Biarritz-France | California of Europe, Land of Charm and Surfing.

Biarritz is one of the most famous ad emblematic resorts of France, nicknamed California of Europe for its waves similar to those of that famed American Peninsula, land of charm and surfing is among the classiest destinations worldwide boasting a historic tourism developed since a long time ago and well known for its captivating and chic atmosphere which makes it simply unique in its kind.

That elegant coastal resort of the French Basque Country with its immense attractive and stunning image characterised by superb Hotels, chic Cafes, stylish Restaurants, streets and squares in which the traditional old architecture is perfectly combined with the most contemporary is furthermore highlighted by the wonderful presence in its boundaries by  picturesque promontories, wild cliffs, sandy beaches with that indisputable Oceanic breeze which delights pleasant stays in that splendid site situated on the charming Gulf of Biscay, so notorious to have been  historically always frequented by the most important European aristocracy.

Since the mid of the 19th century a wide number of prominent people were illustrious guests of that Tourism French Queen as the most relevant British Social Class and famed characters who wrote important pages of the history of literature such as Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Gustave Flaubert and Erich From among others. All them and many more chose that destination as one their favourite haven giving that site an eternal, y trendy, glamorous and appealing profile.

With its 30,000 inhabitants Biarritz never lost its unique charm, its elegant maritime promenade, those reminiscent stylish Parisian 19th century building and unforgettable sunsets everyone can admire along its magnificent waterfront are furthermore very special details which continue to be more than appreciated than ever by all the tourists who decide to visit that fascinating coastal town..
 
The first impression and impact when you reach that Southern French centre is that you are entering in a little magic world, a stunning marvel situated at just 25,0 kilometres  from the Spanish border, very close to  Irun in Euskadi the Iberian Basque Country and approximately 40 minutes driving from San Sebastian, another splendid  city in the County of Guipuzcoa, pretty linked to Biarritz because that French centre apart the mentioned nickname of California of Europe is also called the French Donostia, the other name of San Sebastian in a clear comparison with that Iberian sister 

Closely related to that you will find many things and details in common between those two magnificent sites such as charm, style, same coast, similar architecture,, both are two destinations so demanded about surfing, two gems both Basque resorts despite situated in two different European countries.

The resort although is a very stylish and a Top Class Destination attracting since many years ago the most relevant International Jet Set is undoubtedly less exhibitionist than Cannes, Antibes and Saint Tropez those famed French resorts of the captivating Côte D´Azur.(If you are interested I wrote posts regarding them)

Perhaps less artificial of those popular seaside towns town, Biarritz has conserved its typical houses located in proximity of splendid mansions as the iconic Villa Belza erected in the 19th century in Art Deco style and including its Le Vieux Port, the old fishing harbour has preserved its attractive and enchanting image of its old times. All that gave that centre next to its unmistakable glamorous aspect and history a special and unique feature loyal to its past making it a stunning, radiant beautiful site, inimitable and unique in its kind.

The name Biarritz in  Euskera, the Basque language is the composition of two words such as Bi which means two or double and Arritz meaning stone, so the original name is two-stones and all that is because the presence of two incoming scenic cliffs rocks visible along its coastline which represent in their kind another great attraction bewitching all the visitors.

  

Historically the first mention of a small settlement founded in the current boundaries is dated the 9th century, concretely 879 when that region was populated by a group of fishermen and invaded by some Vikings coming probably from the coasts of Ireland, a land that Nordic population had already settled.

In the Middle Ages those Scandinavian men never stopped and settled along the Basque coast according historic documentations but they usually navigated all along the Southern Atlantic coastline for raids and exploring new territories to have more geographic points of reference for future expeditions informing their successors regarding new routes and that Gulf including Biarritz was for them a strategic site to indicate in their maps.

The current seaside resort became later a very active fishing village in which the former Arrantzales, the local fishermen after a life devoted sardines and anchovies fishing activity which was for a long time the first relevant resource of the former inhabitants started to hunt whales which came pretty numerous in proximity of the Basque coast searching food to survive, mild temperatures and for their reproduction.

That relevant presence is part of a notable local historic chapter related to the establishment a whaling port which immediately after its establishment increased the fame of that site thanks to the excellent skills of the locals devoted to that kind of catch  and  as further detail they perfectly knew pretty well all the Gulf of Biscayluding the most remote inlets. Those men started to see many groups of those big marine mammals several times coming so close to the mainland and they decided to elevate some lookouts on the nearby Atalaye plateau above the former village.

