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Biarritz (UK: /bɪəˈrɪts, ˈbɪərɪts/ beer-ITS, BEER-its,[3][4] US: /ˌbiːəˈrɪts, ˈbiːərɪts/ BEE-ə-RITS, -⁠rits,[3][5] French: [bjaʁits] ⓘ, Basque: [bi.arits̻]; also spelled Miarritze [mi.arits̻e]; Occitan: Biàrritz [ˈbjarits]) is a city on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country in southwestern France.[6] It is located 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the border with Spain. It is a luxurious seaside tourist destination known for the Hôtel du Palais (originally built for the Empress Eugénie c. 1855), its seafront casinos, and its surfing culture.

Key Information

Geography

[edit]

Biarritz is located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is part of the arrondissement of Bayonne,[6] adjacent to Bayonne and Anglet and 35 kilometres (22 mi) from the border with Spain. The city is also in the traditional province of Labourd in the French Basque Country.

Climate

[edit]

Biarritz has a temperate oceanic climate, Cfb in the Köppen climate classification. It is one of the wettest cities in Metropolitan France.

Town Sunshine

(hours/yr) 		Rain

(mm/yr)		 Snow

(days/yr)		 Storm

(days/yr)		 Fog

(days/yr)
National average 1,973 770 14 22 40
Biarritz[8] 1,920 1,449.8 2.2 35.5 28.5
Paris 1,661 637 12 18 10
Nice 2,724 767 1 29 1
Strasbourg 1,693 665 29 29 56
Brest 1,605 1,211 7 12 75
Climate data for Biarritz-Anglet (altitude 69 metres (226 feet), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1956–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 24.1
(75.4) 		28.9
(84.0) 		29.7
(85.5) 		32.1
(89.8) 		34.8
(94.6) 		42.9
(109.2) 		40.1
(104.2) 		40.6
(105.1) 		38.7
(101.7) 		33.4
(92.1) 		27.8
(82.0) 		25.1
(77.2) 		42.9
(109.2)
Mean maximum °C (°F) 19.5
(67.1) 		20.9
(69.6) 		23.9
(75.0) 		26.5
(79.7) 		30.1
(86.2) 		33.2
(91.8) 		34.7
(94.5) 		34.4
(93.9) 		31.7
(89.1) 		27.9
(82.2) 		23.5
(74.3) 		19.8
(67.6) 		36.4
(97.5)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 12.2
(54.0) 		12.8
(55.0) 		15.2
(59.4) 		16.8
(62.2) 		19.9
(67.8) 		22.5
(72.5) 		24.2
(75.6) 		25.1
(77.2) 		23.3
(73.9) 		20.2
(68.4) 		15.4
(59.7) 		12.9
(55.2) 		18.4
(65.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 8.6
(47.5) 		8.9
(48.0) 		11.2
(52.2) 		12.8
(55.0) 		15.9
(60.6) 		18.7
(65.7) 		20.6
(69.1) 		21.2
(70.2) 		18.9
(66.0) 		16.1
(61.0) 		11.6
(52.9) 		9.3
(48.7) 		14.5
(58.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 5.0
(41.0) 		4.9
(40.8) 		7.1
(44.8) 		8.8
(47.8) 		11.9
(53.4) 		14.9
(58.8) 		16.9
(62.4) 		17.2
(63.0) 		14.5
(58.1) 		11.9
(53.4) 		7.9
(46.2) 		5.7
(42.3) 		10.6
(51.1)
Mean minimum °C (°F) −2.6
(27.3) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		0.8
(33.4) 		2.9
(37.2) 		6.0
(42.8) 		10.0
(50.0) 		12.4
(54.3) 		12.0
(53.6) 		8.6
(47.5) 		4.2
(39.6) 		0.5
(32.9) 		−2.1
(28.2) 		−4.6
(23.7)
Record low °C (°F) −12.7
(9.1) 		−11.5
(11.3) 		−7.2
(19.0) 		−1.3
(29.7) 		3.3
(37.9) 		5.3
(41.5) 		9.2
(48.6) 		8.6
(47.5) 		5.3
(41.5) 		−0.6
(30.9) 		−5.7
(21.7) 		−8.9
(16.0) 		−12.7
(9.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 139.6
(5.50) 		110.4
(4.35) 		102.8
(4.05) 		117.7
(4.63) 		116.1
(4.57) 		99.2
(3.91) 		77.3
(3.04) 		87.5
(3.44) 		118.2
(4.65) 		147.3
(5.80) 		206.9
(8.15) 		150.6
(5.93) 		1,473.6
(58.02)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 13.7 12.0 11.9 13.3 12.5 10.1 9.4 9.2 10.2 12.1 13.8 12.9 141.1
Average snowy days 0.8 1.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.5 3.0
Average relative humidity (%) 77 75 73 77 78 81 80 81 80 78 79 78 78.1
Mean monthly sunshine hours 95.7 115.2 163.3 170.7 196.7 206.3 218.5 214.3 199.2 145.4 103.4 91.8 1,920.6
Source 1: Météo France[9]
Source 2: Infoclimat.fr (humidity and snowy days, 1961–1990)[10]

Etymology

[edit]

In Basque, its name is Biarritz or Miarritze. Its current Gascon name is Biàrrits. The name for an inhabitant of the city is Biarrot in French and Biarriztar or Miarriztar in Basque. The suffix -itz, as in Isturitz, is a Basque locative.

Biarritz appears as Bearids and Bearriz in 1150, Beiarridz in 1165, Bearriz and Beariz in 1170, Bearidz (1186), Bearriz and Beariz (12th century), lo port de Beiarriz and Bearridz in 1261 (cartulaire de Bayonne). Other forms include Beiarid (1199), Bearritz (1249), Beiarriz and Beiarrids (1261), Bearridz (1281), Bearrits (1338), (rôles gascons), Bearritz (1498, chapitre de Bayonne), Sanctus Martinus de Biarriz (1689, collations du diocèse de Bayonne, Mearritcen (1712), Biarrits (1863, Dictionnaire topographique Béarn-Pays basque), as well as Biarritze and Miarritze.

History

[edit]

Prehistory

[edit]

Analysis of stones from the Middle Paleolithic shows that the Biarritz area was inhabited at that time.[citation needed]

Middle Ages

[edit]

The oldest mention of the city appears in a cartulary, Bayonne's Golden book, from 1186, where it is named Bearids; some years later the name used was Beiarrids. The first urban development was to the south, at the top, and at the interior. Today this is near the location of the église Saint-Martin, the oldest church in Biarritz.

In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II of England, who became suzerain of the Duchy of Aquitaine. Prince Edward, the oldest son of Henry III of England, was invested with the duchy and betrothed to Eleanor of Castile, who brought him rights over Gascony.

