Guide · Biarritz · January 2027
Nine days of documentaries, more than 44,000 spectators and 2,600 professionals in 2025: in January, Biarritz lives to the rhythm of FIPADOC. The venues are close to each other, right by the ocean. Here is where to stay to do everything on foot, and five hotels to book direct.
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In short: FIPADOC runs from 22 to 30 January 2027. Stay near the Grande Plage, in the Les Halles district or on avenue Carnot: the festival venues are a few minutes' walk away. Come by TGV or by plane, and book your hotel now, ideally directly on its own website.
FIPADOC is France's leading international documentary festival, covering cinema, television, series, virtual reality and podcasts, with more than 150 works and nearly 250 screenings each year. It grew out of FIPA, founded in 1987, which moved to Biarritz in 1996 and was renamed FIPADOC in 2019; 2027 is its 9th edition. In 2025 it drew more than 44,000 viewers and over 2,600 accredited professionals.
An independent, family-run hotel founded in 1948, set in a renovated former mansion facing the Grande Plage, opposite the Casino. Rooms look out over the town or the ocean, and the hotel has held the EU Ecolabel since 2016.
One of the oldest buildings in Biarritz, in the Les Halles district, whose coat of arms recalls Étienne de Silhouette, finance minister to Louis XV. Bright, contemporary interiors, a garden with a bar and secure private parking.
A 19th-century residence in the town centre, about a 5-minute walk from the beaches, with Art Deco-style rooms. The house reportedly belonged to a mayor of Biarritz, and Napoleon III is said to have been treated there.
A 19th-century family house with an ivory façade and red shutters, which has kept its pine floors and marble fireplaces. Colourful rooms with town or sea views, and an outdoor cocktail bar among the citrus trees.
A traditional Basque-style house with carefully designed architecture and décor, between the ocean and the centre. Every room has a small kitchenette and breakfast is served in your room.
Friday 22 to Saturday 30 January 2027, in Biarritz.
Near the Grande Plage and the Casino, in the Les Halles district or around avenue Carnot: everything is within walking distance of the festival venues.
By TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (about 4 hours), by air (the airport is about 4 km from the centre) or by car via the A63 from Bordeaux.
There are single-screening tickets and festival passes, on sale at fipadoc.com and at the venue box offices. 2027 prices have not yet been announced.
Now: the festival drew more than 44,000 viewers and 2,600 professionals in 2025, all in a single week.
