Biarritz is a name synonymous with perfect white sandy beaches, crashing waves and clear blue Atlantic ocean, surfing, grand old buildings and luxury.
This famous city in France is located on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, in the French Basque Country in the southwest of the country. It has been a favoured seaside destination since the 19th century, when it was the getaway location du jour of Napoléon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugénie. In fact, Empress Eugenie was so enamoured with the place that she built a palace on the beach, which is now the Hôtel du Palais. Other members of the European royalty, including British monarchs Queen Victoria and King Edward VII and the Spanish king Alfonso XIII, Oskar II from Sweden, Leopoldo from Belgium, the empress of Russia, Natalia from Serbia, and her ill son Alexandro, Jurgi V, as well as aristocrats, the rich, actors and celebrities from all across Europe, America and South America came to Biarritz.
This famous city in France is located on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, in the French Basque Country in the southwest of the country. It has been a favoured seaside destination since the 19th century, when it was the getaway location du jour of Napoléon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugénie. In fact, Empress Eugenie was so enamoured with the place that she built a palace on the beach, which is now the Hôtel du Palais. Other members of the European royalty, including British monarchs Queen Victoria and King Edward VII and the Spanish king Alfonso XIII, Oskar II from Sweden, Leopoldo from Belgium, the empress of Russia, Natalia from Serbia, and her ill son Alexandro, Jurgi V, as well as aristocrats, the rich, actors and celebrities from all across Europe, America and South America came to Biarritz.
Queen Victoria and King Alfonso were known to actually be frequent visitors. By the end of the 19th century, 50,000 vacationers were gathering in Biarritz each year, long before tourism was a common practice.
The opening of the casino in 1901 and the growth of popularity as a surfer's haven in the late 20th century. In fact, it is today a prime destination for surfers from around the world and boasts a nightlife and surf-based culture.
While the 20th century saw the construction of some rather unfortunate looking buildings and crowds and overpricing can be an issue, there is a reason so many still flock to Biarritz, nearly two centuries on: the resort boasts both ritzy elegance and surfer casual vibes, the weather is warm but (normally) not overly so in summer, there are plenty of beautiful historic buildings, the beaches are lovely and the surf is excellent.
The opening of the casino in 1901 and the growth of popularity as a surfer's haven in the late 20th century. In fact, it is today a prime destination for surfers from around the world and boasts a nightlife and surf-based culture.
While the 20th century saw the construction of some rather unfortunate looking buildings and crowds and overpricing can be an issue, there is a reason so many still flock to Biarritz, nearly two centuries on: the resort boasts both ritzy elegance and surfer casual vibes, the weather is warm but (normally) not overly so in summer, there are plenty of beautiful historic buildings, the beaches are lovely and the surf is excellent.
If you like active seaside fun and a touch of luxury, it is the place for you. Just find a vacation rental in Biarritz and experience this incredible destination for yourself!