Summary
Biarritz was originally a modest whaling town located on the Atlantic Ocean until it caught the attention of Empress Eugénie de Montijo in the 1850s, the spouse of Napoleon III. The couple commissioned an opulent summer residence on what was then merely sand dunes, leading to the creation of the Hôtel du Palais and establishing Biarritz as a favored retreat for the aristocracy.
Today, it remains a refined and upscale destination featuring majestic 19th-century architecture and exceptional beaches. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the coastline, taking in the elaborate promenades and landscaped parks adorned with hydrangeas and tamarisks. Alternatively, adventurers can surf at Europe’s inaugural surf beach, which was inaugurated in 1957.
Now, let us examine the top attractions in Biarritz:
1. Rocher de la Vierge
From this modified rocky formation, one can gaze upon the Bay of Biarritz or the Côte des Basques, potentially even observing the distant silhouettes of the Pyrenees.
The rock has historically served as a vantage point for whale watching. In the 19th century, under the direction of Napoleon III, it was connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge, and a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected atop the rock.
This was subsequently replaced with a metal statue in 1887, credited to Gustave Eiffel, who, despite his namesake, was not involved in the structure’s design.
2. Grande Plage
Biarritz’s principal beach is adorned with the city’s most illustrious structures, such as the Hôtel du Palais and Casino Barrière.
This enticing golden bay boasts soft sands, perfect for a sunny afternoon spent in the company of loved ones.
Grande Plage experiences notable swells, thereby attracting both casual beachgoers and surfers, leading to higher visitor numbers in July and August.
For a refreshing treat, you can ascend the steps for ice cream and a leisurely stroll along the elegant promenade.
At the rear of the beach, there exists a row of vibrantly striped tents available for hire for half a day, accompanied by beach chairs.
3. Port des Pêcheurs
In stark contrast to the grand hotels positioned above and along the shoreline, Port des Pêcheurs is a quaint harbor established by Napoleon III for the local fishermen in the 1800s.
A scenic path leads down to the harbor from the Musée de la Mer.
The harbor’s walls are elevated to safeguard the vessels during tumultuous oceanic conditions, despite the fact that fishing boats have largely been supplanted by leisure craft. The row of cottages once home to fishermen has now transformed into restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, making it a charming locale for an evening meal as the sun sets.
4. La Côte des Basques
The narrative suggests that in 1957, American screenwriter Peter Viertel, while in Biarritz to film The Sun Also Rises, had his surfboard transported from California and rode the waves at this very beach.
Consequently, Côte des Basques became the initial European surfing location.
Even though it is adjacent to an upscale resort favored by high society, the beach retains a wild and unrefined character.
Surfers and adept swimmers will appreciate this location, with the exception of high tide when water reaches the roadside, requiring all to vacate.
For a broader view of the beach during low tide, one can climb to the Avenue de Notre Dame along the cliff’s edge and enjoy the scenery from a bench.
5. Biarritz Lighthouse
Located at Pointe Saint-Martin, demarcating the juncture between Biarritz’s rocky coastline and the smooth sands of Landes, the Biarritz Lighthouse rises 79 meters above sea level.
Guiding mariners since 1834, the current lens is over a century old, dating back to 1904, with a reach of 26 miles.
The structure has been fully automated since 1980, allowing entry for visitors who wish to ascend the 248 steps to the observation deck.
Alternatively, remaining below offers one of Biarritz’s prime sunset viewing locations.
6. Aquarium de Biarritz
For enthusiasts of art deco architecture, this attraction, which faces the Rocher de la Vierge, may captivate even before entering.
The Musée de la Mer was completed in 1933, experiencing significant renovation and expansion in 2011, which resulted in a doubling of exhibition space.
Visitors will gain invaluable insights into Biarritz’s historical whaling activities and view a 40mm film produced by Jacques Cousteau.
Unexpectedly, there are numerous live tanks and enclosures, and guests will traverse various zones showcasing marine life from the North Atlantic, Caribbean, and Indo-Pacific.
The shark cave is particularly popular among visitors, and watching seals during feeding time is always a delightful experience.
7. Église Russe de Biarritz
Eugénie invited the Russian aristocracy to summer in Biarritz, and the affluence they contributed facilitated the resort’s transformation.
As the community expanded over several decades, they required a dedicated place of worship.
Thus, in 1892, a church was constructed in the neo-Byzantine style within a mere two-year timeframe.
