What to see and do

Learn to surf

BIARRITZ is said to be the birthplace of surfing, so learn how to ‘pop up’ and ride a wave at Biarritz Surf Training School on Cote des Basques beach, which runs lessons from their beach tent hut, which has changing rooms. £35 for a 90-minute ‘initiation course’, including equipment (see surftraining.com/en)

Watch the sun set

A SHORT walk along a metal footbridge, Rocher de la Vierge, a landmark rock formation surrounded by crashing waves in the Bay of Biscay, has dramatic views of the ocean, city, and its beaches, with a Virgin Mary statue on top. Napoleon III decided to connect the rock with the cliff by a wooden bridge. A good spot to watch surfers at sunset — just don’t get soaked. Address: Espl. de la Vierge, 64200

Hike up a lighthouse

STANDING 73 m above sea level on a rocky cliff, the Phare de Biarritz lighthouse has sweeping ocean views which, on a sunny day, is well worth the 248 steps it takes to get to the top balcony.

There’s a bar at the bottom if you’re thirsty. Open on weekend afternoons in winter and morning and afternoons every day in summer. £2 entry. Address: 60 B Espl. Elisabeth II, 64200

How to get there

RYANAIR has return flights from London Stansted from £37 ( ryanair.com).