Even though the climate in the southwest of France is mild, you may experience a rainy day during your stay. Don’t worry! There are plenty of things to do when it rains in the Basque Country. Here’s our top 10 list of activities that will delight the whole family.

  1. Biarritz boasts a large covered market right in the city center. You won’t be able to resist the stalls featuring local producers and culinary artisans! It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on the delicacies that define the region's renowned gastronomy: Espelette pepper, Basque cake, Bayonne ham, fresh and diverse vegetables, and more. Over 40 vendors are ready to tempt your taste buds.
  2. Take a well-deserved break at one of the many thalassotherapy centers along the Basque coast in Saint-Jean-De-Luz, Bayonne, Anglet, or Biarritz. Spend an afternoon enjoying the luxury of these wellness and spa facilities, with hammams and jacuzzis on the menu!
  3. Don’t miss the Biarritz Aquarium and Museum of the Sea: located opposite the Rocher de la Vierge, it overlooks the bay in a stunning Art Deco building. Bring the family to observe 5,000 marine species in this unique space; the dance of the jellyfish and seahorses is unforgettable. For an even more magical experience, visit during the summer night openings.
  4. Join a unique experience at Shaper House in Biarritz: make your own surfboard with the help of a professional shaper who will guide you through the entire process.
  5. Take advantage of the rain to visit La Maison Adam, which has been creating the best macarons in the city since Louis XIV ordered these small pastries for his wedding. You can find their shops in Saint-Jean-De-Luz and Biarritz.
  6. Head to Hendaye to visit the impressive Château-Observatoire Abbadia. Discover its surprising neo-Gothic architecture, magical atmosphere, and monumental libraries filled with books. It’s a unique world blending Irish rigor with a hint of exoticism.
  7. Go on a shopping spree in Saint-Jean-De-Luz: bring back Basque linens from La Gachucha, authentic Basque espadrilles from Maison Bayona, and gourmet local products from Maison Thurin.
  8. Spend the day exploring the Sare Caves near the Spanish border. This speleological site was occupied by prehistoric humans, and you can admire tools and objects showcasing their history in these captivating caves.
  9. For a dose of culture, don’t miss the Basque Museum and the History of Bayonne: 3,000 square meters of exhibitions across 20 themed spaces. It’s the most comprehensive ethnographic collection dedicated to the French Basque Country.
  10. Finally, bring the family to explore the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya Caves, just 30 minutes from Biarritz. These exceptional sites are both geological and prehistoric wonders. One features rock engravings and artifacts made by prehistoric humans, while the other is a stunning natural cathedral adorned with stalactites, columns, and waterfalls. Pure magic!