The most beautiful sunrises and sunsets between Hossegor and Biarritz
Make it stand out
On the southern coast of the Landes and in the Basque Country, the day doesn’t quite begin or end the same way as elsewhere. At dawn, the Hossegor lagoon awakens in tranquility, surrounded by pine trees, birds, and pastel-hued reflections. In the evening, the Atlantic Ocean becomes the backdrop for spectacular sunsets, stretching from Hossegor’s Central Beach to the cliffs of Biarritz.
Whether you’re an early-morning surfer, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful moment to share during your vacation, here are our favorite spots to watch the sunrise and sunset between Hossegor and Biarritz—including, this year, an extremely rare event: the solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Start the day at sunrise on Hossegor's saltwater lake
Before the beaches fill up, there’s a magical moment that many vacationers never get to see. The sun rises gently over Hossegor’s marine lake. Often perfectly smooth thanks to the onshore breeze or the absence of wind, the lake then takes on the appearance of a mirror.
This area attracts an incredible variety of birds. You can watch the birds as they begin their day, while the first light of dawn lends the landscape an almost mystical atmosphere. Herons, egrets, cormorants, and shorebirds are among the many species that inhabit this vibrant environment, shaped by the tides.
Grab a coffee, tea, matcha, or mate to go, take a walk around part of the lake, or just sit on a bench for a few minutes.
It's probably one of the best moments of the day.
💡 Our tip: Even when there are no waves, set your alarm a little earlier. You won't regret it.
A complete walk around the lake is about six kilometers, but there’s no need to walk the entire way. The Parc Beach, the Blanche Beach, and the small paths that run along the shores already offer some truly beautiful views. Since the water level varies with the tides, the scenery is never exactly the same from one morning to the next.
Where can you see the most beautiful sunsets in Hossegor and the surrounding area?
In Hossegor
The Esplanade de la Nord and the Centrale Beach are the classic spots: an unobstructed horizon, surfers silhouetted against the sun, and—on a clear day—the Pyrenees in the distance. For a more rugged atmosphere, head to La Gravière and its vast beach lined with dunes.
In Capbreton
From Notre-Dame Beach or the Estacade, watch the sun set over the ocean behind the piers and the boats returning to port. It’s the perfect setting for families and photographers.
In Biarritz
The Côte des Basques offers a remarkable view of the Atlantic and the Spanish coast. The Rocher de la Vierge and the Grande Plage, meanwhile, offer a more urban and iconic setting. Come early during peak season and check the tide times before heading down to the beach.
Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026: An Exceptional Sunset in Hossegor and Biarritz
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Basque-Landes coast will have a front-row seat to a rare astronomical phenomenon. The eclipse will be total in parts of northern Spain, but will remain partial in France. It will nonetheless be spectacular: approximately 99.2% of the Sun’s surface will be obscured in Hossegor and 99.5% in Biarritz.
Eclipse times in Hossegor: 7:31 p.m. to 8:26 p.m.;
In Biarritz: 7:31 p.m. to 8:26 p.m.
To enjoy the best view, be sure to choose a spot with a completely unobstructed western horizon: Centrale Beach or the Esplanade de la Nord in Hossegor, Gravière Beach, the Capbreton waterfront, Côte des Basques, or Grande Plage in Biarritz. Arrive well in advance, as access points, parking lots, and promenades are likely to be particularly crowded.
How to Watch the Eclipse Without Harming Your Eyes
In Hossegor, as in Biarritz, the eclipse will never be total. Therefore, you must wear special eclipse glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2 while observing the Sun directly.
Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not provide adequate protection. Also, do not look at the eclipse through a cell phone, binoculars, a camera, or a telescope that does not have a suitable solar filter attached to the front of the lens. If you do not have approved protection in good condition, use an indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole projection.