That strategic point permitted them to see at distance the routes of those enormous cetaceans and their passage, those movements were immediately reported to the patrol boats which were quickly informed by smoke signals starting their operations of hunting. That activity became in its kind a local symbol and also for that in the municipal Coat of Arms is depicted a large ship for whaling which remains the symbol of the town.

In the former town was developed later a relevant centre dedicated to the whale fishery and that was how the French writer Victor Hugo in 1879 narrated a small fishing village nestling in the mighty waters of the Atlantic Ocean close to the Spanish border.
 

Biarritz lived splendour and special golden ages during the times of the Reign of Napoleon III when that French leader married Eugenia of Navarra alias Countess Eugenia de Montijo, a noble Spaniard who became the notorious Empress Eugenia. That aristocratic Iberian lady fell in love at first sight with the beauty of those places along the Basque coastline  and especially when she saw for the first time Biarritz  which emanated a very special natural appeal conquering her in a while with the decision to have a palace in such beautiful place, ideal to spend pleasant winter times and much more to be very close to her family. 

It was for love and that immense magic feelings of the wife towards that wonderful site that Napoleon III ordered to build a beautiful and imposing mansion calling it Villa Eugenia which became later the famous current Hôtel du Palais situated in the splendid and glamorous Avenue de l'Impératrice, continuing during its history to be undoubtedly one of the most shining local highlights and making in its kind the prestigious history of that French resort closely related to its glorious Hotel and Hospitality Industry.

That magnificent construction erected in 1854 is today a famous  Luxury Hotel, iconic symbol of the French incoming tourism, a majestic structure reflecting from its magnificent facade the glitzy charm of shining golden ages elevating it as a sort a monument, a superb spot for the promotion of the Tourism Board for its campaigns and main landmark during the celebrations of Tourism Fairs and events.

Immediately after its elevation Villa Eugenia was frequented for long time by that famed couple who decided to spend long periods there transforming thanks to their long sojourns that place in a very demanded and exclusive destination very loved by the highest French social class.

The current Hotel was originally called Folie Basque Eugenie, the Basque madness of Eugenia for that insistent desire to want something simply unique and more than special. When the husband died that woman sold the palace which in 1901 became the current Hotel-Casino you can admire nowadays.

Class, prestige, a masterpiece of architecture, that outstanding accommodation is a superb establishment which includes 124 rooms, 30 suites and 3 restaurants and in addition it also provides an elegant and very well equipped Spa Guerlain complex. 

The beauty of the long and stylish hallways, richly decorated rooms and the beautiful views overlooking the Ocean are all together a charming cocktail of that wonderful hospitality jewel, a great choice to spend unforgettable holidays in a place absolutely more than captivating.

Biarritz was recognised as a wealthy resort among the most prestigious in the globe and Victor Hugo as previously mentioned was a sort of ambassador in the promotion of that place when he started to talk to many people in Paris and abroad about the beauty of that sumptuous Imperial residence close to the fascinating and bewitching local coast highlighting the presence of whales visible at short distance from the Atlantic shore with those fishermen active day and night. 

The French writer was in his kind as a great Destination Manager for the extraordinary tourist dossier narrating including the smallest details of specific corners of immense natural beauty around that stunning palace.

The image and prestige Biarritz  had furthermore success and resonance and its name reached an extreme popularity well known all around the world with very high peaks of appreciation until to be considered a sort of dreamland to see once in a life time.

The resort received an increasing demand which continued without stops, the town became the focus and core of the highest Aristocracy of France and later also the nobles of the rest of Europe totally fell in love with that fascinating Queen of the Basque Country.

The regular visits of other members of different European Monarchies as the case of Queen Victoria and Edward VII of Great Britain who visited the town in 1889 was a notable event corresponding to the time in which Biarritz strongly entered in the favourite preferences of all the components of the British Monarchy and nobility. 

The presence of visitors coming from the United Kingdom left in that French municipality notable marks, such as a great passion for Golf and today you can find there two prestigious Golf Courses well known all around the globe and another traditional sport from Great Britain, the Rugby  found a relevant success thanks to the pioneers that famous sport born and invented in England.

