Biarritz Lighthouse

Biarritz Lighthouse (Phare de la Pointe Saint-Martin) is a working lighthouse perched on the rocky headland of Pointe Saint-Martin, at the northern edge of Biarritz on France's Basque coast. Its white tower is a landmark visible from almost anywhere in town, and it has guided ships along the Bay of Biscay for nearly two centuries.

Where exactly does the lighthouse stand?

The tower sits atop the Pointe Saint-Martin cliffs, roughly 75 metres above sea level, at the highest point along the Biarritz shoreline. The rocky coast and strong currents in this part of the Bay of Biscay made a clear navigational marker essential for ships approaching the Basque ports, and the headland was chosen for exactly that reason.

How old is the lighthouse and how was it built?

Plans for the lighthouse date back to 1825, when French maritime authorities identified the need for a marker on this stretch of coast. Construction began in 1830, and the light was first lit on 1 February 1834. The optical system in use today, built from Fresnel lenses and catadioptric rings, was installed in 1904, replacing the original 19th-century apparatus. The lighthouse was automated in 1980, ending the need for a resident keeper, and on 6 November 2009 it was officially listed as a French historic monument.

How tall is it and how far does its light reach?

The tower itself stands 47 metres high. Combined with its clifftop position, the light is visible from up to 26 nautical miles out, roughly 48 kilometres. It flashes twice every ten seconds, a signature pattern that distinguishes it from other lighthouses along the coast.

What can you see from the top?

Climbing the lighthouse is one of the most popular things to do in Biarritz. Visitors climb 248 steps up a spiral staircase to reach the gallery at the top, where a full 360-degree panorama opens up: the long sandy beaches of the Landes to the north, the steep cliffs of the Basque coastline to the south, and on clear days, the peaks of the Pyrenees stretching toward the Spanish border.

Visitor information

Climbing to the top requires a ticket: 5 euros for adults (16 and over), 3 euros for children aged 4 to 15, and free entry for younger children. Because of the narrow spiral staircase, the lighthouse is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility or for strollers.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lighthouse open to visit year-round? Yes, the lighthouse is open to the public, though as with most French lighthouses, opening hours are typically reduced outside the summer season, so it's worth checking the current schedule before visiting.

How many steps are there to the top? 248 steps lead from the base of the tower to the viewing gallery at the summit.

Can you see Spain from the lighthouse? On a clear day, visitors can make out the silhouette of the Pyrenees stretching toward the Spanish border, though Spanish territory itself is not directly visible from the gallery.

Is the lighthouse still an active navigational aid? Yes. Although it now serves mainly as a tourist attraction, its automated light, in operation since 1980, still actively guides ships along the coast.

What's the best way to reach the lighthouse from central Biarritz? The lighthouse is within walking distance of the town centre and the Grande Plage beach. A scenic coastal path leads there, popular with both visitors and locals for its ocean views along the way.