Biarritz is known for its famous beaches, therapeutic water and a thriving surf scene, Biarritz offers visitors a unique atmosphere. This is a place where posh restaurants and spas live harmoniously side-by-side with laid-back pizza joints and surf shops.
The atmosphere in Biarritz is rather mixed, but in a good way. The town is comprised mainly of grand houses used by the wealthy as summer retreats. It has an upscale feel to it that is balanced off nicely with a more relaxed and easy-going surf culture that has a long history here. This interesting contrast forms part of Biarritz’s identity.
TOP THINGS TO DO & SEE
Lighthouse
The lighthouse (“phare” in French) was built in 1834 and is located at the northernmost point of Biarritz. The 74 meter high lighthouse is open to the public, however, to get to the top you will have to climb all 248 steps.
Even if you don’t want to climb to the top of the lighthouse, it is still a great place to visit. The lighthouse is set upon a cliff right next to the water and there are some great views looking down to Biarritz and the French coast. The best time to visit is at the end of the day so you can catch the sunset.
The church of the Empress and Napoleon III.
The Imperial Chapel (“Chapelle Impériale” in French) in 1864 as the private chapel of Napoleon III and his wife, the Empress Eugenia de Montijo. It is located very close to their summer residence, the Hôtel du Palais and was built in a harmonious mixture of roman-byzantine and hispanic-moorish styles. It is dedicated to the Mexican Virgin of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Orthodox Church
There is a connection between Biarritz and Russia which goes back to the time of the Empress Eugenia, the wife of Napoleon III. Eugenia invited the Russian nobility to spend their summers in Biarritz and this influx of wealth helped the town become what it is today.
Moreover, in 1892, after the alliance between France and Russia and under the initiative of the Tsar Alexander III, the monumental orthodox church (“église orthodoxe” in French) was erected and dedicated to “Saint Alexander Nevski.” Built in byzantine style, it features an impressive blue dome and icons brought all the way from Saint Petersburg.
La Grande Plage
A very well-known international seaside resort with fine sand. There are in fact three beaches at Biarritz, the most elegant known as the “Grande Plage” with the Casino in its center; the family beach or “Port Vieux” for quite safe bathing and the “Plage des Basques” stretching towards Guethary, a very good surfing beach. Do not miss the fishermen’s harbor (Port des Pêcheurs) and the Museum of the sea “Musée de la Mer” between the first and the second beaches.
Casino Municipal
Located in the center of the town, this spectacular casino was built in 1929 by the architect Alfred Laulhé. This Casino Municipal is the one of the main symbols of Biarritz.
Today, apart from the casino, the building holds a theater and a swimming pool.
Fishermen Port (“Port des Pecheurs” in French)
It was built in 1870 for inshore fishermen. Today, most of the fishermen are gone and what is left is a cute littl e port mainly visited by tourists.
There are a bunch of restaurants located in the picturesque fishermen’s houses. If you want to eat fresh fish or seafood, this is definitely the best place to do it.
Rock of the Virgin
This is rock is also known as “The guardian of the fishermen”.
According to legend, there once was a ship that was on its way to dock when a huge storm struck, making it impossible for the ship to navigate into the port. Suddenly, a ray of light appeared and showed the fishermen a safe way to the shore. After the miracle, the fishermen decided to erect a statue of the virgin on it.
Musée de la Mer Aquarium
This Art Deco museum and aquarium has a long history and has been open to the public since 1933. It was last expanded in 2011 and now comprises more than 7,000 m2 and contains one of the largest pools in France.
The museum guides visitors through the flora and fauna of the oceans of the entire world. Among its most famous “residents,” are the scalloped hammerhead shark, the gray seal and the loggerhead turtle. If you are planing to visit, don’t miss the feeding of the seals, which happens everyday at 10:30 am and 5 pm.
Asiatica Museum
The cultures of the Orient, particularly those of India, China and Tibet, have always attracted the attention of Europeans. In Biarritz, Musée Asiatica not only presents unique works of art, but the visitor is invited to sit in their shade and to consult the information cards on all these countries, the periods and the works of art that characterize them. And while he is doing so, he can admire all around him the arts of the region concerned.
The entry is free for Museum’s temporary exhibitions.
A library of over 2000 books is available to readers by appointment.
The Asiatica Museum also offers a tea room offering hot drinks, cold drinks and biscuits for 2 euros.
http://www.museeasiatica.com/english.htm
Chocolate Museum
The Basque country history and chocolate history are tightly related.
To understand what binds them together, the “Planète Musée du chocolat” of Biarritz is worth a visit. The visit starts with a welcome tasting, chocolate drops. A 14-min projection takes you to the discovery of the history, heritage and transformation of the cocoa bean into a chocolate bar. It is a rather long walk from the Center of Biarritz to the museum. Many students have preferred visiting the chocolate stores which are in the Center.
The museum is located in “14, Avenue B eau Rivage”.
http://www.planetemuseeduchocolat.com/
Historical Museum
Since 1986, the “Association des amis du musée historique de Biarritz” (Historical Museum Friends Association) has gathered, in this original Anglican Church, a rich collection of very varied documents (objects, works of art, video projections…).
They tell Biarritz’s history, from the small fishing port to the fashionable resort which became the “Kings’ Beach”. A cultural visit necessary to truly know Biarritz!
The Museum is located ‘Rue Broquedis’.
Phone: +33 5 59 24 86 28
Guided tours of Biarritz’s area the third Saturday of the month, except in high season (upon reservation only). http://www.musee-historique-biarritz.fr/
PLACES TO STAY (Prices are approximate):
Hôtel Maïtagaria (34, avenue Carnot), phone #: 33 5.59.24.26.65 Approx. prices: 45€ – 70€
http://www.hotel-maitagaria.com/
Hôtel Atalaye (6, rue des Goelands; near Museo del mar), phone #: 33 5.59.24.06.76 Approx. Prices: 40€ – 84€
http://hotels.etrip.es/Hotel/Hotel_Atalaye.htm
Hôtel Argi Eder (13, rue Peyroloubilh), phone #: 33 5.59.24.22.53 Approx. prices: 44€ – 52€
http://www.hotel-argieder.fr/index.php/es/
HOW TO GET FROM SAN SEBASTIÁN TO BIARRITZ
BUS: It’s the best option to get there
It takes one hour and a half and it costs 7 € to get there
COMPANY: PESA www.pesa.net . You get this bus in PASEO FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA 1 (in front of the main RENFE train station)
FROM SAN SEBASTIÁN TO BIARRITZ:
Monday to Friday: 8:15 / 10:00 / 12:30 / 14:30
Saturday and Sundays: 6:45 / 10:00 / 12:30 / 14:30
FROM BIARRITZ TO SAN SEBASTIÁN
Monday to Friday: 8:15 / 10:00 / 12:30 / 14:30
Saturday and Sundays: 6:45 / 10:00 / 12:30 / 14:30
Usac San Sebastian 