Biarritz: A History Woven by the Sea

Biarritz, nestled along the rugged Basque coast, tells a tale of transformation, resilience, and allure. Once a humble fishing village known for its whale hunters, its destiny was forever shaped by the tides of history and the sea's magnetic pull.

In the Middle Ages, Biarritz was a hub for whaling, its fishermen venturing into treacherous waters in search of riches. The Basque community’s deep connection to the ocean was not merely a livelihood but a legacy etched into its identity. Whaling dwindled over time, but the village's relationship with the sea endured, drawing a different kind of voyager: health-seekers and royals.

The 19th century marked Biarritz’s golden age, thanks to the vision of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Enchanted by the area’s sweeping beaches and healing Atlantic air, she transformed Biarritz into a playground for Europe’s elite. Her grand Villa Eugénie (now the Hôtel du Palais) became the nucleus of this seaside renaissance, attracting aristocrats, artists, and free spirits who brought glamour and vitality to the shores.

Fast forward, and Biarritz reinvented itself once again, riding the crest of another wave—literally. By the mid-20th century, it became a European surfing mecca, thanks to the unrelenting Atlantic swells and the pioneers who first brought their boards here. Today, its beaches—like La Côte des Basques—host international surf competitions and welcome wave-riders from all corners of the world.

Yet Biarritz is more than its oceanfront allure. Its streets are a mix of Art Deco architecture, vibrant Basque traditions, and a cosmopolitan vibe. The local market, Les Halles, brims with life, offering flavors of piment d'Espelette, fresh seafood, and buttery gateaux basques. Evenings are for long promenades along the Grande Plage or quieter moments by the lighthouse, where the Pyrenees kiss the horizon.

Biarritz is a city where history whispers through its ancient stones, where the roar of the ocean reflects its resilience, and where the Basque soul pulses vibrantly in every corner. It remains a place of transformation, calling travelers to embrace its ever-evolving identity—part old-world charm, part adventurous spirit.