Biarritz

Nestled in the heart of the Basque Coast, Biarritz stands out as an exceptionally beautiful and culturally rich tourist destination in France, drawing travelers from around the globe with its cosmopolitan allure and historical heritage.

Over the years, the city has evolved from a small fishing port into a renowned coastal resort while preserving its natural heritage, architectural beauty, and ancient history.

Biarritz boasts numerous historical landmarks that reflect its past significance: from the 12th to the 17th century, it was known for whale hunters, with the last catch in 1686. In 1843, it was visited by Victor Hugo, and by 1854, it had become an imperial destination with Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, who commissioned the construction of Villa Eugénie (later the Hôtel du Palais). Later, in 1915, Coco Chanel opened her fashion house here, and following World War II, Biarritz became a holiday spot for celebrities, European high society, and tourists. In the 1980s, it developed into a hub for business tourism and became a popular destination for thalassotherapy, surfing, golf, and rugby, contributing to the city's growth, alongside the inauguration of the new airport in 1995, just ten minutes from the city center.

Visitors to Biarritz are immediately enchanted by its architectural heritage, which encompasses eclectic styles (Neo-Basque, Anglo-Norman, Belle Époque) with buildings that testify to its glorious past. The Imperial Chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Mexican Black Virgin, and commissioned by Empress Eugénie (wife of Napoleon III), was declared a historical monument in 1981 and showcases a blend of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Hispano-Moorish styles.

The Russian Orthodox Church, built between 1890 and 1892 for the Russian community of the time, is dedicated to the Protection of the Holy Virgin and Saint Alexander Nevsky. Just steps from the Halles Market, the Anglican Church now houses the Biarritz Museum, an important stop to discover the city's history. Art lovers can also visit the Asiatica Museum, which features art from Asian cultures.

Particularly striking are the Art Nouveau and Art Deco villas that stand alongside modern urban designs by Jean-Michel Wilmotte for the former Bellevue Casino and Place Clémenceau, the coastal lighting by Pierre Bideau (lighting designer for the Eiffel Tower), and the Cité de l'Océan by American Steven Holl, an entertainment space dedicated to the ocean.

Throughout the year, the seaside resort is bustling with events, festivals, and performances in dance, cinema, and contemporary music hosted at venues like the Gare du Midi Theatre, Municipal Casino, Coliseum, Petit Bijou café-theater, Iraty exhibition center, and Atabal, which offers an eclectic program of renowned groups and emerging artists.

Lesser-known yet distinctive neighborhoods to visit include Saint-Charles (departing from the Hôtel du Palais towards the lighthouse), which developed around the city's saltwater baths, and the picturesque Bibi-Beaurivage district, characterized by narrow streets and ancient fishermen's houses around Place Pradier.

The city is also a paradise for beach lovers along the Atlantic coast. Biarritz's natural scenery offers a variety of landscapes with six kilometers of coastline and six beaches with coves waiting to be discovered: from the Saint-Martin headland to the Côte des Basques, through the famous Grande Plage, the Port des Pêcheurs, and Le Rocher de la Vierge.

The impressive Rocher de la Vierge, a rocky promontory named after the statue of the Virgin placed on its summit in 1865, offers a panoramic view of the open sea, accessible via a footbridge built under Napoleon III.

From the heights of the Biarritz Lighthouse, one of the city's most beautiful panoramas can be enjoyed. Built in 1834, it rises 73 meters above sea level at the Hainsart point, offering an exceptional view over the Basque Coast, the sea, and the mountains.

Biarritz is also a green haven with several natural parks like Parc Mazon, the public gardens, and Jardin Lahouze. Close to the city center, the Marion Lake, a bucolic spot for recreational activities and nature walks, and the Mouriscot Lake, a protected natural habitat, are ideal for strolling. Here, one can also explore the chemin des Lacs, a trail connecting the two lakes.

For those looking for a sporty holiday, Biarritz, with its beaches, mild year-round climate, is the favored destination for golf and surfing enthusiasts as well as for thalassotherapy at facilities like Thalmar or Thalassa that offer natural wellness therapies. For sports lovers, a variety of outdoor activities are available. Besides surfing at the Grande Plage, there are world-renowned golf courses like Le Phare and Ilbarritz as well as coastal trails for hiking or biking through the pristine nature of the region.

In Biarritz, the art of living is also evident at the table with delicious food prepared from local land and sea products, and not surprisingly, Basque cuisine is a further attraction for visitors. For an aperitif at sunset, just head to the waterfront: from the lighthouse to Milady Beach, passing through the Grande Plage, Port des Pêcheurs, Port Vieux, or the Basque Coast, where many venues are located.

In the city center, the Halles district comes alive in the evening with various bars and restaurants. Les Halles, much more than a market, is a must for morning coffee, shopping, or enjoying some oysters with a glass of white wine. In the evening, the entire district buzzes, starting the night in one of the many bars and restaurants. Or you can dine at the fishermen's port with its picturesque "crampottes," typical huts lined up along the natural cove in the port of Biarritz.

 

Among the many Basque dishes to savor are Marmitako (tuna stew), typical cheeses like Ossau-Iraty, and Espelette peppers, a staple of Basque cuisine. Also try duck breasts, foie gras, and Ardi Gasna, a sheep's milk cheese served with black cherry jam. Delicious sweets include chocolates prepared with ancient traditional recipes, the typical Basque Touron (almond-based confection), Gateau Basque (cream or cherry-filled cake), and Muxus (a type of marzipan macaroon).​