That Basque centre since then it is a very distinguished Rugby centre and after the introduction of that sporting activity lived by locals with extraordinary passion was founded the Club Olympique Biarritz which  is today one of the most Prestigious Rugby Clubs of Europe.

Also other Royal Families after that high success which conquered the highest noble spheres of the Continent decided to spend holidays in that splendid destination landing on that marvel of the Gulf of Biscay such as the Spanish Monarchy with Alfonso XIII, the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef and the Russian Tsars.

After the 2ndWorld War the resort started to be frequented by the most relevant Jet Set and its notoriety grew furthermore in popularity and fame.There was since then a development  of important infrastructures and structures of high level a further incentive to welcome of numerous new celebrities and year by year flocked glamorous and prominent figures such as Farouk of Egypt, Michael of Romania, the Aga Khan, Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Charlie Chaplin and Coco Chanel among others.

In the late 50s  Biarritz discovered the passion for surfing imported from USA and concretely from California becoming one of the largest European sites linked to that famed activity thanks to the great quality and power of those magnificent waves and since then born that famed nickname California of Europe.

 The beginning of those intense tourism flows also born because linked to the first comparisons between the French resort and those situated along that famous Californian coast and almost immediately many surfers from the USA wanted to try the experience of those great and spectacular waves had with a strong desire to challenge them, obviously the trend of those events made that the surfing tourism there became unstoppable.

 In 1957 the American screenwriter and novelist Peter Viertel who was also an eminent pioneer of surfing chose that Southern French municipality as fantastic scenery for the movie as Si lève aussi le Soleil starring Deborah Kerr and also that thanks to the support of that production in the Film Industry increased  the curiosity and the desire of many Americans to visit that impressive Basque site.

In addition just two years later, in 1959 Viertel founded in that municipality the first school of surfing, the famous Waikiki Surf Club, calling lovers of that sport furrthermore from the United States of America but in a while also from  Scandinavia, Germany,  Switzerland, Italy, Great Britain and Holland, with fans  flocking there all year elevating Biarritz as a international hub related to that.

It was a period in which a multitude of people discovered in that Southern French place the pleasure to ride something of extremely exciting, those emblematic waves and the resort became for many surfers as something to insert in a sort of C.V adding that experience next to the renowned and prestigious Malibu, Rincon and all the notorious sites in the area of Santa Barbara, Venice Beach, Seal Beach, Mavericks and Cardiff Reef among others.

Every summer the city hosts the best exponents of surfing from around the world who land on that stunning corner of the Bay of Biscay to enjoy the Annual Surf Biarritz Festival. In addition to all tha  that you can find numerous surfing schools which offer lessons and several international championships stages take place in that resort by far more than 30 years.

With the creation of the Surf rider many competitions are held at the famed Grande Plage opposite the Casino that town was transformed since a long time ago in a distinctive symbol and a kind of Sanctuary of that trendy sport with a constant presence of affirmed American champions and masters.

Apart the rich past, glamour, sports and surfing, the town also has a relevant historic and cultural patrimony. You can start the visit just behind the Hotel du Palais with the singular presence of a Russian Orthodox Church erected in the 19th century. 

That fascinating Religious building is dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky, iconic figure of the 13th century, served as Prince of Novgorod, Kiev and Grand Price of Vladimir  is recognisable by its golden dome whose interior fresco represents the sky on a clear day and for the other beauty blue small domes. 

Elevated in 1892  for desire of the local Russian community during the time of the Tsar Alexander III, it is a very revered and venerated place by all the Russian people living in France at the same level of the other most relevant Sacred Orthodox temples you can find in Nice and Paris among others.

Superb domes, fine lines, stupendous high curved windows with stunning framed outlines, stylish modelled contours around great architectonic elements inserted in all the layout made that wonderful Church a perfect example of Neo-Byzantine architecture in France. Notable is also the stoned section placed in the base close to the main doorway and worth a mention also a special corner with a gable facade beneath the main cupola surmounted by a golden cross. 

Continuing the visit in a pleasant walk from the beach towards south, you can easily reach another representative local landmark as the distinctive Port Vieux, the picturesque Port des Pecheurs the fishing port. It is a small harbour situated in the old area of the town characterised by its typical houses erected on the cliffs, the traditional crampottes.