Two population centers are attested in the Middle Ages. On the one hand, the église Saint-Martin was active in the neighborhoods in the territory's interior, which were:[11]

  • Gardague (mentioned in 1233)
  • Legure (lac Mouriscot)
  • Larrepunte and the domains of Silloete-de-Bas and Silloete-de-Haut
  • Arretegui
  • Chabiague
  • Castera
  • Suhy
  • Itçar (mentioned in 1342)
  • Monsegur (1335)
  • Martin Petit
  • Chohy
  • Maron
  • Catalina
  • Harausta (which would become La Négresse).

On the other hand, the château of Belay (first mentioned in 1342), also called château de Ferragus, protected the coast and the current Port-Vieux (old port), while religious life and community assemblies took place at Notre-Dame-de-Pitié (a chapel mentioned in 1498), dominating the Port-des-Pêcheurs, or fishing port.

A document dated May 26, 1342, attested to this fishing activity, authorising les Biarrots to "(…) remit to Bayonne all the fresh fish that we and succeeding inhabitants of Biarritz can fish from the salt sea".

Construction of the château de Ferragus was initiated by the English, on the foundations of a Roman work, at the summit of the promontory overlooking the sea, named Atalaye, used as a whale-observation post. This château had a double crenulated wall two meters thick, a drawbridge and four towers. Mentions of this château occur as late as 1603, in the letters patent of Henry IV. One tower remained as of 1739 when a daymark was established there, called de la Haille, then de la Humade. The tower disappeared in 1856.

Whaling

[edit]
Further information: History of Basque whaling

Most of the documents, records and official agreements gathered in the archives from Biarritz mention whaling. This was the principal local industry. Consequently, the town's coat of arms features the image of a whale below a rowing boat manned by five sailors wearing berets, one of whom is preparing to throw a harpoon. It bears the inscription: Aura, sidus, mare, adjuvant me (The air, the stars and the seas are helping me).

Biarritz has long made its living from the sea. After the 7th century, Biarritz had many confrontations with Bayonne, with the Kingdom of England – Lapurdi was under English control – and with the Bishop of Bayonne. Almost all of the disputes were about whale hunting. In 1284, the town's right to hunt whales was reinstated by the authorities of Lapurdi and the Duchy of Aquitaine.

During the Middle Ages and early modern period, a watchtower looked down over the sea at Biarritz, from "La Humade", waiting for the sight of a whale. Whenever those keeping watch saw a whale, they would burn wet straw to create a large amount of smoke and thus communicate the news to their fellow countrymen. Eventually, however, the tower disappeared.

In the 16th century, as a consequence of hunting in the area, or for other reasons, the whales migrated elsewhere. Whale hunters from Lapurdi, therefore, crossed the Atlantic Ocean in pursuit of them and spent over a century in the Labrador Peninsula and on Newfoundland. Later, instead of hunting whales, they started to fish for cod in Newfoundland. A century later,[when?] due to the ban on fishing off the coasts of North America[citation needed] and the steely competence of English and Dutch fishermen, the number of fishing boats from Biarritz diminished, and nowadays[when?] the Biarritz fishing industry in these areas has come to an end.

The first lighthouse in the village was built in 1650.[citation needed]

18th century

[edit]
The Cape of Biarritz.

Biarritz was an independent municipality until 1784 with a clergyman and four aldermen, and the city was governed by twelve deputies. Deputies were democratically chosen: there were four districts (Portua, Bustingorri, Hurlaga and Alto), and three deputies had to be chosen from each of them. However, deputies were chosen by the abbot and aldermen. Since there was no Town Hall, they gathered in a ward near the church. As there was not enough space for all in attendance, they held their meetings in the cemetery. Biarritz had around 1,700 citizens at this time.

In the 18th century, doctors claimed that the ocean at Biarritz had therapeutic properties, inspiring patients to make pilgrimages to the beach for alleged cures for their ailments. The city began to transition into a world-famous spa town in the mid-1700s.

19th century

[edit]

From 1784 onwards, after the French Revolution, bathing in the sea was no longer reserved for the mentally ill; sea-baths became fashionable. In 1808, Napoleon himself broke with prejudices and bathed in the Basque Country's coastal waters. In 1840, the Municipality of Biarritz started an initiative to attract tourists to the seaside.

Victor Hugo, who visited in 1843, wrote glowingly of Biarritz in his book Alpes et Pyrénées:

"I have not met in the world any place more pleasant and perfect than Biarritz. I have never seen the old Neptune throwing joy and glory with such a force in the old Cybele. All this coast is full of humming. Gascony's sea grinds, scratches, and stretches on the reefs its never-ending whisper. Friendly population and white cheerful houses, large dunes, fine sand, great caves and proud sea, Biarritz is amazing. My only fear is Biarritz becoming fashionable. Whether this happens, the wild village, rural and still honest Biarritz, will be money-hungry. Biarritz will put poplars in the hills, railings in the dunes, kiosks in the rocks, seats in the caves, trousers worn on tourists."

For good or for ill, Hugo's prophecy was fulfilled. Biarritz planted poplars, tamarinds, hydrangeas, roses and pittosporums on the slopes and the hills, set railings on the dunes, covered moats with elegant stairs and polluted with land speculation and hunger for money.

Tourists have long been drawn to Biarritz's coast, from the beach at the limit of Bidarte (Plage des Basques), to the cape of Saint Martin. There a 44 metres (144 feet) tall white lighthouse can be found, constructed in 1834 to replace the one Louis XIV had ordered built. Various hotels appeared, as did a municipal casino, the Belleuve club, the casino, the thalassotherapy house, and wonderful luxury houses. Luxurious branches of shops from London and Paris were also set up, and 36 small newspapers were published.

Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz, France(2).JPG
Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz, France (2)
Share of the Grand Casino Municipal de la Ville de Biarritz S. A., issued 1900

Biarritz gained renown in 1854 when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) built a palace on the beach (now the Hôtel du Palais). European royalty, including British monarchs Queen Victoria and King Edward VII (who caused a minor scandal when he called H. H. Asquith to kiss hands at Biarritz in 1908 rather than return to London for the ceremony),[12] and the Spanish king Alfonso XIII, were frequent visitors.

Biarritz's casino (opened 10 August 1901) and beaches make the town a notable tourist centre for Europeans and East Coast North Americans.

Opened in June 1893, Biarritz's salt baths were designed and built by the architect Lagarde. Sourced from the gatzagas of Beskoitz and passing through a 20-kilometre (12 mi) pipe, water ten times saltier than the sea was used. The baths were closed in 1953 and demolished in 1968.

The presence of the French Republic's authorities and the launch of the Paris–Hendaye train led Biarritz to become one of the most outstanding tourist areas in Europe. The queen of the beaches became the beach of the kings and queens: Oscar II of Sweden, Leopold of Belgium, empress of Russia Maria Feodorovna, mother of Nicholas II of Russia, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Natalie of Serbia and her son Alexander I of Serbia, George V from Britain, Edward VII and Britain's Queen Victoria, Alfonso XIII of Spain, as well aristocrats, rich people and actors from Europe and South America. In the summer, people of high status gathered in Biarritz. The population thereby increased considerably, from 5,000 to 18,000. At the end of the 19th century, 50,000 vacationers were gathering in Biarritz.

