Biarritz – the beach of kings and the king of beaches

We invite you to the velvet season in Biarritz, this prestigious and elegant seaside resort on the Atlantic coast of France, located less than an hour from San Sebastian.

In Biarritz, the wild rocky coast is impressive, in which powerful ocean waves carved bizarre islets and cliffs. Long clean beaches with golden sand are ideal for a serene holiday or water sports. You will be greeted by magnificent palaces and mansions in the style of Bel-epoque and Art Deco, hiding behind their lush facades amazing stories of the past and present.

I will tell you the history of this ancient town, what its inhabitants lived before and why a whale flaunts on the coat of arms of the city. You will learn to whom Biarritz is grateful for its popularization among the European aristocracy and for the elegant development of the Belle Epoch.

This city has always been loved by the Russian aristocracy and intelligentsia. And Biarritz still keeps the memory of the famous “Russian seasons”, or, as they were called, “velvet seasons”.

Evidence of the presence of the Russian community in Biarritz is the Orthodox Church of Alexander Nevsky, and the adjacent street of Russia.

I will introduce you to the “Russian quarter”, where many mansions have been preserved, former guests of which were such famous people as Igor Stravinsky and others. In Biarritz also rested and lived at different times Anton Chekhov, Alexander Scriabin, Vladimir Nabokov and Vasily Aksenov.

It is impossible to pass by the most luxurious palace of Biarritz - the former summer residence of Empress Eugenie, and now the Hotel du Palais. It is a symbol of the prosperity of a bygone era, a witness to secular balls, noisy receptions and the stay of great people from all over the world.

From the Hotel du Palais stretches the main beach of Biarritz - Gran Plage, along which it is pleasant to stroll inspiring sea breeze. It was here, on the Grand Beach of Biarritz, that the hero of Nabokov’s Lolita first saw his muse. And today, this place was chosen by surfers sliding on the running waves. You will learn the path of Biarritz to the “Capital of European surfing” and funny stories of the conquest of ocean waves.

Passing Bellevue Square, located next to the Gran Plage, we will walk along the alley along the rocky coast, look at the Old Fisherman's Port, where the atmosphere of a fishing port still reigns and small whitewashed fishermen's houses are preserved, now turned into cozy restaurants where you can taste the freshest fish and seafood.

On the elegant openwork bridge of Eiffel we reach the most emblematic corner of Biarritz - the rock of the Virgin, which is crowned by the statue of the Virgin Mary. You will find out why this place is of special importance to the residents of the city, as well as admire the fantastic views on the coast of this city.

Passing the Old Port street, we will walk along Masagrana street, full of its various shops and terraces of street cafes. We will meet the most famous cafe Biarritz, operating since the 19th century, where the kings and dukes vacationing here loved to visit for rum-babs.

You will see the house where the legendary Coco Chanel kept her boutique, as well as learn how friendship with Russians influenced her career.

Optionally, climb the lighthouse towering at Cape Ensar, overcoming 248 steps of which you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Basque Coast, the ocean and the mountains.

Biarritz is waiting for you to reveal his secrets and charm you forever!