They are charming wooden structures leaning against the cliffs which are rare examples of the old Basque architecture, some of them in more contemporary times were converted in restaurants and surfing schools during the tourist development of the municipality. Currently that site is mainly used for pleasure boats and it was originally developed through the remainder of the imperial endowment made to do the work of the harbour of refuge but interrupted in 1870.

Today it is a space where you can see along its banks fishing nets and accessories of the local fishermen and also a pleasant place to enjoy some bars and restaurants serving delicious grilled fish, exquisite fresh seafood and delicious typical Pintxos.

Perched on the iconic Cachaus outcrop, those low cliffs close to the old harbour facing the Bay of Biscay you can admire Villa Belza, an emblematic mansion which was erected between 1880 and 1895 by the architect Alphonse Bertrand for Marie-Belza Dubreuil in a stunning and captivating Art Deco style.

Apart its scenic position, notable is the superb architectural layout and the development of that enchanting towering building highlighted by a high facade filled by symmetrical lines of windows with a beautiful long gray sloping roof with a pyramidal shape in perfect harmony with the rest of the elements of the structure. The Villa was turned into apartments in 1940 and worth a historic mention that charming construction hosted also a Cabaret  and a Russian restaurant.

That name and location of that site has created during its history curious and suggestive stories  related to mysteries and legends. It is located close the Pont du Diable which means Bridge of the Devils and its current name Belza in Basque language means Black, furthermore in the course of its chronological stages it suffered two mysterious fires, the last in 1974. After that the building was totally restored showing today all its charm with its appealing light front side and a more captivating silhouette making it a local landmark of extreme fascination.

 

The Casino Lucien Barrière is another splendid local  attraction you can not miss consisting in another beautiful Art Deco structure elevated in the municipal boundaries, icon of the glamour and vibrant nightlife of the resort. It is a very attractive building boasting stylish lines and if you want to try the luck at a table it is worth being in the historic centre game room observing the environment and the professionalism of the players.

That place is surely one of the biggest meeting point of Biarritz and after all one of the most famous venues in the area known since the time of the holidays of the European aristocracy and the international Jet Set. Today it boasts over 1 million visitors a year and it Includes 4 bars, a nightclub, 3 restaurants,220 slot machines,2 stud poker tables,2 English roulette,4 Black Jack tables,1 point-bench, and 3 French roulette. It is also famed for its lounge bar offering the most sophisticated and glamorous cocktails next to a fine selection of classic liquors.

That venue has a great fame and it is considered in the Ranking Elite classified in the Top Casinos of France while the old Casino Bellevue which is close to the beach was in the past another highlight transformed in a centre for conferences and exhibitions.
 
After that I suggest to visit the Musée de la Mer, the Maritime Museum which is the most important of the entire Region and it was opened in  1935. That exhibition houses an important collection of marine animals and invertebrates of the Bay of Biscay and they are well exposed in the museum's 24 aquariums. Very interesting is also an impressive collection of bones and skeletons of whales found in the sea some years ago.

The complex consists in 4 floors, in the basement you can admire an aquarium with different species of fish, octopus, turtles, sea horses and starfish while first floor hosts a special section dedicated to the cetaceans with skeletons and stuffed specimens of those big marine mammals appeared on the local coast, some educational panels and also some species of sharks. Another specific area is devoted to fishing techniques explaining the visitor in a detailed way many secrets and strategies about that activity.

 In the second floor you can see the seals, since it coincides with the bottom of the pools in which they find themselves. The third floor is not covered and you can find there an outdoor pool with seals and a small terrace with a bar to enjoy a cool drink or a warm coffee once ended the visit.

That splendid Museum is also open at night which is a factor to take in high consideration, it is a superb destination offering an extensive educational, a full immersion so useful to discover the underwater fauna in a very well organised exhibition. 

Beside Musée de la Mer you can see the emblematic Watchtower which was used until the 16th century to send smoke signals to the boats each time a whale was approaching in proximity of the coast and that building in its kind represents a piece of local history as one of the icon of that important fishing activity.

Once ended that wonderful visit you can continue with  Rocher de la Vierge, the Virgin's Rock, definitely one of the great emblems and icons of the resort. It is located off the tip of the Pont Atalaye representing a statue depicting the Virgin Mary protector of sailors and fishermen sailing in the Bay of Biscay and it became since its establishment one of the most important local highlights and attractions.