Belle Époque

[edit]
Biarritz market.

During the Belle Époque of European peace and prosperity, in 1894, a department store called Biarritz Bonheur was created. It was enlarged twice (in 1911 and 1926). It became the temple of luxury and fashion. By the start of the 20th century, most of its workers spoke English.

After World War II

[edit]

At the end of World War II in Europe, the U.S. Army's Information and Educational Branch was ordered to establish an overseas university campus for demobilized American servicemen and women in the French resort town of Biarritz. Under General Samuel L. McCroskey, the hotels and casinos of Biarritz were converted into quarters, labs, and class spaces for U.S. service personnel. The University opened on 10 August 1945 and about 10,000 students attended an eight-week term. This campus was set up to provide a transition between army life and subsequent attendance at a university in the US, so students attended for just one term. After three successful terms, the G.I. University closed in March 1946 (see G. I. American Universities).[13]

The arrival of surfing in Europe

[edit]
Surfers participate in a demonstration for the 2019 G7 Summit

In 1957, American film director Peter Viertel was in Biarritz with his British wife, actress Deborah Kerr, working on the film The Sun Also Rises. One of his Californian friends came for a visit and his use of a surfboard off Biarritz is recognized as the first time surfing was practised in Europe. Biarritz eventually became one of the most popular European spots for surfers from around the world, developing a nightlife and surfing-based culture.

[edit]
  • View of Biarritz from the lighthouse
    View of Biarritz from the lighthouse
  • Les baigneuses à Biarritz, by Édouard François Zier
    Les baigneuses à Biarritz, by Édouard François Zier
  • La Grande Plage, the town's largest beach.
    La Grande Plage, the town's largest beach.
  • Sainte-Eugénie church.
    Sainte-Eugénie church.
  • Outdoor cafés.
    Outdoor cafés.
  • Notre Dame du Rocher.
    Notre Dame du Rocher.
  • Plage Miramar
    Plage Miramar
  • Railway poster
    Railway poster

Main sights

[edit]
  • The Asiatica Museum houses a significant collection of Asian art primarily from India, Nepal, Tibet, and China.
  • The Museum of the Sea has 24 aquariums containing sharks and seals.
  • The Museum of the Ocean and Surf.
  • The Historical Museum of Biarritz, housed in the deconsecrated Anglican Church, St Andrew's.[14]
  • The annual Biarritz Surf Festival, founded in 1993 at the Côte des Basques, is one of the premier surf events in Europe and longboarding events in the world.[15]
  • The église Saint-Martin de Biarritz [fr] (Saint Martin's Church), constructed in the 12th century, restored in the mid-16th century.
  • The église russe de Biarritz [fr], a Russian Orthodox built in the 19th century for visiting Russian aristocrats, with a famous blue dome.
  • The Chapelle impériale, built for Empress Eugenie, has an intricately decorated roof interior and elegant wall tiling. She also had a palace built on the beach, which is now the Hôtel du Palais.
  • The Museum of Chocolate explains the history and manufacture of chocolate.
  • Two large casinos, the Barrière and the Bellevue, sit on the waterfront near the Grande Plage.[16]

Cliffs and lookouts lie to the west of the main beach.

Politics

[edit]

Mayors

[edit]
Mandate Name
1788–1789 Pierre Moussempès
1813–1814 Pierre Moussempès
1864–1881 Pierre-Paul Jaulerry
1881–1884 Alcide Augey
1884–1888 Alexandre Larralde-Diustegi
1888–1895 Alcide Augey
1895–1904 Félix Moureu
1904–1919 Pierre Forsans
1919–1929 Joseph Petit
1929–1941 Ferdinand Hirigoien
1941–1944 Henri Cazalis
1945–1977 Guy Petit
1977–1991 Bernard Marie
1991–2014 Didier Borotra
2014–2020 Michel Veunac
2020–2026 Maïder Arosteguy

Demography

[edit]
Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1793929—    
18001,171+3.36%
18061,188+0.24%
18211,082−0.62%
18311,495+3.29%
18361,705+2.66%
18411,892+2.10%
18461,993+1.05%
18512,048+0.55%
18562,110+0.60%
18612,771+5.60%
18663,652+5.68%
18724,659+4.14%
18765,507+4.27%
18818,527+9.14%
18868,444−0.20%
18919,177+1.68%
189611,869+5.28%
YearPop.±% p.a.
190112,812+1.54%
190615,093+3.33%
191118,260+3.88%
192118,353+0.05%
192620,776+2.51%
193122,955+2.01%
193620,691−2.06%
194622,022+0.63%
195422,922+0.50%
196225,231+1.21%
196826,750+0.98%
197527,595+0.45%
198226,598−0.52%
199028,742+0.97%
199930,055+0.50%
200726,828−1.41%
201225,330−1.14%
201725,404+0.06%
Source: EHESS[17] and INSEE[18]

Economy

[edit]

Although Biarritz's economy was previously based on fishing, it now has a modern economy due to the metropolitan location of Bayonne-Anglet-Biarritz. Together with Bayonne and Anglet, Biarritz takes part in the management of the BAB Airport. The most important economic activities are:

  • Spa tourism
  • Sport (golf, surfing and rugby)
  • Thalassotherapy
  • Industry. The most important industries are the following:
    • Atlantica-Séguier, French publishing house
    • Dassault Aviation, manufacturer of fuselages for Falcon planes.

Culture

[edit]

Languages

[edit]

As in the cases of Anglet and Bayonne, also located in the approximate cultural border between Gascony and the Basque Country, it is uncertain if the historic language of Biarritz was Basque or Gascon.

According to the book Atlas Linguistique de Gascogne, Biarritz is considered a Gascon town. However, in 1863, Louis Lucien Bonaparte located the northern frontier of Basque in Biarritz, and in some neighborhoods it was without any doubt the most used language. However, over the course of the 20th century, French became the main language. Beginning in the 1990s, the municipal government of Biarritz has promoted Basque language and culture. At the same time, Gascon has been promoted by various private institutions, for instance the Gascon cultural association, Ací Gasconha. [19]

Museums

[edit]
  • Sea Museum. Constructed in 1993 in the rock of Atalaia, it is an Art Déco building. It has a huge collection of sea animals and birds.
  • Museum of Chocolate
  • Asiatica, museum of the Eastern art. Art from India, Tibet, Nepal and China can be found
  • Museum of the History of Biarritz. Located in the Anglican Church of Saint Andrew since the 1980s
  • Cité de l'Ocean et du Surf, opened in 2011.

