Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Biarritz is a coastal city located in the southwest of France, known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Euro (1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD). Major banks include BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted options include Revolut and N26. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately €750. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Biarritz offers dormitory beds starting at €30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The area around Le Port Vieux and the Grande Plage is popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Getaria and the town center are favored by digital nomads for their amenities and vibe. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Grange Coworking offers a vibrant environment with good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Plage is known for its good coffee and working atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups occur regularly through platforms like Meetup.com, focusing on tech and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Biarritz Expat Group on Facebook hosts regular gatherings and networking events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Biarritz. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services are available at Biarritz à Vélo, offering bikes and e-scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de la Côte des Basques, popular with surfers and beachgoers alike. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France operates regional flights from Biarritz Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iberia and Lufthansa provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A63 motorway links Biarritz to larger cities like Bayonne and Bordeaux. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Biarritz train station connects to major cities in France, including Paris. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Bus Biarritz Pass offers unlimited travel within the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and taxis are available for transport to nearby cities like Bayonne and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Biarritz is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Biarritz offers various classes, from beginner to advanced. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and L'Orange Bleue provide gym facilities in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Automatique Biarritz offers self-service laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and UberEats operate in Biarritz. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional Basque dish, Piperade. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant Le Bistrot Basque offers vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Patisserie is renowned for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Check out the Mercado de Biarritz for budget-friendly fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local websites like Cdiscount offer online purchasing options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour and Lidl provide delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue de la Poste is known for its vibrant nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Côte Basque produces local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Les 100 Caves offers a serene atmosphere for wine tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various local food trucks set up near the beaches during summer. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like El Ché serve Argentinian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The iconic lighthouse of Biarritz is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Asiatica Museum features Asian art collections. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Port area offers historical insights into Biarritz's maritime past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Église Sainte-Eugénie is a local historical church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Biarritz Surf Festival occurs annually, attracting surfers and visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The district around Rue Gambetta is vibrant with arts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Casino Municipal hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sunday Market at Les Halles is popular for local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is hosted regularly at le Café de la Plage. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found across the city, enhancing its cultural appeal. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La Cuisine de Jean offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Galerie d'Art Biarritz showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palais Bellevue features beautiful architecture and offers stunning views. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Biarritz has a rich Basque heritage that's reflected in local customs and cuisine. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Basque Pyrenees offer hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc National des Pyrénées is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path along the cliffs is great for both hiking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Rocher de la Vierge provides beautiful coastal views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Key birdwatching sites include the coastal wetlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near the beach for bonfires during summer events. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local services like Chronopost and La Poste cover parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer device repairs, including Biarritz Phone Repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public outdoor tables at Parc Mazon are available for play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Alliance Française Biarritz offers French language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mediathèque de Biarritz provides resources for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer Café offers a place for video game enthusiasts to gather. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Barrière offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €135,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €96,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €210,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €320,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €232,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate on dividends is 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, France has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate (6% for primary residences). |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Depending on residency, some digital nomads can benefit from favorable tax treaties. |