It became a very famous spot since the time of Napoleon III when that figure wanted to begin the construction of a harbour in that place and since 1865 the rock houses a statue of the Virgin bought at the French-Spanish Exposition celebrated in Bayonne and apart all that is one of the favourite sites for walks offering the visitors the chance to enjoy stunning panoramic views. 

Worth a mention a legend closely linked to that site which tells that the whalers returned to the local port in a horrible day of storm in which including someone died saw a miraculous light leading the survivors to the harbour and for that they asked to place a Cross and a Virgin in such place.

What is atypical of that site  is that the space can be crossed. The commissioned works for its establishment consisted to dig that site after attaching it to the coast through a gateway, the Pont Gustave Eiffel. The design of that footbridge replaced the former made by timber completed in 1887 which links the rock to the town and as it tells its denomination it is a work by the famous Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, father of the emblematic tower which bears his name situated in Paris.

From there you can see one side of the bay and the beach Grande Plage and from that point in clear sunny days you can distinguish the Pyrenees mountains and also the city of San Sebastian. 

Biarritz offers the visitors a wide range of very interesting exhibitions apart the previously mentioned  Musée de la Mer and one of them is the Asian Museum which is a rich gallery containing an extensive collection displaying objects from China, Tibet India, Nepal and Far East. That place is particularly suggested for all people interested in Oriental arts offering the opportunity to admire a fabulous set of items and objects of immense value and among the richest in Southern France.

 

Very interesting and suggested is also the Musée de chocolate, the Chocolate Museum which offers an interesting tour displaying the historic instruments and tools used in the manufacture of that famous sweet product and all that was created by Serge Couzigou a master devoted to the chocolate production. That exhibition was opened in 1996 and it is located  in the former chocolate factory Henriet extended on 600 square meters in which the visitors will also discover a curious chocolate tree.

Another important exhibition I recommend is the Musèe d´Histoire, the Museum which explains the history of Biarritz. That exhibition was built on a former Anglican Church and it is a site in which you can enjoy much of the culture and history of Aquitaine. In addition the visitor can discover more about the chronological history step by step of the former local small fishing village, starting from the period in which it become an important centre regarding whaling industry continuing along the times in which the tourism consecrated that town as destination of International fame.

Worth a special visit the Eglise de St. Martin, a beautiful Church dedicated to St. Martin, one of the few vestiges of the old municipality and it is easily detected for its huge white silhouette. Erected in the 13th century despite it experienced dark days during the French Revolution, it is a splendid example of Gothic style. One of its main highlights is the choir which is characterised by numerous and imposing arches, the interior is pretty austere mainly in white colour, typical of the Basque Country and you will notice that if  you visit other Churches also in Vitoria, Bilbao, San Sebastian or Eibar finding there that same feature.

That Sacred temple was for a period before to become an Imperial Church a baptismal site of the Royal Bourbon Family and other of its main attractions are a beautiful organ and the excellent acoustic which makes it a great place to host in many occasions important International organ performances and concerts.

Worth a visit also the beautiful Chapelle Imperial, The Imperial Chapel declared since 1981 Historic monument of France and Regional Patrimony of the French Basque Country.That Religious building was erected in 1864 for request of the Empress Eugenia and dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the famous Black Virgin of Mexico. Developed in a harmonious combination of Roman-Byzantine architectonic style with Moorish details and French decorations it is a unique architectonic example in all France for that mixture of styles and elements.

Biarritz as top destination obviously has its exclusive shopping areas. The major boutiques with the most important prestigious brands can be found on Place Clemenceau in the centre of the municipal boundaries while another square called  Place Sainte Eugenie also offers that and it is one of the prettiest places to find typical restaurants and lively terraces always with an animated atmosphere and usual meeting point for tourists and locals.

Apart to be a land of charm and surfing, the fashionable beaches are undoubtedly another landmark of that French town and the beautiful promenade which runs from the famed Grande Plage to the other beautiful Plage Miramar will show you them the stunning coastal landscapes, distinctive emblem of a local scenery absolutely amazing.The view from those sites is wonderful all day and particularly at sunset when the sun rays falling on those marvellous golden sands lining the blue waters of the Ocean form stunning reflections and at evening it is another brilliant occasion to admire the spectacular image of that long sandy stretch illuminated by artificial lights.

