antiques.

Rue Gambetta is one of the best spots in Biarritz for urban outdoor dining. Visit during the afternoon and early evening, when bars and restaurants are in full swing. If you prefer a more peaceful shopping experience, you can relax with a Basque snack and coffee at one of the street’s quaint cafes in the morning.

9. Rue du Port-Vieux

A great shopping destination for beach clothing and accessories

Good for: Shoppers

Rue du Port-Vieux is home to many surf, skate, and clothing stores in Biarritz. The street mostly caters to guests of hotels that overlook the Plage du Port Vieux beach. You can also buy boogie boards, flip flops, and anything else you need for a day of relaxation by the sea.

The beach by Rue du Port-Vieux is known for its calm waters, making this street a great shopping destination for families. If you need a bite to eat, you’ll find restaurants with shaded terraces by the bay at the west end of the street. You can find more stores along the nearby Rue Mazagran.

10. Avenue du Maréchal Foch

Small diverse stores and cultural landmarks

Good for: Shoppers, Food, Nightlife

Avenue du Maréchal Foch is about 1 km from the popular beach of La Grande Plage in Biarritz. While you’re here, you can shop for goods ranging from bicycles to handmade dresses. You can also learn more about Biarritz at travel and tourism centres.

Avenue du Maréchal Foch is a great place to escape the crowds and relax at a local cafe or restaurant. Head to the Pierre Forsans Public Garden to relax and enjoy a nice view of the town. In the evening, you can catch a show at the La Gare du Midi performing arts theater.

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.