Driving to Biarritz from Calais
Plan a road trip to Biarritz. The French coastal city is the perfect destination for fans of sun, surf, and stylish seaside luxury.
The drive from Calais to Biarritz takes you from the north coast down to the Basque Country in the southwest, making it one of the best ways to explore more of France en route. Whether you make a road trip of it and plan a few scenic stops along the way, or drive straight to the seaside resort in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Biarritz is well worth the journey.
Why visit Biarritz?
Part city break, part seaside resort - Biarritz really has something for everyone! The city on the Côte Basque blends French flair and Basque tradition to create a truly unique coastal getaway. Once frequented by European royalty, the seaside town has earned a reputation as a chic and luxurious destination. Home to trendy bars, classy restaurants, stylish boutiques, art galleries, thalassotherapy centres and golf courses aplenty, the French city is the definition of coastal sophistication.
While you’ll find quiet sophistication in the town centre, you’ll find a buzz of activity on the beaches. The surfing capital of Europe, Biarritz, is perfect for fans of sunbathing, swimming and of course, surfing!
Catch the perfect wave at sunset in Biarritz.
How do you get to Biarritz by car from the UK?
Driving to Biarritz from the UK is a great way to explore more of the UK and France along the way. The time it takes to get there will depend on your starting point, but generally, travel to Biarritz from the UK can take anywhere between eleven hours to twenty.
Plan your trip with these approximate driving times and distances:
| UK to Biarritz | Distance | Driving time |
| Folkestone to Biarritz | 697 miles | 10 hr 50 |
| London to Biarritz | 766 miles | 12 hr 45 |
| Birmingham to Biarritz | 890 miles | 14 hr 25 |
| Cardiff to Biarritz | 920 miles | 15 hr 30 |
| Manchester to Biarritz | 972 miles | 16 hr 45 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne to Biarritz | 1,039 miles | 18 hr 5 |
| Glasgow to Biarritz | 1,175 miles | 19 hr 45 |
| Edinburgh to Biarritz | 1,159 miles | 20 hr 5 |
Driving to Biarritz is easier than ever with LeShuttle:
• Our service departs up to four times every hour, 365 days a year
• Your journey with LeShuttle lasts just 35 minutes
• There are no baggage restrictions, so you can pack as much as you like
How long does it take to drive from Calais to Biarritz?
A typical car journey from Calais to Biarritz covers approximately 1,067 km and takes roughly 10 hours and 25 minutes.
What is the best route to drive from Calais to Biarritz?
Whether you’re looking for the fastest route to Biarritz or hoping to discover more on a meandering road trip through France, there are a few ways to make the drive.
The quick route
The fastest way to drive from Calais to Biarritz is via the A28, A10, and A63 motorways. After leaving the Calais terminal, take the A16 southbound. Join the A28 near Abbeville and continue past Rouen. From there, merge onto the A10, then the A63, and follow signs for Biarritz.
The scenic route
If you are not in a rush, the scenic route to Biarritz is a great way to explore some of France’s best destinations along the way.
Le Mans
Around four and a half hours from Calais, Le Mans is the perfect pitstop on your drive to Biarritz, not least because it’s home to one of the most famous motorsport events in the world. The city in northwest France is, of course, unmissable for motor-racing fans, but as the birthplace of the Plantagenet dynasty, it is packed with highlights for fans of history, art and architecture too.
Discover the stunning Saint Julien Cathedral in Le Mans.
Tours
Just over an hour from Le Mans, Tours, in the heart of the Loire Valley, is another detour-worthy stop. Stretch your legs on a riverside walk along the Loire before indulging in French charcuterie like Rillettes de Tours – a savoury pork pâté spread on crusty bread. Les Halles de Tours, the city’s covered food market, is the perfect place to pick up some local supplies for your onward journey!
