Day Trip Review: Biarritz, Saint Jean De Luz, & San Sebastian

So, you’re thinking of squeezing Biarritz, Saint Jean De Luz, and San Sebastian into just a single day from Bilbao? Very ambitious! But listen, is that even doable? I had that thought recently, and I’m here to spill the tea, okay?

First Stop: Biarritz, A Taste of French Elegance

Now, Biarritz. What’s that like, even? Well, it has always had that vibe that screams French classiness with just a dash of surf culture. Imagine breezy promenades, grand old buildings, and waves that seem like they are daring you to grab a board, and there you have Biarritz. Still, a tiny word of caution – driving in can get a bit tight, you know? I parked up a little further away from the main action and strolled in. Which, as a matter of fact, turned out nicely ’cause I caught some charming side streets I might have missed otherwise, so yeah.

What’s absolutely a must-see? Grande Plage, the primary beach, naturally. I took some time there, watching the surfers, which, frankly, felt very therapeutic, in a way. Then, the Hôtel du Palais. I didn’t go inside or anything, that would cost some money, I am sure of it! But just checking it out from the outside is worth the photo op. The Rocher de la Vierge is pretty iconic too. There’s always like, some short walk out to it with stunning coastal views.

Food-wise, alright, I snagged a quick bite at a bakery – you’ve got to get like, a pastry when in France, don’t you? But honestly, if I had had some extra time, that is, I would have totally hit up one of the seafood spots. Next time, for real.

Next Up: Saint Jean De Luz, Quaint Charm

Next! Saint Jean De Luz, that place had such a different atmosphere to Biarritz. A bit more like, charming and quaint, you know? The harbor area is really gorgeous, I swear. It is, as a matter of fact, ringed with shops and eateries, and it has almost a super local feel to it, like a Basque village. That is what it reminded me of at least. I just loved wandering around, okay?

So, what did I actually do there? Well, I paid a visit to Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, that very church where Louis XIV tied the knot. The inside is genuinely striking, alright? The beachfront there is smaller and cozier compared to Biarritz, yet ideal if you want more like, a relaxed vibe. You might spot some families hanging out. Just remember to be kind to the kiddos, okay?

As I was strolling through the town, I grabbed some macarons from Maison Adam. And wow! Very recommended, in my experience, not too intense or overpowering. Seriously, they’re like, kind of legendary over there, I heard. Now, you will pay out of pocket some bit, for sure. Still, as a matter of fact, I feel that you’re really missing out if you don’t treat yourself. Just saying.

Last Stop: San Sebastian, Spanish Flair

San Sebastian! Ah, that city just pops, right? The Spanish flair slaps you right in the face. Now, if you’re arriving there after experiencing France, which you will be doing, obviously, you will straight away notice just how different it is. More lively, more ‘Spanish’, almost. Driving and parking there can be stressful though, actually. So, just a suggestion, think about using a parking garage or even parking a bit further from the center. That will free your soul from worrying too much about some parking tickets, okay?

La Concha beach is quite the showstopper, a truly stunning sweep of sand that, honestly, belongs on a postcard, as a matter of fact. You could just chill there for hours, yet that’s kind of tricky on a day trip, but whatever, let me fantasize a bit. I walked the promenade. It was almost magical to behold! I visited the Old Town (Parte Vieja), a complete maze of slender streets packed with pintxos bars. That area is just a must, actually.

And pintxos are also the real deal. Each bar is usually loaded with tempting snacks. You simply grab a plate, grab a snack, and hold onto the toothpicks; they count them to charge you later. Just be a little alert and kind and the employees won’t glare at you when you walk in confused and exhausted. It is almost a social event in itself, really. I mean, going from bar to bar. I even attempted trying a few local wines. The buzz was pretty amazing.

The Logistical Side

So, let’s talk seriously. The driving distances look fairly reasonable on the map, alright. Still, very trust me, all those coastal roads can be a bit slower than what you might be figuring. Set off super early, like seriously early, and budget your time carefully. I would personally recommend planning out what you would like to do in each spot to ensure that you aren’t simply rushing around. Now, obviously you are going to be doing this, you are not crazy after all. But listen! I did this for you and am only saying this ’cause I care, you know?

A tour? Actually, that can be quite an option if you want someone else dealing with the planning and transport. I often like to simply be my own tour guide, so, I did it all myself, for this one anyway.

Is it Worth it?

Was cramming three locations into one day totally nuts? Listen, yeah, it felt very rushed at times. But, you know, I got to see a few fantastic spots and I certainly came away with a flavor of what the Basque Country and the southwest corner of France have going on. Still, it would be more pleasurable, that is, if I dedicated a whole day to each city. I mean, that makes total sense, doesn’t it?

If you’re pressed for time or perhaps simply wanna sample different places, very, why not do it. Just remember to have on your planning cap, okay? However, in case you love simply savoring things, it could be smarter to stick to just one or maybe two destinations. Now, don’t get me wrong, it still can be kind of a fun challenge, alright?