Practical Information: Biarritz

Communication Essentials

Staying connected in Biarritz is straightforward with various options for mobile service and internet access.

Mobile & Wi-Fi

Prepaid SIM cards are available from Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile.
ESIMs from Airalo digital data plans.
Hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable access.

Language & Translation

French is the official language. English is common in tourist areas. A few phrases go a long way.

Translation Aids

Google Translate app (with offline French pack).
A small French phrasebook for basic interactions.
To learn basic French, consider Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours

General Schedules

Shops: 9:30/10 AM to 7/7:30 PM (Mon-Sat), some close for lunch.
Restaurants: Lunch 12-2 PM, Dinner 7-10 PM. Many close between services.
Pharmacies: 9 AM to 7 PM (Mon-Sat). Look for "Pharmacie de garde" for after-hours.

Cultural Etiquette

A few customs to help you interact respectfully with locals.

Social Norms

Always say "Bonjour" when entering a place and "Au revoir" when leaving.
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially close-ups.
Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) when visiting religious sites.

Important Phrases French

Basic Greetings & Courtesy

Bonjour (bahn-zhoor) - Hello/Good day
Au revoir (oh ruh-vwahr) - Goodbye
Merci (mehr-see) - Thank you
S'il vous plaît (seel voo pleh) - Please (formal)

Communication Basics

Oui (wee) - Yes
Non (nohn) - No
Parlez-vous anglais? (par-lay voo ahn-gleh?) - Do you speak English?
Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kom-prahn pah) - I do not understand

Note on Tipping:

Service charge (service compris) is usually included in restaurant bills in France. An additional small tip for exceptional service is welcome but not expected.

Accessibility & Airport Services

Details for travelers with specific accessibility needs and information about airport services.

Mobility Challenges

Newer public buildings in Biarritz meet accessibility standards. Historic areas, hills, and cobblestone streets can present challenges.

Airport Lounges

For airport lounge access worldwide, consider Priority Pass for frequent travelers.

Flight Compensation

If you experience flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with claiming compensation.

Accessible Attractions

Several attractions in Biarritz have facilities for accessibility.

Easy Access Spots

Aquarium de Biarritz and Cité de l'Océan are generally accessible.
Plage de la Milady offers amphibious wheelchairs in summer.
Newer Chronoplus buses are low-floor and generally accessible.

Visual & Hearing Support

Specific services for visual or hearing impairments can be limited. European standards apply.

Support Information

Some attractions may offer audio guides or tactile exhibits for visual impairments.
General European accessibility standards apply.
Contact the Biarritz Tourist Office for specific questions.

General Accessibility Advice

Before You Arrive

Inquire about specific accessibility features when booking accommodations.
Pre-book taxis if you need wheelchair accommodation.
Consult user-generated reviews on sites like Jaccede.com for insights.

During Your Stay

Biarritz's hilly terrain may make some areas challenging for mobility.
Focus on the more accessible sections of the city like the boardwalks.
Contact the Biarritz Tourist Office for detailed, up-to-date accessibility information.

Note on Public Holidays:

Public holidays (jours fériés) in France can result in closures of shops, banks, and reduced public transport services. Plan your activities accordingly on these days.

Further Considerations

Additional practical tips for a pleasant and respectful visit to Biarritz.

Local Interaction

Small gestures of politeness can significantly improve your interactions with locals.

Showing Respect

A simple "Bonjour" upon entering any establishment shows respect.
A handshake is common for formal greetings; 'la bise' (two cheek kisses) for friends.
Avoid discussing sensitive topics like money or politics with strangers.

Attire & Dining

Dress codes and dining customs vary. Adapting makes for a smoother experience.

Wardrobe & Meals

Smart casual dress is common. Swimwear is for the beach only.
French dining is a slower, more social affair; there is no rush.
Service charge is usually included on restaurant bills.

Holiday Impact

Public and religious holidays affect business operations and services.

Holiday Considerations

Major public holidays mean many businesses are closed.
Public transport may have reduced services on holidays.
Check specific dates for public holidays and plan accordingly.

Seasonal Variations

Operating hours can vary significantly with the season, specifically for tourist-oriented businesses.

Seasonal Closures

Smaller, seasonal businesses may close or have reduced hours in low season (Nov-Apr).
Always check the websites of specific attractions for current operating times.
Biarritz is year-round, but low season offers a quieter experience.

Important Travel Alerts

Safety Measures

Be aware of current local health guidelines.
Check entry requirements for France before your trip.
Carry necessary medications and a small first-aid kit.

Emergency Contacts

112: European emergency number for all services.
18: Fire department (Sapeurs-Pompiers).
17: Police (Police Nationale/Gendarmerie).

LGBTQ+ & Gender Information

General Acceptance

France is generally liberal and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.
Biarritz is a welcoming and tolerant city for all visitors.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal.

Inclusivity in Public Spaces

Biarritz embraces diversity in its public life and cultural offerings.
Local businesses and services are generally inclusive.
Visitors can expect a comfortable and respectful environment.

Postal Services:

La Poste, the national postal service, operates post offices in Biarritz. Look for yellow signs to buy stamps (timbres) or send postcards and parcels.

Banking & Resources

Information on banking access and where to find assistance for specific needs during your stay.

Banking Hours & ATMs

Access to your funds is generally easy, with widespread ATM availability.

Money Matters

Banks generally open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday.
Some banks may have limited Saturday morning hours.
ATMs (distributeurs automatiques) are widely available 24/7.

Accessibility Resources

For specific accessibility inquiries, local resources can provide guidance.

Services for visual or hearing impairments are limited but follow European standards.
Contact the Biarritz Tourist Office for detailed accessibility information on accommodations and attractions.
Websites like Jaccede.com share user-generated accessibility reviews.

General Conduct

Simple guidelines for courteous interactions and behavior in public spaces.

Public Behavior

A polite "Bonjour Madame/Monsieur" is a well-received address.
Maintain quiet inside churches and museums.
Observe local behavior and try to follow suit in various settings.

Seasonal Operating Hours

Be aware that some local businesses adjust their hours seasonally.

Varying Schedules

Many attractions close one day a week, often Monday or Tuesday.
Beach-front cafes and surf rentals may have reduced hours in low season.
Confirm specific operating times for seasonal businesses during your visit.

Your Smooth Journey

Embrace the local rhythms and courtesy.

Practical Information