Music and dance

[edit]

The city has the Ballet of Biarritz, an important centre of French dance. It is also home to the cultural centre Atabal and the chorus Oldarra, created in 1946.

Theatre

[edit]

The emperor Napoleon III and Eugénie de Montijo brought the sea-theater on the Old Port neighborhood into fashion. Nowadays, the light works made by Pierre Bideau can be seen at night on the cliff.

Cinema

[edit]

Two film festivals of cinema are celebrated in Biarritz:

Civil buildings

[edit]
  • Hôtel du Palais or Eugénie House
  • Building of the Hotel of England, built in 1870 by Louis Moussempés
  • Natasha House
  • Sacchino or Castel Biarritz, house of Natalia of Serbia
  • Plaza Hotel
  • Casino of Biarritz, in Art Deco style
  • Lighthouse, built in 1834 in Saint Martin cape
  • Villa Black or Black House, built by Alphonse Bertrand between 1880 and 1895
  • Goëland House, which since 2003 has been a hotel
  • Françon Castle
  • Boulard Castle
  • Pavilion of England
  • Fishermen House, in the port
  • The former health resort in the Old Port
  • Miremont sweet shop

Religious buildings

[edit]

Rocks

[edit]
Biarritz rocks
  • The Rocks of Biarritz are an important part of the city's attractions. Every year they erode by an estimated 70 centimeters.

Beaches

[edit]
  • Biarritz has six beaches: Miramar, Big, Old Port, The Basque Coast, Marbella and Milady

Gardens and Parks

[edit]
  • Biarritz has 120 hectares of parks and two recreational lakes (Marion and Muriskot)
  • In the city centre there are three gardens: the Pierre Forsans public garden (across from the Gare du Midi performance centre) and two others nearby (Lahouze Garden and Parc Mazon). The city center also includes a number of open-air sports fields.

Sport

[edit]

Surfing in Biarritz is of a world-class standard and first appeared in 1957.[19] The town has a strong surfing culture,[20] and is known worldwide for its surfing scene and the competitions it hosts yearly, including the Quiksilver/Roxy Jam tournament. In July 2011, Biarritz also hosted the Roxy Pro event, a tournament in the ASP Women's World Tour.

The town is home to a prominent rugby union club, Biarritz Olympique, who have won five French championships and two European Cups.

Basque pelota is a very popular sport in the Basque country. Several local and international competitions take place in Biarritz.

The golf course near the lighthouse (Le Phare) was established in 1888 by British residents. In addition, the town has a large circular golf range area on the border with Illbaritz.

View of the Hippodrome des Fleurs

The Hippodrome des fleurs is a horse racing venue.[21] It is a trotting racecourse with an 803 m sand track with a right-hand rope. It is one of the shortest tracks in France.

Education

[edit]

Schools

[edit]

The city has two public schools (Villa Fal and Jean Rostand) and one private school (Immaculée-Conception).

High schools

[edit]

Malraux High School is the only one in Biarritz. There is also a tourism high school on the border of the Western neighborhood of La Négresse.

Transport

[edit]

Biarritz station is easily accessible from Paris by France's high-speed train, the TGV, and regionally from Bordeaux, by TGV or TER. Trains are also available to travel east towards Toulouse. Night trains regularly depart from Irun, south of Biarritz, and pass through the city before heading to Paris during an overnight trip. Many tourists and regulars to the city have begun using the night train to take weekend trips to Biarritz and saving travel time by traveling at night. The Biarritz – Anglet – Bayonne Airport is located about four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the city. It is near the N10 road towards Anglet and is served by airlines from France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland and Germany.

[edit]
Fishing port, beach, and lighthouse

Biarritz was the birthplace of:

Other notable people associated with Biarritz:

  • Aaron Bank (1902–2004), World War II Office of Strategic Services (OSS) agent and co-founder of the U.S. Army's Special Forces Group (later, Green Berets), a lifeguard and medical (physical) therapist's aide at Biarritz before he enlisted in the army in the late 1930s
  • John Deacon (born 1951), bass player for the band Queen. Deacon and his wife Veronica spent their holidays in Biarritz and bought a holiday apartment there at the end of the 1980s, where they spent many months living in 1990[22]
  • Louis Dewis (1872–1946), born Louis DeWachter, Belgian Post-Impressionist who, after fleeing Paris at the beginning of World War II, settled here in 1940, living at Villa Pat in Bellefontaine until his death
  • Aimée de Heeren, born Soto-Maior de Sá (1903–2006) WWII Secret Service agent for President Getúlio Vargas, owned many jewels of Eugenie de Montijo and the villa La Roseraie, 12 rue Martias, where she spent summers for half a century, receiving kings, heads of state, and many famous guests
  • Eugénie de Montijo (1826–1920), Empress of the French as the wife of Napoléon III, who built the villa Eugénie, today the Hôtel du Palais
  • Pablo de Sarasate (10 March 1844 – 20 September 1908), a well known Romantic Era Spanish composer born in Pamplona, Spain, who died in Biarritz

Twin towns – sister cities

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See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in France

Biarritz is twinned with:[23]

Festivities

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Saint Martin's Day is celebrated on November 11. On this date, the new gentleman of the Confrérie de l'Operne de Biarritz is proclaimed. Its logo is the barnacle and people with an interest in ecology are chosen. Since Biarritz is a city based on tourism, there are activities during the whole summer, such as pelota, equestrian competitions, concerts and recitals, folklore festivals, acrobatic water skiing, sea trips, performances, rugby competitions, bullfights, and night parties.

Since the summer of 2018, Biarritz has hosted the pop music festival, "Biarritz en été", whose second edition took place on July 19, 20, and 21, 2019.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Biarritz

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Biarritz is a seaside resort commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of southwestern France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, positioned on the Bay of Biscay along the Basque Coast roughly 35 kilometers northwest of the Spanish border. With a population of 25,810 as of 2022 and an area of 11.66 square kilometers, it features a density of approximately 2,214 inhabitants per square kilometer. Originally a modest whaling and fishing village, Biarritz transformed into a luxurious destination in the mid-19th century after Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie selected it as a summer retreat, commissioning the Villa Eugénie—now the Hôtel du Palais—and spurring development of grand architecture, casinos, and bathing facilities that attracted European aristocracy. The town's economy centers on , bolstered by its expansive sandy beaches such as Grande Plage and Côte des Basques, which since the have established Biarritz as Europe's surfing capital, drawing enthusiasts with consistent Atlantic swells and hosting international competitions. This surf heritage coexists with preserved elegance, including centers and high-end hotels, while its strategic coastal location has led to modern prominence, exemplified by hosting the 2019 G7 Summit where leaders addressed global issues like inequality and . Biarritz's blend of imperial legacy, wave-riding innovation, and event-hosting capability underscores its enduring appeal as a vibrant Atlantic hub.

