Information
City: BiarritzCountry: France
Continent: Europe
Biarritz, France, Europe
Overview
Biarritz sits on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Country of southwestern France, where waves crash against its rocky shoreline.Famous for its scenic beaches, lively culture, and deep history, it draws crowds to the Atlantic coast, where waves sparkle in the afternoon sun.Biarritz blends the thrill of surfing with a taste for luxury, where traditional Basque charm meets sleek, modern style under the salt-scented Atlantic breeze.Biarritz1’s standout features and highlights, from its sunlit beaches to its lively café terraces.Biarritz’s story stretches back centuries, beginning as a humble fishing village where nets dried in the salty breeze.It became famous in the 19th century, when Empress Eugénie-Napoleon III’s wife-chose it as her summer retreat, where ocean breezes drifted through tall, open windows.The town soon blossomed into a chic seaside resort, drawing royalty, aristocrats, and wealthy travelers from all over Europe.Its Basque roots run deep, visible in the red-and-white timbered houses, the rich seafood stews, and the lively festivals.Biarritz’s golden beaches lure both sunbathers and surfers chasing the perfect wave.Biarritz’s most famous beaches include La Grande Plage, the main stretch in the heart of town where wide golden sand meets sweeping ocean views and the white Biarritz Lighthouse rises in the distance; Plage de la Côte des Basques, a surfer’s favorite with steady waves and an easygoing Basque charm; and Plage du Miramar, a quieter hideaway perfect for swimming, where cliffs frame the horizon.Often called Europe’s surf capital, Biarritz draws wave riders from across the globe with its reliable swells and ideal conditions, hosting competitions year-round and offering lessons for every skill level.Surf shops, cafés, and restaurants spill onto the streets, shaping the town’s relaxed, salt-tinged identity.Standing watch over it all is the Biarritz Lighthouse, one of its most iconic landmarks.Rising 73 meters (240 feet) above the shore, this 19th-century lighthouse lets you take in sweeping views of the coastline and the Bay of Biscay.Climb its narrow spiral stairs, and the ocean stretches out in every direction.Perched on a cliff, the lighthouse offers one of the finest views in the region, while the Rocher de la Vierge-a small rocky island in the Bay of Biscay-links to the mainland by a narrow footbridge that creaks in the wind.Atop the rocky outcrop stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, watching over Biarritz like a silent guardian; it’s where visitors gather to breathe in the salt air and take in sweeping views of the Atlantic, the jagged cliffs, and the curve of the bay.Biarritz’s streets reveal its signature Basque architecture-a blend of whitewashed farmhouses with red shutters, sleek modern villas, and luxurious resorts-while Art Deco landmarks like the Casino de Biarritz and grand hotels whisper of its glamorous days as a playground for Europe’s elite.Neo-Basque and Belle Époque buildings, dressed in colorful facades and ornate trim, make every stroll feel like a slow walk through a living postcard.Near the Rocher de la Vierge, the Musée de la Mer explores the town’s fishing heritage and the region’s marine life, from glittering schools of fish to relics of whaling days.A short distance away, the sleek Cité de l’Océan invites visitors to dive into oceanography and environmental conservation through interactive exhibits and modern design.The museum dives into the bond between people and the sea, featuring exhibits on surfing, marine life, and climate change.It sits inside a bold, glass-and-steel building and invites visitors of all ages to try hands-on activities.In Biarritz, heart of the Basque Country, you’ll also find a cuisine unlike anywhere else.Biarritz serves up plenty to savor: fresh seafood pulled straight from the Atlantic-think lobster, oysters, mussels, even salty anchovies-appears on menus all over town.You’ll also find Basque favorites like tapas, pintxos, and the rich Basque cake, stuffed with cream or cherries.Wash it down with the region’s crisp cider, poured in lively sagardotegis.From Michelin-starred dining rooms to cozy bistros, the town’s restaurants deliver Basque cooking at its best.In Biarritz, shopping buzzes with life, from sleek designer boutiques to tiny artisan stalls where the scent of fresh leather drifts from handmade bags.At the Halles de Biarritz, the town’s bustling covered market, you can taste ripe peaches, crumbly cheeses, cured meats, and glistening seafood while soaking up the local vibe.Just a short walk away, the streets around Place Clémenceau spill over with chic boutiques, bright art galleries, and inviting cafés that draw visitors to wander.All year long, Biarritz buzzes with events-from riding the waves at the Biarritz Surf Festival to swaying to live music during the Fête de la Musique and catching premieres at its International Film Festival.The town also embraces its Basque roots with the colorful Fêtes de Bayonne just up the road, along with traditional sports and spirited cultural shows.It’s a place where ocean spray, local pride, and a touch of coastal glamour meet.In Biarritz, you can stretch out on a sun-warmed beach, ride the rolling Atlantic waves, wander through streets steeped in Basque tradition, or savor rich, buttery pastries-there’s something here for everyone.With its cobbled streets and sleek seaside hotels, the town blends historic charm with modern luxury, creating an ideal escape for anyone eager to savor the best of both worlds on the breathtaking French Basque coast.
Landmarks in Biarritz
