Cité de l'Océan et du Surf
Science centre in Biarritz facing the Milady beach, with immersive animations, virtual reality and exhibitions on the ocean and surfing.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
According to the institution, since 2008 the Cité de l’Océan has formed a pair in Biarritz with the Aquarium de Biarritz: the aquarium shows marine life, while the Cité uses interactive animations to explain the major issues linked to the ocean, climate and surfing.
The building was designed by the New York architect Steven Holl and his Brazilian colleague Solange Fabião, with local associate architects. Its convex and concave curves evoke the waves of the Basque coast, following the principle “sous le ciel, sous l’océan” (“under the sky, under the ocean”). A curved, green roof serves as a public square and responds to the rocks of Ilbarritz.
The building brings together a playful-scientific area, exhibitions, an auditorium, a restaurant, a café and a kiosk with sea views. The route includes a surf zone with Virtual Surf and Surf Sensation 5D, immersive animations such as the Bathyscaphe, the 3D film or “700 requins dans la nuit”, scientific animations on the birth of the ocean and the evolution of life, and sensory experiences.
The venue is run by Biarritz Océan, a local mixed-economy company that also manages the Aquarium de Biarritz. Temporary exhibitions of photography, art and surfing history regularly complement the visit.
Highlights
- Surf zone with Virtual Surf and Surf Sensation 5D
- Bathyscaphe 4D, Seaborg and the film “700 requins dans la nuit”
- Scientific animations on the birth of the ocean and the evolution of life
- Wave-shaped building by Steven Holl, with a green roof
- Restaurant and terrace facing the sea
Permanent exhibition
- Parcours des animations immersives – The route combines a surf zone, immersive animations in virtual reality and 3D, scientific animations about the ocean and sensory experiences.
- Founded
- 2011
- Operated by
- Biarritz Océan (société d'économie mixte locale)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €13Teenagers aged 13 to 17, students, job seekers |
| Children & teens | €11Child rate for ages 6 to 12: €11. Children under 6 do not have access to the virtual reality animations. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €13companion free · €2 reduction at the ticket desk on proof of status; free companion if the disability card indicates a need for assistance. |
| Students & apprentices | €13Reduced rate for students, on proof of status. |
| Groups (20+ people) | €13 per personFrom 20 people: adult €13, child aged 6 to 12 €8, reduced rate €11. Seaborg animation optional: +€30 per group. |
| Families | –€1 reduction on presentation of a large-family card. |
| Seaborg animation (optional) | €3Card payment on site only. |
| Adult annual pass | €35Children aged 6 to 12: €25; free entry for one year, personal, to be bought at the ticket desk. |
| Combined ticket with the Aquarium de Biarritz (adult) | €28Valid once within one year, for one or two days; child and reduced rates are on the prices page. |
Online booking recommended; fast-track access to the ticket desk during school holidays only, for tickets bought online. Payment on arrival in cash, Visa and Mastercard, and ANCV holiday vouchers.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A lift serves all levels and a route is provided for people with reduced mobility; adapted toilets are available. Two reserved spaces are in the Cité’s car park. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are admitted on presentation of a card and a school certificate; other animals are not admitted.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 6+
| Time needed | approx. 3 hrs |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Kids’ birthday parties
Animations are accessible from age 6; some, especially in virtual reality, are not allowed for younger children. Lifts make it possible to move around with a stroller. Birthday parties for children over 6, from 8 children.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Cité de l'Océan · 3-min walk
Txiktxak bus, lines 12 and 18, “Cité de l’Océan” stop, then a 3-minute walk. Biarritz SNCF station is about 25 minutes away by bus.
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking nearby; P+R park-and-ride Halle Iraty (290 spaces, free), served by line 12. Two spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility. Electric vehicle charging points on rue de Madrid.
- Accessible parking
The Cité de l’Océan faces the Milady beach, about 3 km from the Aquarium de Biarritz. By car: 1 hour from Dax via the A63, 2 hours 15 minutes from Bordeaux via the A64.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
Café and restaurant Le Sin, run by an independent partner, with a terrace facing the sea. Kiosk and shop with soft toys, decorations, books and surf-related items. The website does not mention Wi-Fi for visitors.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
The Cité can be hired in full, with virtual reality animations, an auditorium with 112 seats, a large screen and control room, for meetings, receptions, cocktails and company Christmas parties. Request a quote via form.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The visit takes place indoors, in an air-conditioned building, with no time limit but in one go: leaving is final. Content is available in French, English and Spanish. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. A visit usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, up to 5 hours during the holidays. |
