Biarritz is a seaside resort located in the south-west of France, at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, a few kilometers away from the Spanish border.
This destination will immerse you in the heart of the Basque Country by making you discover its flavors, traditions and mild and temperate climate known since the nineteenth century.
Since the 1950s, the city is one of the European and global poles of surf thanks to the powerful waves of the Atlantic coast.
Biarritz will be the headquarters of the G7 in August 2019.
This city is served by numerous daily national (Paris, Lyon, Marseille) and international flights.
It is just 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from two other famous cities: Bordeaux – the world famous wine capital – and Toulouse – the aerospace capital.
History
The beaches
Places to see
In the eleventh century, Biarritz was still a small whale fishing village, as evidenced by the coat of arms of the city representing a large whaling boat.
By the end of the 18th century, sea baths are in fashion. The Empress Eugenie decided to make Biarritz her holiday resort after staying there two months in 1854. From then on, the city and its beaches became the rendezvous of the crowned heads of all Europe.
In 1957, the American screenwriter Peter Viertel, passing through the city for the filming of the film The Sun Rises too, launches the practice of surfing in the region.
More recently, in september 2019, Biarritz received the G7 summit. The 7 presidents and their family spent a sunny and peaceful week in the resort.
Biarritz has several famous beaches: Miramar Beach, Grande-Plage, Port-Vieux, Côte des Basques, Marbella Beach and Milady Beach.
The Grande Plage, which runs from the north to the south of the bay between the Hotel du Palais and the Bellevue, is one of the largest and most popular beaches.
There are also several beaches accessible by bus along the coast from Biarritz to Spanish border like Ilbarritz, a pretty, typical and popular beach.
The Rocher de la Vierge is the emblem of the city of Biarritz. It is in 1865 that a statue of the Virgin was installed there. From this rock, you can admire the whole coast.
The Biarritz lighthouse, built in 1834, stands 73 meters above sea level and has 248 steps. It is visited at certain times of the year.
Other monuments to see are:
- Villa Eugenie or Hotel du Palais
- Art Deco-style casino on the edge of the Great Beach
- The Orthodox Church
- The Imperial Chapel built in 1864
How to travel
Plane
Direct flights to BIARRITZ
- From France (1 hour flight):
Paris Orly, CDG Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg, Lille, Nice.
- From Europe:
Dublin, Geneva, Stockholm, London, Brussels, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Bournemouth, Birmingham.
International Airports located less than 2 hours drive/train from Biarritz
Bordeaux, Toulouse, San Sebastian (Spain)
Useful links
Biarritz Airport – Bordeaux Airport – Toulouse Airport – San Sebastian Airport (Spain) – Paris Airports
Train
Several daily travels from Paris (5h) and Bordeaux (2h)