Plage du port Vieux, Biarritz, Natural cove beach in Biarritz, France.
Plage du Port Vieux is a natural beach set in a sheltered rocky cove surrounded by high cliffs, which protect it from Atlantic waves and coastal winds. The small sandy area, rocky sections, and the way the shoreline curves create an intimate bathing space within the harbor.
The site began as a fishing harbor where boats sought shelter from Atlantic storms using a stone ramp to haul vessels ashore. During the 1800s this working port became integrated into the new leisure and bathing culture that defined the emerging seaside resort.
This beach marks the transformation of Biarritz from a fishing village into a seaside resort during the 1800s. You can still see this blend of old and new in how locals and visitors share the sheltered harbor.
Lifeguards watch over swimmers during summer months, and free identification bracelets are available for children at rescue stations. The small size and rocky sections mean it fills up quickly on weekends, so visiting on weekdays or early morning offers a more comfortable experience.
The beach serves as an outdoor sports venue with facilities for swimming, diving, and beach volleyball in protected waters. What makes this special is that these recreational activities take place right next to a working fishing harbor where local boats still moor daily.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
