Biarritz

Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Biarritz is a commune of the Basque Country, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, located in the bend of the Bay of Biscay, less than 25 kilometres from the Spanish border. A former fishing port turned towards whaling, it became a fashionable seaside resort in the nineteenth century, thanks to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, who drew European aristocracy there. The imperial residence is today the Hôtel du Palais.

The urban landscape mixes Belle Époque hotels, neo-Basque villas and eclectic styles. Among the landmarks of the town: the Grande Plage, the Rocher de la Vierge, topped by a statue, and the lighthouse, inaugurated in 1834. Surfing established itself in Biarritz in the 1950s and is still part of the town's identity.

Biarritz has about 26,000 inhabitants. It hosted the G7 summit in 2019. Its position between ocean and Pyrenees, its atmosphere of an old resort and its attachment to Basque culture make it a convenient starting point for exploring the coast.

In our collectionsFilm and TV filming locations in France

In our itinerariesWhat to see in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in 3 days 3 days in the Basque Country

In our guidesDiscovering Nouvelle-Aquitaine: a practical guide Discovering the French Pyrenees: a practical guide

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