Biarritz is a popular holiday destination on the Bay of Biscay. It is known for its sandy beaches and excellent surfing conditions. There are also interesting villas and palaces from the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The most important dignitaries rested there.
Until the mid-nineteenth century Biarritz was an ordinary fishing village, whose inhabitants dealt with, among others whale fishing. His popularity began with the visit of the wife of Napoleon III, Eugenia, who, delighted with the beauty of the local coast and beaches, ordered the construction of her summer residence here. In this way the Hotel du Palais was created, to which the neo-Romanesque Imperial Chapel was added. Another interesting residence from this period is the neo-Gothic Villa Belza standing on the rocky coast.
The coast around Biarritz is varied, and the sandy beaches are separated by rocks falling into the sea. A well-known vantage point is the Rocher du Basta rock, which can be reached by a stylized bridge, and Rocher de la Vierge with the Marian grotto. The beaches of the Basque Coast, Grande Plage and Miramar are very popular, but many supporters also have a beach hidden in the bay of Port Vieux.
Although in Biarritz there are no buildings older than the mid-nineteenth century, the center is very nicely built up with eclectic and neoclassical tenements and palaces. Among them you can also find religious monuments, such as the church of St. Eugenia and the church of St. Alexander Nevsky.
You can learn a lot about the history of the resort at the Biarritz Historical Museum. There are also sea-related attractions, such as the Sea Museum - Biarritz Aquarium or Ocean City.
