Biarritz

Biarritz is a wonderful introduction to the style and life of Pays Basque. Once a whaling station, it is now recognized as a seaside resort of international renown. Don’t let its size intimidate you—as the residents will tell you, this is still a small town in heart and soul—locals claim not even to lock their cars! Biarritz is captivating and charming and the center of the old town is very easy to explore on foot. Its central stretch of beach is flanked by a promenade and a few casinos, the most spectacular of which, the Hôtel du Palais, is also a hotel and an historic landmark, dating back to the days of the Spanish Countess, Eugenie of Montijo who married the Emperor Napoleon III. Being fond of Biarritz, she had the Hôtel du Palais (originally referred to as Villa Eugenie) built as a holiday home, hosted European aristocracy, and introduced them to the charms and festivities of the town. The Countess is fondly referred to as the “godmother” of the town. The nightlife is perhaps a bit more tame than in her time, but people are still attracted to Biarritz for the casinos, racecourses, nightclubs, and special events including the surf festival, pelota tournament, and numerous golf tournaments. While exploring Biarritz, be sure to visit the Marine Museum located in front of the Rocher de la Vierge (Virgin Rock) for its display of marine fauna and aquariums; the Historical Museum, which features fishing and agricultural influences through costumes, paintings, artifacts, and documents; and, for gourmands, the Chocolate Museum, whose sculptures are a delicious and interesting testament to the fact that chocolate originated in the Basque Country during the reign of Louis XIV. With its absolutely gorgeous setting, Biarritz also inspires you to spend some time outdoors. Include a visit to the Biarritz Lighthouse, dating back to 1831, which towers 73 meters above the sea and (after a climb of 248 steps) offers an exceptional view of the town and Basque coastline. From the lighthouse follow the headland to the Côte des Basque beach with its dramatic offshore rocks of the Basta, the Madonna, and the Atalaye Plateau and most definitely include a walk along the Port des Pêcheurs, the old fishing village now referred to as the Port Vieux or Old Port. This is an enchanting path to walk at sunset: taking you from the beach around the old harbor, along its breakwater, which protects its active fishing fleet and intimate seafood restaurants, to a picturesque point and then wrapping around the other side of Biarritz below an exclusive residential district. It was from the old harbor where whaling ships used to sail out to the Bay of Biscaye.