Basque Country Nouvelle-aquitaine, France Travel Guide
Airports serve as main gateways to the French Basque Country for international and domestic travelers. Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) is the most convenient local option.
Various airlines connect the French Basque Country to major French cities and European destinations. Direct flights from outside Europe are generally rare.
Direct flights from outside Europe rarely arrive at BIQ. Most travelers fly into a major European hub and then connect. Bilbao Airport (BIO) in Spain (1.5 hours south of Hendaye) has a viable alternative, offering a lot of foreign connections, often with better flight offers or more direct routes. Travelers using BIO easily cross the border into France by bus or train.
Flight availability and prices vary significantly by season. High season (July-August) sees the highest prices and full flights. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) often present better value and more competitive prices. Low season (November-April) generally holds the lowest prices, though fewer direct routes are common.
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) is a compact and efficient regional airport. It offers car rental agencies (major international brands), a taxi stand, and clearly marked bus locations for public transport. Inside, find a few shops, cafes, and a duty-free shop. Wi-Fi is available.
Sign up for flight deal alerts from services like Dollar Flight Club to find discounted fares to European hubs or directly to Biarritz.
Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner with flexible date options to find the most affordable travel days.
Compare flights to Bilbao (BIO) or Bordeaux (BOD) as they occasionally provide cheaper rates, even with the added ground travel.
The French Basque Country shares a long land border with the Spanish Basque Country. Both France and Spain are Schengen Area members, so no routine passport controls take place at land borders.
Long-distance buses offer an economical, though often slower, alternative to trains.
Ensure you meet all requirements for driving within France. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is typically needed for non-EU/EEA citizens.
Roads are generally safe and well-maintained. Be aware of speed limits and traffic conditions in urban areas.
While less common for main tourist entry, sea and river transportation offer unique ways to experience the region. Bayonne's port mainly handles commercial cargo, lacking regular passenger ferry services.
The Nive and Adour rivers flow through Bayonne, mainly for leisure activities. These do not serve as inter-city transportation routes for passengers, but offer charming tours.
For domestic flights from BIQ, arrive 1.5 hours before. For international flights within Schengen, arrive 2 hours prior. Add 30 minutes during peak summer. For TGV trains, arrive 20-30 minutes before. For inter-town trains, 10-15 minutes is usually enough.
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) offers cafes, a duty-free shop, and waiting areas. Bayonne Train Station (Gare de Bayonne) provides waiting areas, ticket kiosks, and small shops for refreshments. Both of them are conveniently located.
France does not typically charge specific exit fees or taxes directly to passengers at airports or train stations. Any applicable taxes are usually included in the price of your flight or train ticket, so no surprise costs at departure.
Always reconfirm your flight or train departure times the day before you travel. Check for any public transport disruptions that might affect your journey to your point of departure, ensuring a smooth departure.
