Your First 90 Days in Biarritz: What Actually Needs to Happen (And When)
Moving to Biarritz is one of the best decisions you'll make. I know that because I made it, and I've helped a lot of people do the same. But the first few months can be disorienting — not because Biarritz is unwelcoming, but because France has its own pace, its own systems, and a deep love of paperwork.
The good news: the bureaucracy is manageable if you tackle it in the right order. Here's what I'd focus on, week by week…
Weeks 1–2: The non-negotiables
1. Secure Your Accommodation
If you've bought, your immediate priority is utilities — electricity, water, internet. For renters: do not skip the état des lieux (property inventory) when you move in.Sign nothing until every detail is documented. When you move out, anything that's damaged or missing is yours to fix.
2. Register With Local Authorities
EU/EEA citizens: you don’t need a residence permit, but registering with local services can make life easier.
Non-EU citizens: validating your visa at the OFII (French immigration office) is mandatory within your first few weeks, don’t let it slide.
3. Open a French Bank Account
A local account is essential for everything: paying bills, receiving income, and setting up automatic payments for utilities. Banks such as Caisse d’Epargne, Crédit Agricole, BNP Paribas, Banque Populaire or online services like Boursorama are popular with expats.
4. Get a French SIM Card
Providers like Orange, SFR, and Free Mobile offer competitive plans. Having a French number is crucial for scheduling deliveries, appointments, and general daily living wheras keeping your foreign number will only complicate these tasks.
Weeks 3–6: Building The Infrastructure
5. Healthcare & Insurance
France is known for its excellent healthcare system. To access it:
Apply for a Carte Vitale (health insurance card) if you’re eligible. The center (CPAM) where you will apply is in Bayonne.
Register with a médecin traitant (primary care doctor)—this ensures full reimbursement for medical visits. Your primary care or “generaliste” doctor will be responsible for referring you to all specialists.
Consider supplementary insurance (mutuelle) to cover what the state doesn’t.
6. Transport & Mobility
Ask yourself: do you need a car in Biarritz?
Within the city, buses (Chronoplus “Txik Txak”) and bikes cover most needs.
For trips to the mountains or Spanish Basque Country (Hegoalde), many expats choose to buy, lease or rent a car.
If you brought a foreign vehicle, don’t forget to register it in France within the required time frame.
If you are coming from the US, some states have reciprocity with France when it comes to your driver’s license. Many do not, unfortunately. Remember to take care of exchanging your license before the deadline if you are lucky enough to have reciprocity. If you are like us, coming from California and North Carolina (states that do not have reciprocity), you will need to decide on public transportation or a sans permit car (I’ve had a 100% electric Citroen Ami for the past 4 years and its perfect for getting around the BAB area) OR if you will pay for driving school and getting your French driver’s license.
7. Learn Some French Basics
While many locals speak English—especially in tourism and real estate—day-to-day life runs more smoothly with French. A few survival phrases go a long way at the bakery or market. Consider local courses, private tutors, or online platforms to accelerate your learning. There are even Basque language courses you can join as well.
Weeks 7–12: Becoming a Local
8. Find your people
Making connections will make your relocation easier and more enjoyable. Try:
Expat groups on Facebook and Meetup.
Surf or yoga clubs.
Cultural associations and cooking classes.
This is the quickest way to feel at home while also building your language skills.
9. Explore Schools & Childcare (If You Have Children)
Biarritz and the surrounding Basque towns offer a mix of public, private, and international schools. Options include bilingual programs for younger children, which can help ease the transition. Be sure to research enrollment periods and requirements early.
10. Enjoy the Local Lifestyle
This is the fun part! Discover the best of Biarritz and its surroundings:
Shop for fresh produce at Les Halles Market.
Try surfing at Côte des Basques beach.
Explore Bayonne’s historic streets or take a day trip to San Sebastián in Spain.
Indulge in Basque specialties like pintxos, gâteau Basque, and local wines.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Transition
Keep all paperwork: France loves documentation. Always save copies of contracts, bills, and receipts.
Expect delays: Bureaucracy can take time. A little patience (and persistence) goes a long way.
Seek expert help: Working with a relocation consultant can save you weeks of frustration and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Conclusion
The first 90 days in Biarritz are about building the foundations for your new life—handling paperwork, creating routines, and slowly blending into the Basque lifestyle. With this checklist, you’ll not only survive but thrive during your relocation.
✨ Have specific questions that need answers? Contact Nicole today for personalized consulting support. She will guide you through every step so you can focus on enjoying your new home: NicoleinBiarritz@gmail.com.