Both are greatly appreciated by many visitors,the Grand Plage is the most famous beach often immortalised in pictures, post cards and publicity spots well considered for its large size and lenght while Plage Miramar is probably the most chic and fashionable characterised by its history when it started to be an icon and the glamorous life of Biarritz becoming a favourite destination and frequented by the major part of the Jet setters.

Another one worth a mention is Plage Milady located close to a natural hilly environment with a very fine and light sand. It is flanked by several cliffs giving it a further and very picturesque appeal and pretty loved by locals and a multitude of visitors for its position close to a scenic verdant hilly plateau, ideal and suggested to take several panoramic pictures.
 

Le Phare de St. Martin is another local distinctive emblem for what it represented for the maritime life of that centre. It is Biarritz Lighthouse and it was built between 1830 and 1832 despite it was totally ended two years later in 1834. It is 73 metres high, open to the public and the visitor has to climb 248 steps by its spiral staircase.Once on the top you will be highly delighted by an impressive view overlooking the entire Cape Hainsart offering furthermore the chance to admire a striking image of the entire Bay of Biscay, the marvellous Rocher de la Vierge, the fishing harbour, all the beaches, the Casino and also beautiful is the view of the Pyrenees and even on a clear day, a large panoramic of the Spanish Basque coastline.

If you want to do something different living the traditional local spirit I strongly suggest you to visit Les Halles de Biarritz, Le Marchè Couvert, it is the local indoor market which spreads a very lively, colourful and bustling atmosphere. Once there you will find several fresh products with the chance to buy delicious food. A lot of people since a long time ago frequent that site for the quality and good prices it offers and I recommend you to buy some delectable cheeses and hams of very high quality.

Another important tourism resource is the excellent presence and  quality of its thalasso therapy centres which is undoubtedly another activity which has consecrated that French centre as one of the Top destinations linked to Spa industry.

The most important complex is certainly the famous Louison Bobet Institute equipped by 4 private pavilions arranged in different styles, environments and colours. The centre is staffed by excellent professionals and providing several treatments including hydro therapies, physiotherapy and diet programs. It is a prestigious site which boasts a superb reputation and perfect place for those who want to combine a stay with some sessions to look after the body.

Another one of notable fame is undoubedtly Thermes Marins Thalasso offering great Spas and thermal baths with various treatments. Since 1970 that place is very appreciated for its well equipped structures and a staff highly prepared always ready to satisfy the most exigent requests.

Apart the distinctive Casino there are also other alternative locals to spend a night in Biarritz and one of them is the Ibiza Bar Cuban-Biarritz a very lively bar located along the Ibiza nightclub on Grand Plage between the Casino and the Hotel Palace offering Salsa and Caribbean music, the right place to have fun and dancing with Latin rhythms. The Cafe-Gallery Erwin Dazelle is a further, an elegant, bohemian cafe with beautiful art works exhibits inside and Le Caveau is a pretty famous Disco-Club well known all around the Basque Coast.
 

Other sport activities apart surfing can be practised in that resort, Biarritz is an exceptional holiday destination for other water sports as diving and sailing but also for its prestigious Golf Clubs with the presence in the surroundings of 10 golf courses.

The first Golf Club was developed in the year 1888 in the period closely related to Edward VII when that character  visited that place and it is today a renowned Club part of the international circuit particularly famous in the Golf circuit Gran Prix du Phare Biarritz.

Another iconic sport in that area of France is the well known Pelota Vasca which is in the Basque Country a sporting activity extremely rooted with official leagues of different levels with the participation of Clubs and Associations just like in football, Basket or Volley. Rugby as previously mentioned is sport which has for tradition several fans and professional players of fame but also many and amateurs and it became since a long time something which entered in the local culture. 

All the surroundings offer excellent chances and opportunities for mountain bike lovers and road cycling with several routes very interesting presenting challenging climbs and spectacular trails with the opportunity to admire along them fascinating coastal views and the interior which is characterised by spectacular charming forests and verdant hills.

A prestigious place like Biarritz is naturally protagonist of an intense calendar of events. The annual Biarritz Surfing Festival founded in 1993 is one of the premier appointments  in Europe and long boarding events in the world and that Basque centre also hosted the Roxy Pro Event a tournament part of the ASP Women's World Tour.The previously mentioned Phare Golf Cup Gran Prix is another highlight calling top players and a wide number of fans. 

