🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Biarritz, France my home for several months, and I can confidently say that it’s a top destination for remote workers. With its stunning beaches, rich surf culture, and vibrant nightlife, Biarritz offers the perfect blend of work and play. The city has a population of 33,188, making it small enough to feel cozy, yet large enough to offer all the amenities you need. As a Biarritz digital nomad, you’ll enjoy a high quality of life, with a Nomad Score of 100/100, and a cost of living that’s relatively affordable compared to other Western European cities.
One of the reasons Biarritz is so appealing to digital nomads is its laid-back atmosphere. The city has a strong surf culture, and you’ll find plenty of like-minded individuals who share your passion for the ocean and outdoor activities. The city also has a thriving food scene, with a mix of traditional French cuisine and modern restaurants serving up fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you’re looking to improve your French language skills or simply enjoy the local customs, Biarritz is an excellent choice for remote workers who want to experience the best of French culture.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Biarritz, you’ll want to consider factors like proximity to the beach, coworking spaces, and nightlife. Here are three neighborhoods that are popular with digital nomads:
- Centre Ville: This is the heart of Biarritz, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore. You’ll find a mix of old and new buildings, with some beautiful Art Deco architecture. The area is vibrant and lively, with a great selection of bars and clubs to choose from. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Centre Ville can range from €700-€1,000 (approximately $770-$1,100 USD) per month.
- Les Halles: This charming neighborhood is located just a short walk from the city center and is known for its beautiful market square. You’ll find a mix of food stalls, cafes, and restaurants, as well as some unique boutiques and shops. Les Halles is a bit more laid-back than Centre Ville, but still offers plenty of amenities and activities. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Les Halles can range from €600-€900 (approximately $660-$990 USD) per month.
- La Grande Plage: If you’re looking for a neighborhood with stunning ocean views, La Grande Plage is the place to be. This area is located right on the beach, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and surf shops to choose from. The area is a bit more touristy than the other two neighborhoods, but it’s still a great choice for digital nomads who want to be close to the action. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in La Grande Plage can range from €800-€1,200 (approximately $880-$1,320 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Biarritz is relatively affordable compared to other Western European cities. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
- Rent: €700-€1,200 (approximately $770-$1,320 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: €10-€15 (approximately $11-$16.50 USD) for a meal at a mid-range restaurant, €5-€10 (approximately $5.50-$11 USD) for a coffee or snack
- Transport: €1.50 (approximately $1.65 USD) for a single bus ticket, €30 (approximately $33 USD) for a monthly bus pass
- Coworking: €200-€300 (approximately $220-$330 USD) per month for a desk at a coworking space
Overall, the cost of living in Biarritz is around €1,500-€2,500 (approximately $1,650-$2,750 USD) per month, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Internet & Coworking
Biarritz has a well-developed internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 47 Mbps. You’ll find plenty of cafes and coworking spaces with reliable Wi-Fi, including:
- Le Loft: A popular coworking space with a range of desks and private offices, starting from €200 (approximately $220 USD) per month.
- Biarritz Coworking: A shared office space with a community of entrepreneurs and remote workers, starting from €250 (approximately $275 USD) per month.
- Cafe de la Grande Plage: A beachfront cafe with excellent Wi-Fi and stunning ocean views, perfect for working remotely.
Biarritz has a thriving digital nomad community, with plenty of events and meetups to connect with like-minded individuals. Some popular groups and events include:
- Biarritz Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 1,000 members, hosting regular meetups and events.
- Surf and Tech: A meetup group that combines surfing and technology, with regular events and workshops.
- Biarritz Startup Weekend: A annual event that brings together entrepreneurs and remote workers to work on startup projects.
Culture & Lifestyle
Biarritz is a city that’s deeply rooted in French culture, with a strong emphasis on food, wine, and community. As a digital nomad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the local customs and way of life. Some popular activities include:
- Surfing: Biarritz is famous for its surf beaches, with plenty of schools and rental shops to choose from.
- Food: Biarritz has a thriving food scene, with plenty of restaurants serving up fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as foie gras and confit de canard.
- Nightlife: Biarritz has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Some popular spots include Le Bar de la Grande Plage and Le Casino de Biarritz.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to consider your visa options when moving to Biarritz. France has a relatively straightforward visa process, with several options available for remote workers. Some popular visa options include:
- Tourist visa: Valid for up to 90 days, this visa is ideal for short-term stays.
- Long-stay visa: Valid for up to one year, this visa is ideal for digital nomads who want to stay in France for an extended period.
- Digital nomad visa: France does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but you may be eligible for a Passeport Talent visa, which is designed for highly-skilled workers.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate life in Biarritz:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card at most phone shops or supermarkets, with prices starting from €10 (approximately $11 USD) per month.
- Transport: Biarritz has a well-developed public transportation system, with buses and trains connecting the city to surrounding areas.
- Safety: Biarritz is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Biarritz has a mild oceanic climate, with warm summers and cool winters. Be sure to pack accordingly, with layers for the cooler months.