Geography

Location and topography

Biarritz is situated on the Atlantic coast in southwestern , within the department of the region. The commune lies along the , adjacent to to the north and Bidart to the south, forming part of the Bayonne-Biarritz- urban agglomeration. Its central coordinates are approximately 43.48° N, 1.56° W, placing it about 7 km southwest of and roughly 25 km from the -Spain border near . The town covers an area of 11.66 km². Topographically, Biarritz occupies a promontory projecting into the ocean, with elevations ranging from to 85 m and an average of about 34 m. This terrain features steep cliffs, such as those at Pointe Saint-Martin and the Grande Côte, interspersed with sandy beaches and outcrops that create sheltered coves and exposed headlands. The elevated backbone influences local microclimates and supports the development of coastal paths and viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic. The promontory's geology, dominated by limestone and formations, contributes to erosion-resistant cliffs that contrast with the adjacent lower-lying dunes and plains extending inland toward the Adour River estuary. This varied topography facilitates activities like on the western-facing beaches while providing natural defenses against storm surges from the .

Climate

Biarritz features an oceanic climate classified as Cfb under the Köppen system, marked by mild year-round temperatures, high humidity, and frequent precipitation influenced by its Atlantic coastal position. Average annual temperatures range from 6°C (43°F) in winter lows to 24°C (75°F) in summer highs, with extremes rarely exceeding 30°C (86°F) or falling below -1°C (30°F). Annual precipitation averages 1,450 mm (57 inches), distributed fairly evenly but peaking in autumn and winter due to Atlantic storms, with November typically the wettest month at around 186 mm (7.3 inches). Snowfall is infrequent and minimal, occurring on average fewer than five days per year, primarily in January or February. The table below summarizes monthly climate normals based on historical data from 1981–2010, reflecting consistent mild conditions suitable for coastal activities but prone to skies and , with average speeds peaking at 14 mph (23 km/h) in spring.
MonthAvg High (°C/°F)Avg Low (°C/°F) (mm/in)Rainy Days
12.5 / 54.56.0 / 42.8140 / 5.514
13.0 / 55.46.5 / 43.7120 / 4.713
15.0 / 59.08.0 / 46.4110 / 4.312
16.5 / 61.79.5 / 49.1120 / 4.713
May19.5 / 67.112.0 / 53.6110 / 4.312
June21.5 / 70.714.5 / 58.180 / 3.110
July23.0 / 73.416.0 / 60.870 / 2.88
August23.5 / 74.316.0 / 60.890 / 3.59
September22.0 / 71.614.5 / 58.1110 / 4.311
October19.5 / 67.112.5 / 54.5140 / 5.513
November15.5 / 59.99.5 / 49.1186 / 7.316
December13.0 / 55.47.0 / 44.6150 / 5.915
Sunshine hours average 1,800 annually, with offering the most at around 220 hours, though frequent limits clear days to about 70 per year. Climate records indicate the highest temperature reached 40.9°C (105.6°F) on August 4, 2021, during a European heatwave, while the lowest was -9.4°C (15.1°F) on February 19, 1963, underscoring rare but possible deviations from the norm. These patterns result from the Gulf Stream's moderating influence, fostering consistent swells for but also exposure to westerly gales, with storm frequency increasing in winter.

Coastal environment

The coastline of Biarritz consists of sandy beaches interspersed with rocky cliffs and headlands, exposed to the Atlantic Ocean along the Basque Coast. These features include prominent rock formations such as the Rocher de la Vierge, a natural offshore rock connected by a dike, and the Rocher du Basta, emerging between the main beach and old port. The underlying features rocks and inherited structures like submerged reefs, which influence beach morphology and wave patterns. Rocks extend approximately ten kilometers from Cap Saint-Martin southward to Peynaoutoun northward, sculpted by prolonged wave action. Beaches like Grande Plage and Côte des Basques are meso-tidal, wave-dominated systems with barred profiles, supporting consistent surf from northwest to west swells averaging 1-2.5 meters. Optimal conditions occur with offshore easterly winds, though strong rip currents and headland rips pose hazards, particularly during high tides with ranges up to 4 meters. Tide cycles, semi-diurnal with about six hours between lows and highs, significantly affect surfable periods and beach accessibility. Environmental pressures include ongoing , intensified by storms and rising sea levels, with the Basque Coast identified as vulnerable to marine submersion and cliff retreat. Local assessments project risks through 2043, prompting management strategies amid broader French coastal losses of around 30 km² from to 2010. Marine biodiversity has declined notably, attributed to issues and disruption, spurring efforts for protected areas and ecological corridors hosting like bottlenose dolphins. Rocky intertidal zones serve as refuges for seabirds and , underscoring the need for conservation amid pressures.

Etymology and nomenclature

Historical origins of the name

The name Biarritz first appears in historical records in 1186 within the Cartulario de Bayona (also known as the Libro de Oro of ), where it is recorded as Bearids, referring to the settlement in the context of rights and local disputes. Subsequent medieval documents show variant spellings such as Beiarrids by the early , reflecting phonetic adaptations in Latin and Gascon administrative texts, though no earlier attestation predates the despite the region's prehistoric habitation. Linguistically, the name is of Basque origin, attested in Euskara as Biarritz or locally Miarritze, with the suffix -ritz or -tze denoting a locative "place of" in Basque , as cataloged by the (Royal Academy of the ). Proposed derivations for the root biar- or miar- include references to rocky or cliff-like terrain, potentially from bi harritz ("" or "two stone places"), alluding to prominent coastal outcrops near the original fishing port, a interpretation echoed in early 20th-century linguistic surveys linking it to Basque iliarritze. Alternative folk etymologies suggest connections to grassy slopes (berarr-itz, "grassy place") from the Basque root for , though these lack direct attestation in primary medieval sources and may reflect later adaptations. The Gascon form Biàrrits emerged alongside French standardization by the , preserving the Basque core amid regional linguistic shifts. Scholarly consensus, as in R.L. Trask's etymological work on Basque, treats it as a pre-Roman substrate name without Indo-European ties, emphasizing its endurance through Basque oral and maritime traditions.