Temps d'Aimer  is the Biarritz Dance Festival, a spectacular appointment devoted to the dance highlighted by performances of break-dance, ballet, modern dance music with influences of Jazz and Folk Ethnic music, surely one of the largest in its kind in Europe and in the world.

The charm, glamour and the beautiful maritime landscapes also influenced the Film Industry to chose that magnificent place as set for some important movies such as Hôtel des Amériques by André Téchiné starring Catherine Deneuve and Patrick Dewaere and another one pretty famed was Le rayon Vert by  Éric Rohme,  a movie in which Hubert Reeves explains the phenomenon of the green beam in a scene located on the promenade of the lighthouse.

The name Biarritz as other iconic destinations was used as symbol or emblem for the denomination of something to create business and prestige in a brand and in the case of that charming French resort the famous and distinctive Cadillac Motor Car Division linked to the giant group General Motors Company.That emblematic and second oldest American automobile brand from Detroit Michigan gave the name of that resort to one of its cars as the famous Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz which was produced for 30 years from 1955 to 1985 in its distinctive factory.

The local delicious gastronomy is certainly another great highlight linking the classical French gastronomy which embraces the local Basque culinary art specialised in fish and seafood with an excellent offer of eternally fresh squid, fish, prawns, scampi and clams all them often present in several stew, soups casseroles or fried.

In addition to those more than delectable products there is a wide variety of grilled and baked vegetables among the most notorious Tolosa beans, peppers of Espelette and Mendavia asparagus. 

Do not miss to try the excellent Jambon de Bayonne a delicious cured ham very appreciated in all France just like the tastefully Viana sausages and also a famous blood lamb sausage called Biriatu.The great Basque gastronomy is strongly linked to the famed Bacalao, exquisite cod prepared in many styles. Very famous are the Bacalao al Pil-Pil and  Bacalao a la Vizcaina and do not miss the popular Marmitako which is  a tuna casserole including in its preparation potatoes, onions, peppers and tomatoes and served very hot in a clay pot.

The Pintxo is another traditional gastronomic speciality of the Basque Country, a sort of icon consisting in a small slice of bread on which is placed a small portion of food. There are different Pintxos prepared with seafood, cod, anchovies, sea bass, but also with meat, sausages, chorizo, vegetables and cheese. They are often eaten as an appetiser usually accompanied by the typical Txikito consisting in a glass of local wine.

Biarritz - Anglet - Bayonne Airport is located approximately at 5,0 kilometres from the urban area of the resort close to the National Road N10  towards the centre of Anglet and it  is served by several International Airlines and despite its not enormous size it is a very busy Airport due to the prestigious reputation of the resort.
 

There are many reasons to decide to plan a trip discovering that beautiful and unique place of Southern France simply unforgettable and I added some links with suggested Hotels and information about the territory if you are planning more than suggested holidays in that stunning place.

Falling in love with Biarritz is so easy, It is enough a walk along its unique and captivating waterfront admiring the splendid waters and those stunning waves highlighting a marvellous site which gave that magnificent resort that emblematic nickname of California of Europe and so loved by a multitude of surfers to understand how that place is so captivating and attractive with its a sunsets which in their kinds represent pure poetry so inspiring and magic which will delight your stay.

All there is a great mosaic of marvels in a land which offers a superb charm, a wonderful coastline along a captivating bay, the Gulf of Biscay which with its sublime image transmits at first sight something simply magic.All that sensational scenery is pure beauty in all its essence with protagonist the shining Biarritz so special, a great and beautiful destination able in a while to conquer everyone.

 Francesco Mari


 Recommended Hotels in Biarritz 

Hotel du Palais 
Hotel Cafe de Paris 
Hotel Alcyon 
Hotel Edouard VII
Hotel Le Chateau Du Clair Du Lune 
Hotel Le Beaumanoir 
Hotel 7B 

Useful links

 www.biarritz.fr 
 tourisme.biarritz.fr
www.hotel-du-palais.com 
www.hotel-cafedeparis-biarritz.com 
www.hotel-alcyon-biarritz.com 
www.hotel-edouardvii.com 
www.chateauxhotels.com 
www.lebeaumanoir.com 
www.hotel7b.com 
www.guide-du-paysbasque.com
 www.touradour.com
 www.paysenfrance.fr