Airport Biarritz Pays Basque (LFBZ) IFR

Only a few kilometers from the Spanish border (French Basque Country). The airport has some scheduled airline service, charter traffic in summer, and some GA. Unfortunately, it has had a rather poor reputation for years. First, because there is a French Police de l'Air office on the field and there are many "ramp checks" (especially, but not only, N-reg). Therefore you should have your "paperwork" particularly well in order here. Second, because parking is handled in a thoroughly bureaucratic way with a PPR requirement that is enforced quite uncompromisingly; there are only about a handful of official "parking positions" for SEPs. If you cancel a notified flight at short notice, they threaten cancellation fees! Since 2023, small GA aircraft no longer park directly in front of the GA terminal on Apron Alpha (this is now—at least during the summer half of the year—reserved for the "large" GA), but on Apron Kilo, south of the runway. You then have to be bused (mandatory handling!). Otherwise, the service is friendly, quick, and good. The GAT is flawless.

The costs (landing, handling, 24 hours of parking) for up to 2 tonnes come to about €100 in total. On Sundays and public holidays there is an additional noticeable handling surcharge. Extended parking, in particular, is quite expensive. 100LL is available (self-service via BP card or with credit card through handling), as well as Jet-A, rental cars, etc. There is a restaurant (closed Sundays) next to the GAT. Directly opposite there is a hotel with a restaurant (Sure Hotel). A bus (No. 36) runs regularly toward the city. A taxi is not too expensive either, as the distance is short (about €20).

Biarritz remains a very special and fascinating place. In the main holiday season (mid-July to late August) it is of course very crowded and hotels are expensive. But even in the shoulder season Biarritz is pleasant thanks to the relatively mild temperatures. It is nice to walk along the rugged coastline and explore the various viewpoints, including the lighthouse. On the beach and in the water there are practically always hundreds of surfers, who shape the city (in a positive sense). The largest beach is the "Grande Plage" right in front of the town center. You can eat good seafood at "Chez Albert" in the old fishing harbor. Next door there is "Le Corsaire"; I thought it was really good. I found "Casa Juan Pedro" weak, despite the huge crowds. If you want to catch a bit of Spanish vibe, you will also find several tapas bars in the old town. The nicest going-out district is Les Halles, with a great market during the day. Especially interesting for children is the ocean museum (not far from the old fishing harbor). The city of Bayonne, about 10 km away, is also well worth seeing. Above all the coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz; it lies 15 km south of Biarritz, right on the Spanish border. Small and charming, even if in summer there are many tourists. Great weekly market.

Ideal GA airfield. Avgas costs €1.73 per liter, and I paid €23 in fees for 1 night plus landing; both payable by credit card. Entry and exit via a separate gate with relaxed security.