Special events in Biarritz

Among the main events that take place in Biarritz, the Bayonne festivities are, without a doubt, the best known and most frequented in the region. But the capital of the Basque Country also hosts much more unique events. Whether you are a traveller or a resident, the hotel residence Le Grand Large of the Vacances Bleues group has selected for you original and fun events to do or see with your family.

The Ham fair, a five hundred years old festival !

There is no stop in Biarritz without a visit to the historic Bayonne Ham Fair! Only a short 15-minute drive away, the whole history of the Basque Country and its gastronomy is open to visitors. Every year in the spring since 1462, hundreds of exhibitors from all over the region come to share their passions for pigs and good food. It is in a festive and ancestral atmosphere that the competition for the best ham takes place. Bayonne then became, for 4 days, the world capital of delicatessen! But this fair, above all a gourmet one, is also animated by age-old activities.

Between traditions and treats, the Bayonne Ham Fair has attracted more than 200,000 visitors every year since 1462.

At the corner of a stand, you can meet choir members who sing traditional Basque songs while a ball game that is played to a full house. But the celebration wouldn’t be the celebration without the big evening tables that gather thousands of people side by side around the tasting of a grilled suckling pig. The most traditionalists will marvel at the costumes during the parade of brotherhoods, while the most pious will attend Sunday mass celebrated in St. Mary’s Cathedral. Every year, the event attracts thousands of visitors who come to fill their bellies with local products but also their hearts, with the warmth that Basques know how to give so well !

Programme of the 2019 Bayonne Ham Fair available here: http://www.bayonne-paysbasque.com/route_gourmande/foire_jambon_bayonne.php

The Festival of Games

  • Scrabble from 13 to 19 February 2023 at the Bellevue Centre
  • Bridge from 20 to 26 February 2023 at the Casino Municipal

Biarritz welcomes you for the 21st edition of the Biarritz Games Festival, a festival with a national and international reputation.
As every year, Bridge and Scrabble will be in the spotlight!

>> Call us for more information!

Biarritz International Marathon

marathon de biarritz

The Biarritz Marathon is much more than just a race; it’s a total immersion in the richness of the Basque Coast. Every year, runners from all over the world come to this seaside destination to take part in this unforgettable sporting experience.

The marathon race takes you through the picturesque streets of Biarritz, revealing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the golden sandy beaches for which the region is famous. The vibrant atmosphere of the town and the enthusiastic support of the spectators create a contagious energy throughout the race.

Whether you’re an experienced athlete, or a passionate amateur looking for new adventures, the Biarritz Marathon promises an unforgettable experience. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, take time to relax on Biarritz’s beaches, sample the local cuisine and visit this charming seaside town.

For more information: https://www.marathonbiarritz.com/