This church not only reflects Biarritz’s history but also offers insight into Russia’s as well, featuring an interior adorned with icons imported from St. Petersburg.
8. Hôtel du Palais
Eugénie’s summer palace is undoubtedly the most prominent structure in the city.
Once isolated on the dunes, it is now the centerpiece of the resort that has developed around it. Following the fall of the Second Empire, it reopened as a luxury hotel and casino.
Remarkably, the palace experienced neglect in the post-war era, yet it was restored to its former Imperial magnificence during the 1950s. Renowned personalities like Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Coco Chanel frequented its halls in the 20th century, although most visitors now admire its splendor from afar.
9. Imperial Chapel
A brief walk from the Hôtel du Palais leads to the private chapel of Eugénie and Napoleon, constructed in 1864. The design is reminiscent of Spanish architecture, reflecting the Empress’s homeland, characterized by neo-Mudéjar arches and painted tiles (azulejos) decorating the walls.
The standout feature of the chapel’s interior is the painting of the Virgin by artist Louis Charles Auguste Steinheil, situated above the sanctuary.
Visitors should also admire the enamel medallions flanking the apse, depicting members of the House of Bonaparte.
10. Casino Municipal
Directly situated across from the Grand Plage, the Casino Municipal, established in 1929, serves as a vivid reminder of Biarritz’s historical prominence.
This expansive and lavish art deco establishment invites patrons to enjoy a glass of wine or a post-meal digestif in the shade of its portico on warm days.
However, entering the casino requires formal attire, and once inside, one is transported back to the roaring twenties, with croupiers attentive to your every request.
Do not neglect to take in the art deco skylights and floor mosaics during your visit.
11. Les Halles de Biarritz
Food markets in France are not merely venues for purchasing groceries; they serve as vibrant social hubs, showcasing the regional produce and delicacies that inspire local pride.
Constructed in 1885, Biarritz’s market, with its cast-iron architecture, is worth a visit even if you do not require any specific items.
Stalls display an array of cheese, pâté, fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables, potentially enticing you to alter your plans for a delightful picnic.
Additionally, the adjacent seafood market offers fresh oysters shucked to order.
12. Cité de l’Océan et du Surf
Visitors can purchase a combined ticket for access to the aquarium and this contemporary museum. The Cité de l’Océan, designed by Steven Holl Architects in collaboration with Solange Fabião, presents a dynamic exploration of Biarritz’s history with the ocean through a variety of interactive and multimedia exhibits aimed particularly at younger audiences.
Among the attractions are a virtual reality surfing experience and a “bathyscaphe,” a theater showcasing a 3D film about the Gouf de Capbreton, an underwater canyon that reaches depths of 3,500 meters off Biarritz’s coast.
13. Musée Asiatica
As one of the few Asian-themed museums in France, the Musée Asiatica offers a commendable collection of artifacts from China, Nepal, and Tibet, arranged in a stimulating but somewhat eclectic manner.
The expansive galleries dedicated to the Indian subcontinent occupy the entire basement, providing an opportunity to examine Bronze Age weaponry, Buddha statues, textiles, jewelry, and intricate handicrafts from various historical epochs.
Items from Tibet and China include prehistoric jade carvings crafted for burials and a captivating collection of Thangkas, traditional Buddhist artworks painted on silk.
14. Surfing
Biarritz is set to host the World Surfing Games in 2017. Experienced surfers are well aware of the city’s rich surfing heritage and tend to gravitate towards La Côte des Basques, although there are numerous additional surf spots along the six-kilometer stretch of coastline.
For beginners, locating surf schools (of which there are five) and rental facilities for equipment is easily accomplished.
Those seeking to enhance their surfing skills may consider enrolling in surf camps that provide equipment, transfers, accommodations, and training from certified professionals for one week.
Therefore, there is ample opportunity to develop one’s balance and skills on the waves.
15. Anglet
On the opposite side of Pointe Saint-Martin lie the remarkable beaches of Anglet.
The Côte d’Argent commences here and extends northward to the Gironde Estuary, situated north of Bordeaux.
Next to Biarritz’s Lighthouse, Chambre d’Amour showcases breathtaking views of the headland from its panoramic walkway.
Plage des Corsaires is another notable surfing destination, presenting waves akin to those at La Côte des Basques but accompanied by a vast expanse of golden sands.
This beach serves as a training ground for many of France’s emerging surfing talents.
On land, it is also a delightful location for flying kites with children or engaging in an invigorating run along the coast.