Poitiers
Continue down the A10 for another hour and fifteen minutes to find your next stop – Poitiers. The city in western France is known for its rich history, but with the futuristic theme park, Futuroscope, among its attractions, you’ll find a unique blend of tradition and innovation in Poitiers. With the Center Parcs location, Le Bois aux Daims, sitting between Tours and Poitiers, the area is perfect for a family-friendly stopover.
Capture the charm of Poitiers at night.
Bordeaux
Two hours and 30 minutes from Poitiers, Bordeaux is the final stop on your scenic route to Biarritz. Too special to simply pass, the wine-growing region in southwest France deserves to be savoured. Wine connoisseurs will want to plan their journey through this French city to align with the harvest season in September. But with wine schools, tours, and museums aplenty – as well as food markets, historic sites and riverside walks - Bordeaux is a year-round attraction for wine-loving and wine-indifferent visitors alike.
The Paris route
Spanning 1,104 km and taking just over 12 hours, the Paris route is ideal for road trippers looking to combine a visit to Biarritz with a stopover in the capital.
Amiens
Two hours and ten minutes from our Calais terminal, Amiens marks the beginning of your road trip through France – and what a place to start! The city of canals and cathedrals is filled with history, culture and nature to explore. Unmissable stops in this northern French destination include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Hortillonnages (floating gardens), and the floating market in the Saint-Leu district. Whatever you do, treat yourself to a box of traditional Amiens macarons to enjoy along the way!
Explore Amiens by boat through the colourful Hortillonnages.
Paris
The drive from Amiens to Paris takes just two hours, but you’ll want to put aside plenty of time to fully enjoy the French capital. As well as top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral, there are plenty of free things to do in Paris, so whatever your budget, the city of light is well worth a visit!
Orléans
Last but by no means least, Orléans is the final stop on the Paris route. Just two hours from Paris, the city in north-central France is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region. One of the oldest cities in France, Orléans has one of the richest histories and is renowned for its cathedral, churches, museums and architecture. History fans will recognise Orléans as the city famously linked to Joan of Arc, and reminders of her legacy can be found throughout the streets.
Driving laws in France
Before setting off on your Biarritz road trip, you should thoroughly research French driving laws to make sure you are up to speed. Find everything you need to know about driving in France with these handy guides:
• Driving in France for new drivers and first-time travellers
• Everything you need to know about Crit’Air stickers in France
Plan a Biarritz road trip
Plan your drive to Biarritz with top tips on travel, timing and trip duration.
How many days are needed in Biarritz?
Plan to spend between two to three days in Biarritz. This gives you plenty of time to explore the city’s main attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, relax on the beaches, and make the most of the Basque coastline.
What is the best time to visit Biarritz?
The best time to visit Biarritz is between May and October. High summer, from July to August, is ideal for beach lovers and sunseekers. For a calmer, quieter break, May and June bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Water sports enthusiasts should visit in September, when surf conditions are at their best.
Is Biarritz walkable?
As a small, compact city, Biarritz is easily accessible on foot. Covering an area of ~ 2 km², it is crisscrossed with plenty of scenic, pedestrian-friendly routes, making it easy to stroll from landmark to landmark or promenade from beach to beach. While most areas are flat, some cobbled streets and small hills mean comfortable footwear is a must!
Is it easy to drive in Biarritz?
Driving in Biarritz can be a little trickier during the peak season. The city has some narrow roads and one-way streets, which can make driving and parking a little bit more difficult. We’d recommend planning ahead if you are visiting during the summer!
Fortunately, Biarritz is easy to explore on foot and with plenty of transport options connecting the outskirts to the centre, it’s easy to get around without a car.
Are there tolls on the route to Biarritz?
The quickest route from Calais to Biarritz has several toll roads, including the A16, A13, A154, A10, and A63. Toll roads are unavoidable on this route, but it is possible to minimise costs by avoiding some toll sections.
Drive to Biarritz with LeShuttle
Ready to hit the road? Driving to France is easy with LeShuttle. Cross the channel in just 35 minutes and start your road trip to Biarritz.
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