An Atlantic seaside resort, with Basque villages and the Spanish border nearby
Seminars, incentives and conventions in Biarritz & Basque Country
Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Basque hinterland: ocean views, a palace hotel tradition, pelota and gastronomy, for small and mid-sized groups.
- ≈ 4 h 15
- Paris to Biarritz by TGV (about 4 h to 4 h 30)
- ≈ 10 min
- Biarritz Pays Basque airport to the centre of Biarritz
- ≈ 50 min
- Biarritz to San Sebastián, Spain, by road
Why choose Biarritz & Basque Country
- An airport (Biarritz Pays Basque) close to the centre and a TGV link to Paris in around 4 hours.
- A tradition of grand seaside hotels since the Second Empire, with sea-view meeting rooms and terraces.
- The Le Bellevue congress centre on the seafront for plenaries and conferences.
- Surf, thalassotherapy and coastal paths for wellness and active team-building.
- Basque cuisine, Espelette pepper, Bayonne ham, cider houses and pintxos for a strong regional identity.
- Proximity to San Sebastián for a cross-border day (passports or identity cards required).
Airport access
Biarritz Pays Basque airport (BIQ) is at Anglet, around 10 minutes from the centre of Biarritz, with flights to Paris and several European cities. The TGV from Paris-Montparnasse to Biarritz takes about 4 to 4 h 30 (Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz are on the same line). Bayonne is around 10 minutes from Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz about 20 minutes by road, and San Sebastián in Spain about 50 minutes. Bilbao is roughly 2 hours by road. In July and August, coastal roads can be congested.
MICE capacity
Le Bellevue, the congress centre of Biarritz on the seafront, hosts plenaries and exhibitions; its current capacities should be confirmed at the time of the brief. The grand seaside hotels offer ballrooms and sea-view meeting rooms for groups of 50 to 300, and country houses and wine estates in the hinterland host smaller dinners. Biarritz is best suited to mid-sized meetings; larger conventions are better placed in Bordeaux, around 2 hours by TGV from Paris, or combined with Biarritz for a post-congress programme.
Seasonality
May to October is the main season, with September especially pleasant: warm sea, fewer crowds. July and August are busy and expensive, with the Fêtes de Bayonne in late July and early August filling hotels. Winter is mild but rainy and quiet, with Atlantic storms that appeal to surfers; some seaside venues reduce their hours. The Espelette pepper festival takes place at the end of October.
Recommended districts
Biarritz
Seaside town with the Grande Plage, the Rocher de la Vierge and historic hotels; the main base for groups.
Bayonne
Historic fortified city with a cathedral, covered markets and a food scene; easy half-day extension.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Fishing port and beach town with painted façades; refined restaurants and a calmer atmosphere.
Anglet
Surf beaches and a business park next to the airport; practical for active programmes.
Espelette & the hinterland
Basque villages, pepper fields and farm restaurants in green hills inland.
Hendaye & the Spanish border
Beach town on the border, 30 minutes from Biarritz; gateway to San Sebastián.
Convention centres · Biarritz & Basque Country
Conference & MICE hotels
4 restaurants
Trending & group restaurants
Evening ideas
- Seafront dinner at a grand hotel with a view of the Atlantic.
- Basque evening at a farm-restaurant with local music, cider and a traditional menu.
- Pintxos crawl in Bayonne or San Sebastián with a guide.
- Beach-bonfire barbecue after a surf session, in season.
- Private dinner in a hinterland estate with Basque chants.
Corporate activities
- Surf lesson or coaching for beginners, with qualified instructors.
- Pelota initiation with a local club, followed by a tournament between teams.
- Coastal walk from Biarritz to Guéthary, with a picnic.
- Basque cooking class using local products such as piment d'Espelette.
- Thalassotherapy or yoga session on the seafront.
Programme examples
- Two-day board retreat: seaside hotel, working sessions, surf session and a Basque dinner.
- Three-day incentive: Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a pintxos evening in San Sebastián and pelota.
- Post-congress extension: from Bordeaux to Biarritz for a two-night wellness stay.
Frequently asked questions
Is Biarritz suitable for a large convention?
Biarritz suits mid-sized meetings, typically 50 to 300 participants, and the Le Bellevue congress centre hosts plenaries. For larger conventions, Bordeaux is better equipped, with Biarritz as a post-congress extension. We recommend the best fit after reviewing your numbers.
How do we get to Biarritz from Paris?
The TGV from Paris-Montparnasse takes about 4 to 4 h 30, and direct flights to Biarritz Pays Basque airport take around 1 h 20. The airport is about 10 minutes from the centre. Flights are more frequent in summer.
When is the best time for an event in the Basque Country?
May to early July and September are the most comfortable and less crowded than peak summer. July and August are busy and expensive, and winter is quiet with Atlantic weather. We avoid the Fêtes de Bayonne dates unless they are part of the brief.
Can we include a day in Spain?
Yes, San Sebastián is about 50 minutes by road from Biarritz and suits a pintxos evening or a gastronomy day. Participants need valid passports or identity cards. We organise a coach and a guide.
Can we offer surf or wellness activities to a group?
Yes, surf schools along the coast offer group sessions with qualified instructors, and thalassotherapy centres welcome corporate groups. Sea conditions and season determine the level. We arrange equipment, supervision and insurance.
What cuisine can we expect for gala dinners?
Basque cuisine relies on seafood, Bayonne ham, Espelette pepper, lamb and local wines from Irouléguy. Chefs from the coast can create tailored menus. We also adapt for dietary requirements.
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