What to see in Espagne

Biarritz

Biarritz is an elegant coastal city located in the southwest of France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, near the Spanish border. Its privileged location on the French Basque coast makes it a popular destination for both European and international travelers. Originally a small whaling village, Biarritz transformed into an exclusive seaside resort in the 19th century after Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, built a palace there by the sea, now known as the luxurious Hôtel du Palais. Biarritz features iconic beaches such as the Grande Plage and the Côte des Basques, both famous among surfers from around the world for their consistent waves.

Among its most notable landmarks is the Rocher de la Vierge, a rocky outcrop connected to the mainland by a footbridge offering stunning ocean views, as well as the Biarritz Aquarium, one of the region's most important marine centers. The city is also home to the Musée de la Mer and the Cité de l’Océan, both dedicated to oceanic exploration. An interesting fact about Biarritz is that it was one of the first places in Europe where surfing was practiced, introduced in the 1950s by American surfers visiting the area, turning the city into a global surfing hotspot.