Modern naming disputes

In recent years, a prominent naming in Biarritz has centered on the district and street known as "La Négresse," a term translating to "The Black Woman" in French. Historians attribute the name's adoption around to Napoleonic-era soldiers or local officials, possibly referencing a specific Black woman associated with the area, though its precise origins remain debated and potentially linked to 's colonial history. Local activists, organized under groups like pour la Mémoire de l'Esclavage et de ses Abolitions, have argued since at least 2021 that the name carries racist and sexist connotations, petitioning authorities to restore the pre-1870 Basque designation "Harausta," meaning "dusty quarter" in Euskara, the . The dispute escalated legally in December 2023 when activists filed a , citing the name's potential to offend based on contemporary sensitivities to colonial legacies. Biarritz municipal officials initially resisted, with former Michel Veunac in dismissing calls for change as anachronistic, emphasizing that historical names should not be retroactively judged by modern standards. However, on February 6, 2025, the local in ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, declaring "La Négresse" demeaning and likely to undermine human dignity under French law prohibiting discriminatory public naming. The mandated a rename but did not prescribe reverting to "Harausta," leaving the decision to civic consultation. Following the ruling, Biarritz city hall conducted a in early 2025, presenting residents with options including "Rue de l'Allégresse" (Street of Cheerfulness), evoking local historical references to joy rather than the Basque original. By April 29, 2025, the municipality announced plans to adopt this alternative, prioritizing community input over activist demands for linguistic revival, amid ongoing debates over balancing historical authenticity with public sentiment. Critics of the change, including some residents and historians, have questioned the court's emphasis on perceived offense, noting that "La Négresse" lacked documented intent to demean and that reverting to "Harausta" could align more closely with regional Basque heritage without importing modern ideological overlays. No similar disputes have arisen over Biarritz's primary toponym, which remains officially "Biarritz" in French administrative use, though its Basque form "Miarritze" appears in cultural contexts without contention.

History

Prehistory and ancient settlement

Archaeological evidence indicates human occupation in the Biarritz area during prehistoric times, consistent with broader Paleolithic activity along the Basque coast. While specific finds within modern Biarritz boundaries are limited and primarily consist of scattered artifacts suggesting early settlement, the region's proximity to major sites underscores continuous human presence since at least the Upper Paleolithic. Nearby caves such as Isturitz and Oxocelhaya, located approximately 30 minutes inland, reveal over 80,000 years of intermittent occupation, including parietal engravings, bone flutes, and tools from the Aurignacian (circa 35,000 years ago) through the Magdalenian periods, providing contextual evidence of hunter-gatherer societies exploiting coastal and forested resources. No evidence exists of a distinct ancient settlement at Biarritz during the Roman period, when the area fell under the of , established around 27 BCE following Julius Caesar's campaigns against the tribes. The , proto-Basque groups inhabiting the region, engaged in and but maintained cultural resistance to Roman assimilation, with limited development in coastal zones like Biarritz compared to inland or riverine centers such as Burdigala (modern ). Biarritz likely served as a peripheral maritime fringe without villas, roads, or fortifications documented in Roman records, reflecting the empire's focus on more strategic Aquitanian interiors rather than rocky Atlantic promontories.

Medieval development

During the , Biarritz emerged as a modest settlement in the region of the Basque Country, with its first documented reference appearing in Bayonne's Libro de Oro in 1186 under the name Bearids or Beiarrids. The area's development centered on two primary nuclei: an inland parish clustered around the Church of Saint-Martin and a coastal zone at the Port-Vieux, where maritime activities dominated. The Church of Saint-Martin, constructed in the in the Aquitainian Gothic ogival style, served as the ecclesiastical and communal focal point, reflecting the settlement's ties to the English dominion. A 1160 archival document records the local lord as Gassiat, Gassion, or Galin de Biarritz, indicating the establishment of a seigneurial structure under feudal oversight, which governed land use and tithes linked to the church. The church, originally Romanesque, was later enlarged and remodeled in 1541, with centenarian tombstones preserving evidence of medieval burial practices and social hierarchies. Economically, Biarritz functioned as a small port, with emerging as the principal activity by the 12th century, exploiting the abundant right in the . A at La Humade monitored the seas for whale sightings, signaling hunts that provided , meat, and for local use and trade, as depicted on the town's 1351 seal showing a whale being harpooned. This industry, rooted in Basque coastal traditions dating to stranded whale exploitation in earlier medieval periods, supported a of a few hundred, though it remained subsidiary to broader regional centers like until later intensification. Defensive elements included the Château de Belay (or Ferragus), first attested in 1342, which guarded the Port-Vieux against coastal threats and facilitated logistics from its position near the modern Musée de la Mer site. The village's layout in the hugged the Port-Vieux inlet below this stronghold, limiting inland expansion amid rocky terrain and prioritizing sea-oriented subsistence over agriculture. By the , Biarritz's growth stagnated relative to nearby , constrained by its seigneurial dependencies and vulnerability to Anglo-French conflicts in .

Whaling industry

Biarritz emerged as a key center for during the medieval period, with the earliest written records attesting to dating to the , when whales frequented the Gulf of Gascogne in abundance. As part of the broader Basque whaling tradition, local fishermen initially exploited stranded whales for meat, blubber, and bones before advancing to organized hunts using lookout posts on the town's cliffs to spot migrations. These posts monitored right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), which arrived along the Basque coast from September to May for mating and calving, making them accessible targets due to their docile nature and tendency to float after death. Hunting techniques involved small, maneuverable boats such as chalupas (approximately 8 meters long with a 2-meter beam, crewed by six oarsmen and a ) or biscayennes, from which harpoons were thrown at close range, demanding high skill and bravery. Biarritz whalers were regarded as particularly competent among Gulf of Gascogne ports, sustaining the local economy through exports of for lamps and lubricants, meat (with the tongue prized as a ), bones for construction, and for items like corsets. This industry is reflected in Biarritz's , which depicts a and dates to the 13th or 14th century, underscoring its foundational role in the town's identity. While Basque whaling overall peaked in the with expeditions to Newfoundland involving 20–30 ships annually, local operations in Biarritz and nearby ports like persisted into the . Decline set in due to whale population depletion from overhunting, compounded by wars and the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, which curtailed French whaling rights; the last recorded hunt on the Basque coast occurred in 1688 near , after which the industry effectively ended in the region. By the early , whaling had transitioned to distant grounds elsewhere, leaving Biarritz to shift toward and later .

18th-century transformations

During the , Biarritz underwent an economic shift as the local industry, which had dominated since the , entered terminal decline following its peak in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Depleted stocks in the , combined with weakened fleets from prolonged wars and competition, led to the effective end of commercial by the early 1700s, forcing residents to pivot toward small-scale , , and emerging coastal activities. This transition coincided with the growing recognition of sea bathing's purported health benefits, a practice that locals had employed since the , initially for treating mental illnesses under Bayonne physicians. By the mid-18th century, broader medical claims elevated Biarritz's ocean waters as therapeutic, attracting early visitors seeking remedies for various ailments through immersion in cold seawater, which was believed to invigorate the body and cure conditions like and skin disorders. Infrastructure improvements supported this nascent seaside activity; in 1765, the sub-delegate of commissioned the paving of key road sections leading to Biarritz to enhance accessibility for bathers and traders, marking an early in connectivity beyond needs. Plans for rudimentary changing facilities also emerged to accommodate visitors, compensating for the maritime downturn with proto-touristic development, though the town's population remained modest at approximately 1,700 inhabitants. Administratively, Biarritz operated as an autonomous until , managed by a clergyman, four aldermen, and a of twelve deputies who convened in modest settings like the church vicinity. That year, it lost this , integrating more closely with Bayonne's amid France's centralizing reforms, which streamlined local but curtailed Biarritz's self-rule.

