In Biarritz, Boulevard Maréchal-Leclerc runs west above the picturesque little fishing harbor, nestling in a steep-sided rocky inlet between the Rocher du Basta and Cap Atalaye, and through a tunnel to the Esplanade de la Vierge. A narrow iron bridge built by Gustave Eiffel leads to the Rocher de la Vierge, a long, narrow ridge of rock from which there is a magnificent view extending from the mouth of the Adour to the Spanish frontier.
The hub of the Biarritz's life, at the meeting of its principal streets, is the elongated Place Georges-Clemenceau. From here it is a short distance to the sea by way of the Place Bellevue.
Biarritz's magnificent situation and the beauty of the coastal scenery can be appreciated in a walk along the seafront promenade. To the northeast the popular Grande Plage (heavy surf) extends to the Pointe St-Martin, with a 73 m/240ft high lighthouse from which there are wide views. Beyond this is the Plage de la Chambre d'Amour, another very beautiful beach; bathers should beware of strong currents and high waves.
In Biarritz, opposite the Rocher de la Vierge is the Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea), with a salt-water aquarium and rich natural history collections.
Farther along the coast is the rocky inlet containing the Port Vieux (Old Harbor), with a beautiful sheltered beach. From the adjoining Esplanade du Port-Vieux and, better still, from the Miramare viewpoint there is a magnificent prospect of the cliff-fringed Plage des Basques, exposed to the full force of the breakers, and beyond this the first hills of Spain.
To the east of Biarritz are the Thermes Salins (brine springs), which are effective in the treatment of anaemia, metabolic disorders and gynaecological conditions.