What to do in the Basque Country in the rain?

Wondering where to go in the Basque Country when it rains ? Don't worry: it's not unusual, and it's actually what makes the landscape so lush and green. Between the ocean, covered markets, gourmet restaurants, museums, and spas, there's always something to do in the Basque Country on a rainy day, in Bayonne, Biarritz, Anglet, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and far beyond. Here's our selection of ideas to turn a gray day into a beautiful one.

It's raining in the Basque Country? No problem!

Taking a walk facing the ocean, even in the drizzle

In the countryside, walking in the rain is not very pleasant: the trees release their excess water at the first gust of wind, and the wet grass quickly becomes saturated. At the ocean, on the other hand, the rain is quite bearable.

• Even with a light drizzle or drizzle, you can enjoy the magic of the Biarritz coastline and the Saint-Jean-de-Luz seafront.
• In Anglet, the promenade of La Barre is laid out facing the ocean: you can keep your feet dry there.
• In Guéthary, you can admire the surfers who challenge the waves, and even take out the board: on weekends, Guéthary is a surfer's paradise.
• For a longer walk, the coastal path from Bidart to Hendaye offers superb views, but only if there are no gusts of wind: some steep sections, on the side of the cliff, become dangerous with the wind.

Find comfort in Basque cuisine

When the weather is gloomy, we want to cozy up and eat comforting food. Luckily, the Basque Country boasts one of the richest cuisines in France, featuring high-quality local produce from small producers.

Do your shopping in safety

• Take advantage of the rain to do your shopping at the Halles de Biarritz or the Halles des 5 Cantons in Anglet, two kingdoms of gourmet food.
• Fancy a break? Push open the door of one of Bayonne's coffee shops or choose a bar from our top 5 bars in Bayonne.
• To bring back the flavors of home, discover Etxe Peio, a local brand with several stores, which produces many of its delicacies in Espelette. And if you enjoy artisanal charcuterie, pay a visit to Pierre Ibaïalde in Bayonne.

Take the route of cheeses, chocolate and wines

• If you are prepared to drive a bit in the rain, head to the cheese route : a road trip to taste Ossau-Iraty at small producers, and many other surprises.
• Chocolate is one of the historical specialties of the Basque Country: to find out everything, follow the discovery trail of the Chocolate Workshop in Bayonne or visit the Chocolate Museum in Cambo-les-Bains.
• Another specialty is wine : yes, the vines flourish in the Basque Country. A bit of rain is the perfect opportunity to taste the wines of Irouléguy, at the cellar.

Raising a glass of Basque cider in a cider house

Don't miss sagarnoa, the Basque cider, which is less sweet than its Breton counterpart. It can be enjoyed year-round, but especially during the Txotx festival. Head to a Basque cider house for a cod omelet, followed by a rib-eye steak with fries and sheep's cheese, all washed down with cider drawn straight from the barrel. A delicious and festive experience, perfect for sharing with friends.

Taking shelter in the museums and caves of the Basque Country

There are plenty of dry places to visit, and they will appeal to the whole family.

• For a journey back in time, visit the Abbadia observatory castle, which stands on the cliffs of Hendaye.
• In Bayonne, the Basque Museum and the History of Bayonne offer a wealth of information about your holiday region. Just a short walk away, the Bonnat-Helleu Museum, the city's fine arts museum, reopened at the end of 2025 after many years of closure: the city's newest gem, ideal for a rainy day. The Natural History Museum is very popular with younger visitors.
• In Biarritz, the Asiatica Museum offers an exotic journey into the Asian cultures of India, China, Nepal, and Tibet. This privately owned museum can be explored at your own pace, spread over two floors, with either a printed guide or an audio guide.
• Inland, depending on the opening period, delve into the depths of the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves, about thirty minutes from Bayonne.

Family outings: the ocean, rock climbing and riddles

With children, cinema is a safe bet, but you can also mix culture and play.

• Visit the Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz to learn all about the ocean, the seas, navigation and the underwater worlds: animations, games and interactive displays make it a very fun visit.
• To see the fish up close, the Biarritz Aquarium is nearby, and a combined ticket is available for both visits. Opening hours vary depending on the season, with an annual closure at the beginning of the year: be sure to check before you go.
• If they need to burn off some energy, head to The Roof for an indoor climbing session that the kids (and you) won't forget. And if the season is right, discover a Basque icon, Cesta Punta, a specialty of Basque pelota.
• To expend excess energy, Let's Jump, a trampoline park in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, allows you to have fun in every way.
• Looking to give your brain a workout? Why not try an escape game ? They take place indoors and are perfect for families or groups of friends. Do you enjoy puzzles? There are also puzzle games and geocaching.

Taking care of your body in the Basque Country

When it rains, it's also an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and turn towards well-being.

• Treat yourself to a relaxing day of thalassotherapy in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a break that relies on the benefits of seawater.
• Further inland, in Cambo-les-Bains, thermal spas welcome you for a stay in thermal waters with recognized benefits for the body (with or without a medical prescription).
• For a shorter break, the Basque Country also boasts numerous spas, saunas, and hammams, to choose from depending on your location and the type of treatment you're looking for. Remember to book in advance and check opening dates and times before you go.

Have you gathered plenty of great ideas? There's always something to do when it rains in the Basque Country, even for those who don't want to brave the elements and prefer to stay dry. Between relaxation, delicious food, culture, and sports, your holidays will be packed with activities, and weekends too!

Frequently Asked Questions

• What to do in Biarritz when it rains? Visit the Cité de l'Océan and the Aquarium, discover the Asiatica museum, do your shopping at the Docks de Biarritz or take a walk on the coast in light rain.
• What to do in Bayonne in rainy weather? Visit the Basque Museum, the Bonnat-Helleu Museum reopening at the end of 2025 or the Natural History Museum, follow the chocolate discovery trail, or take a break in a coffee shop or bar.
• What to do in the Basque Country with children when it rains? Cité de l'Océan, Biarritz Aquarium, indoor climbing, trampoline park in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, escape games and puzzle games.
• What gourmet activities can you do when it rains? Market halls and docks, cheese route, visits to chocolatiers, Irouléguy cellars, Basque cider houses and restaurants.
• Is it safe to hike or go to the beach in the rain? Yes, in light rain, with the right equipment. In case of strong winds, avoid the coastal path, some sections of which are steep.

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