19th-century imperial patronage

In 1854, Napoleon III purchased approximately 15 hectares of dunes along the Biarritz coastline and commissioned the construction of a summer residence for his wife, Empress Eugénie de Montijo, known as the Villa Eugénie. The villa, designed in a neo-Renaissance style drawing from Louis XIII architecture, was completed in just ten months by 1855 under the direction of engineer Joseph-Auguste Belloc and architect Joseph Hittorff, among others. Eugénie's fondness for the Basque coast stemmed from childhood visits, and the imperial couple's annual sojourns from 1855 to 1868 established Biarritz as their preferred retreat, prompting enhancements like private bathing facilities and landscaped gardens. The imperial patronage extended beyond the villa to infrastructural developments that facilitated Biarritz's emergence as an elite destination. Napoleon III's visits, including diplomatic engagements such as the 1865 meetings with Prussian officials, drew European and royalty, accelerating urbanization with the addition of promenades, a , and the Église Sainte-Eugénie, consecrated in 1864 and dedicated to the empress's . These initiatives, funded through imperial resources, transformed the modest into a symbol of Second Empire opulence, with the Villa Eugénie serving as the epicenter of high-society gatherings until the regime's fall in 1870. By the late , the influx of wealthy visitors spurred by the imperial court's endorsement had quintupled Biarritz's and capacity, laying the groundwork for its expansion, though the patronage's direct influence waned after III's exile. The Villa Eugénie, later rebuilt as the following a 1903 fire, remains a testament to this era's transformative role in elevating Biarritz's status from a outpost to a .

Belle Époque expansion

The marked a period of intensified development for Biarritz as a premier European resort, building on its earlier imperial associations with lavish infrastructure and elite patronage. Following the fall of the Second Empire, the Villa Eugénie, constructed between 1854 and 1855 as a summer residence for and Empress Eugénie, was repurposed after being sold in 1880 to La Banque Parisienne, which transformed it into a casino-hotel initially named Palais Biarritz. In 1893, it officially became the , catering to from across , including British and Russian elites, who frequented the town for its mild climate and social scene. A devastating fire in 1903 destroyed much of the structure, prompting a comprehensive rebuild and enlargement that enhanced its grandeur, with the hotel reopening to accommodate growing seasonal influxes of high-society visitors. Tourism infrastructure expanded to support the surge in visitors, exemplified by the establishment of the Casino Municipal in 1893, driven by municipal efforts to capture revenues previously dominated by the earlier Casino Bellevue opened in 1858. This new casino, which began operations around 1901 in a style before later redesigns, became a central attraction for gambling and entertainment, drawing figures from royalty and the upper classes. Complementary developments included tramway extensions in 1870 linking Biarritz to nearby and , facilitating easier access for tourists arriving via the Paris-Hendaye rail line established in the mid-. These enhancements contributed to a boom in visitor numbers, with the town hosting tens of thousands annually by the late , transforming its economy from and toward luxury hospitality. Architectural proliferation characterized the era, with numerous villas and hotels erected in eclectic styles reflecting the tastes of wealthy patrons, preserving much of Biarritz's 19th- and early 20th-century seaside allure into later decades. The sustained appeal to international elites, including English influencers who introduced sports like and , underscored Biarritz's evolution into a cosmopolitan enclave, though economic fluctuations loomed with the approach of . By 1900, the resident population had grown to approximately 12,000, reflecting the town's expanded residential and service sectors geared toward seasonal .

World War II occupation and aftermath

Biarritz fell under German occupation in June 1940, following the rapid advance of Nazi forces after the fall of France, and remained under control until late August 1944. The town, located on the Atlantic coast, experienced direct military administration similar to nearby St-Jean-de-Luz, with German troops establishing a continuous presence amid broader efforts to secure the western Pyrenees region. Local resources were requisitioned, and the occupation integrated Biarritz into defensive strategies against potential Allied invasions. As part of the Atlantic Wall fortifications initiated in 1942, Biarritz saw extensive construction of concrete bunkers and gun emplacements embedded in its cliffs to protect against amphibious assaults. The town also served as a rest and recreation site for personnel, leveraging its pre-war resort infrastructure for troop morale, though this function was secondary to defensive priorities. Liberation occurred in August 1944 amid the Allied advance through , but it involved heavy aerial bombardment that inflicted significant damage on the town and resulted in at least 90 civilian deaths. German forces withdrew rapidly as Free French and Allied units, including elements pushing from the east, approached, ending the occupation without major ground battles in Biarritz itself. In the immediate postwar period, Biarritz hosted the from August 20, 1945, to March 1946, transforming the resort into an educational center for over 4,000 U.S. soldiers preparing for civilian reintegration. The U.S. Army requisitioned 40 hotels and 100 villas for dormitories and classrooms, the municipal for a , and offered 250 courses across fields like and journalism, taught by 250-300 instructors. This occupation provided economic stimulus through local employment in facility operations and marked an early influx of American culture, aiding the town's recovery by restoring hotel infrastructure for resumed tourism after closure.

Postwar modernization and surfing emergence

Following the liberation of Biarritz in August 1944, which involved Allied bombardment causing damage to the town previously fortified as part of the Nazi Atlantic Wall, postwar recovery focused on restoring its prewar status as a seaside resort. In 1945, the U.S. Army established the Biarritz American University, operating from August 10, 1945, to March 8, 1946, and enrolling up to 10,000 personnel in over 240 requisitioned hotels and villas to provide higher education before demobilization. This temporary influx supported local economy amid reconstruction but ended as American forces withdrew, leaving Biarritz to rebuild tourism infrastructure damaged during occupation. Social and cultural revival marked the late 1940s and early 1950s, exemplified by extravagant events hosted by Marquis George de Cuevas, whose 1953 costume ball—attended by 2,800 international elites in 18th-century attire—drew criticism for extravagance in austerity-era but reaffirmed Biarritz's appeal to . Modernization efforts during the economic boom included expanding hotel capacities and facilities, diversifying from aristocratic patronage to broader visitor bases, including celebrities like in the 1950s and 1960s. Surfing emerged as a transformative element in the mid-1950s, first introduced to Biarritz—and —during the 1956 filming of the Hollywood adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, when screenwriter and producer Dick Zanuck brought surfboards to the Grande Plage, prompting initial trials by locals including Joël de Rosnay. By 1957, sustained practice led to the sport's establishment, with young Biarritzians forming 's inaugural surf scene and hosting early competitions that attracted American surfers. The 1960s saw surfing's rapid growth catalyze further modernization, as influxes of international surfers—peaking with groups from in —spurred development of surf shops, schools, and related , shifting Biarritz's image from fading elite enclave to vibrant youth-oriented destination. This evolution integrated into the local economy alongside and rugby, sustaining through seasonal diversification and fostering a that by decade's end positioned Biarritz as France's surfing capital.

