The Sights Biarritz, France

"Enjoy the panoramic views and breathtaking beauty of this coastal paradise !"

Le Phare de Biarritz

The landmark Biarritz lighthouse, erected in 1834, dominates Cape Hainsart and provides Biarritz’s best view of the Atlantic. The lighthouse sits 73 metres above sea level and if you climb the 248 steps of a spiral staircase to its summit, your reward is a wonderful panorama, encompassing the Rocher du Basta and the Rocher de la Vierge, the beaches, the Port des Pêcheurs, the Bellevue Casino, the tamarisks and hydrangeas, the Landes coast and the Pyrénées and even, on a fine day, the Spanish coast.

The view is almost as superb from the esplanade below!

Le Rocher de la Vierge

The impressive Rock of the Virgin owes its name to the statue of the Madonna set at its summit in 1865. Located at the end of Pointe Atalaye, this statue is said to have protected the sailors and fishers in the Bay of Biscay and has become something of Biarritz trademark. Construction of the footbridge that connects it to the mainland was directed by non other than Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, designer of the tower that bears his name.

The walk out onto the edge of the rock, with crashing surf on both sides, is the most dramatic in Biarritz. On a clear day your view extends far to the south, all the way to the mountains of the Spanish Basque country.

Place Ste-Eugénie

Located at the southern edge of Grande Plage, steps from the beach will take you up to place Ste-Eugénie, Biarritz's most gracious old square. Lined with terraced restaurants, it is the town’s most popular rendezvous, and also boasts the beautiful church, designed in the gothic Edwardian style.

Port des Pêcheurs

A natural tidal pool sheltered by rocks

Located below Place Ste-Eugénie is the colorful and picturesque Port des Pêcheurs (fishermen’s port). Crowded with fishing boats, this port for seamen and yachtsmen was created with the remainder of the imperial endowment after the works for the Port du Refuge were discontinued in 1870. All that is left of the old Biarritz can be found in the old wooden houses (“crampottes”) backed up against a cliff. Nowadays, amongst the driftwood, rope and lobster traps, you’ll be delighted to discover trendy tapas bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood.

Hôtel du Palais

The Hôtel du Palais, formerly known as Villa Eugénie, is the town's most enduring landmark. Built in the mid 19th century by Napoleon III for his wife, Eugénie, the hotel that was originally dubbed "Eugénie's Basque folly" is now an elegant hotel with a Guerlain Spa.

La Chapelle Impériale

The magnificent imperial chapel was built in 1864 at the request of Empress Eugénie and was listed as a historical monument in 1981. Dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Black Madonna of Mexico, the chapel is a harmonious combination of the Romanesque-Byzantine and Hispano-Moorish styles.

Église St-Alexandre Nevsky

Located across from the Hôtel du Palais, this Byzantine-Russian landmark, also jnown as the Biarritz Russian Orthodox Church, was built in 1892 for the many Russian nobility who holidayed in Biarritz in the nineteenth century. It is claimed to be the first Orthodox Church in the French Basque region. The church is famous for its gilded dome, the interior of which is the colour of a blue sky on a sunny day.

Église St-Martin

One of the few vestiges of the port's early boom days as a whaling centre, this church was built in Biarritz towards the middle of the 12th century. It was restored in 1541 and has a flamboyant gothic chancel and a nave with low arcades. The more recent organ is one of the most spectacular in the region. Interesting architecture and breathtaking murals—what more can an art and architecture lovers ask for?

With the BLS French School located close to the town centre, and its rich and colourful history, Biarritz is the perfect destination for French language students wanting to enjoy an authentic experience in France.
Possessing a wide range of activities, Biarritz is sure to have something for everyone to enjoy.