The beach is overlooked by the Hôtel du Palais, the former summer residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.
The beach is positioned directly beneath the iconic Phare de Biarritz (Biarritz Lighthouse), constructed in 1834.
The name 'Miramar' reflects its historical association with the luxury architecture of the Belle Époque era.
It is frequently referred to as the 'Kings' Beach' due to its proximity to imperial and royal vacation sites.
Miramar Beach is a sheltered, crescent-shaped cove located between the Grand Plage and the Phare de Biarritz. The beach is characterized by its dramatic rock formations and proximity to the Hôtel du Palais, which was built as an imperial summer residence for Empress Eugénie. Unlike the neighboring surf-heavy beaches, the cove's configuration often results in calmer water conditions, though it remains subject to strong Atlantic tidal shifts. Access is provided by a steep staircase descending from the cliffside promenade. The beach is composed of a mix of sand and pebbles, making it more common for sunbathing than active swimming at high tide. It remains a historic site reflecting the 19th-century transformation of Biarritz into a luxury resort destination.
The coastal cliff path near the Phare de Biarritz looking down into the cove.
Check tide tables before visiting, as high tide significantly reduces the available sandy surface area.
Wear water shoes if you prefer to avoid the pebbly sections of the shoreline.
Use the coastal path that runs from the lighthouse to the Grand Plage for the best vantage points of the cove.
Attempting to swim during red flag conditions or high tide when waves crash directly against the cliff base.
Lifeguard supervision is provided only during the summer season.
Public beach norms apply; swimwear is for the beach area, cover-ups required for surrounding streets and hotels.