Contemporary developments since 2000

In October 2000, Biarritz hosted an informal summit on October 13–14, where heads of state and government advanced preparations for enlargement to include Central and Eastern European countries and endorsed the draft Charter of Fundamental Rights, marking a step toward formal at the Nice Summit later that year. The city pursued amid ongoing tourism pressures, notably redeveloping the historic Casino Bellevue—a landmark originally built in 1886 and expanded through the 20th century—into a multifunctional conference center, auditorium, and event space. Completed under architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte's design, the project preserved elements while adding capacity for up to 1,200 guests and ocean views, supporting and cultural events. Surfing's prominence expanded, with Biarritz emerging as a global hub for the industry, concentrating talent and hosting events like the Surfing World Championships precursors since the 1950s, though post-2000 growth led to overcrowding at spots like Côte des Basques, where summer lineups can exceed 200 surfers. This evolution diversified the economy beyond traditional seaside leisure, incorporating thalassotherapy centers and sustainable tourism initiatives to address coastal erosion and environmental strain. Biarritz hosted the 45th G7 Summit on August 24–26, 2019, under French presidency, convening leaders from , , , , , the , the , and the to address inequality, , digital regulation, and geopolitical tensions including and trade disputes, resulting in commitments like forest preservation pledges and advancements. The event underscored the city's infrastructure for high-profile gatherings while highlighting local challenges such as protest management and security logistics.

Government and politics

Municipal administration

The municipal administration of Biarritz operates under the standard framework for French communes, with a conseil municipal (municipal council) serving as the primary deliberative body. Composed of 35 elected members, the council is responsible for local policy-making, budgeting, and oversight of municipal services, with terms lasting six years following elections. The current council was elected in the 2020 municipal elections, reflecting a center-right majority aligned with Les Républicains (LR). Maïder Arosteguy, a member of Les Républicains, has served as since July 2020, marking her as the first woman in the role; she was selected by the council from its members and oversees executive functions including , public safety, and . Arosteguy also holds a regional position in . The administration includes several adjoints (deputy mayors) delegated to specific portfolios, such as health and led by first adjoint Adrien Boudousse, alongside committees handling areas like finance, environment, and culture. The town hall, located at 12 Avenue Édouard VII, coordinates these efforts through departments including general administration, police municipale, and urban services.

List of mayors

The successive mayors of Biarritz, drawn from municipal archives and historical records, are listed below in chronological order by initial term.
Start yearEnd yearMayor
17881789Pierre MoussemPès
18131814Pierre MoussemPès
18641881Pierre-Paul Jaulerry
18811884Alcide Augey
18841888Alexandre de Larralde-Diustéguy
18881895Alcide Augey
18951904Félix Moureu
19041919Jacques Forsans
19191929Joseph Petit
19291941Ferdinand Hirigoyen
19411944Henri Cazalis
19441977Guy Petit
19771991Raoul Bernard Lucien Marie
19912014Didier Borotra
20142020Michel Veunac
2020presentMaider Arosteguy

Relations with Basque nationalism

Biarritz, situated in the (Iparralde), maintains a predominantly cultural rather than political relationship with , which in this region emphasizes linguistic and traditional preservation over demands for or from . Unlike the more militant expressions in Spain's Basque provinces, nationalism in Iparralde evolved from Catholic roots toward left-wing orientations but achieved limited institutional penetration, with coastal urban centers like Biarritz showing weaker engagement due to their cosmopolitan and tourism-driven identities. The mid-19th-century rise of Biarritz as a , patronized by European elites including , reinforced French national sentiment among residents, countering potential separatist tendencies by integrating local Basque elements into a broader republican framework. This development diluted ethnic particularism, as influxes of non-Basque visitors and investors—such as Spanish aristocrats fleeing from 1830 onward—fostered economic interdependence with France. Politically, Biarritz has not been a stronghold for abertzale (patriotic) parties, which poll modestly in the department; municipal elections consistently favor centrist and conservative lists unaffiliated with nationalist agendas, as evidenced by the 2020 reelection of Maider Arosteguy on a platform focused on and urban development rather than regional . Marginal groups like the 1970s-era Iparretarrak , which conducted bombings to advance Basque causes, operated regionally but exerted negligible influence in Biarritz's affluent, outward-facing polity. Contemporary expressions of Basque identity in Biarritz include symbolic displays, such as ikurriña flag colors in public spaces, but these coexist with strong loyalty to French institutions, including hosting the 2019 summit without notable nationalist disruptions. Nationalist activism, when present, centers on cultural initiatives like rather than claims, reflecting the French state's assimilation policies post-Revolution that preserved provincial only nominally.

Demographics

Population dynamics

Biarritz's population expanded significantly during the , transforming from a modest of approximately 1,000 inhabitants in the early 1800s to a burgeoning exceeding 20,000 residents by the early 1900s, driven primarily by elite and imperial patronage that spurred infrastructure development and seasonal influxes. This growth stabilized in the mid-20th century, with official figures recording 26,750 residents in 1968, rising modestly to a peak of 30,055 in 1999 amid modernization and surfing's rise, before entering a period of decline influenced by in the surrounding Bayonne-Anglet agglomeration. Post-1999, the resident contracted sharply, falling to 24,777 by —a net loss of over 5,000 inhabitants—attributable to escalating prices that priced out younger families and middle-class workers, prompting outmigration to more affordable nearby communes despite the broader Basque region's 1% annual growth. A modest rebound to 25,810 in reflects slight positive migration and natural increase, though annual growth remains volatile at +0.7% from –, constrained by limited land for expansion in this 11.66 km² coastal . The demographic profile underscores stagnation risks, with an aging structure—21.2% over 75 years and only 9.4% under 14 in 2022—exacerbated by low birth rates and a market favoring second homes and retirees, which reduces year-round vitality despite summer swells to around 130,000 visitors and temporary residents. High property costs, averaging far above national norms due to demand, have eroded the and local Basque families, fostering concerns over long-term amid regional attractivity.
YearPopulationAnnual Avg. Growth Rate (%)Density (hab/km²)
196826,750—2,294
197527,595+0.42,367
198226,598-0.52,281
199028,742+1.02,465
199930,055+0.52,578
200626,690-1.72,289
201125,903-0.62,222
201624,777-0.92,125
202225,810+0.72,214
Data from INSEE recensements, adjusted to 2025 geography; growth rates are inter-censal averages.

Linguistic and ethnic composition

Biarritz's linguistic landscape is overwhelmingly dominated by French, the of and the medium of , , and . As a coastal urban center in the Northern Basque Country, the town exhibits limited use of the (Euskara), which persists primarily among older residents and cultural enthusiasts rather than as a . Regional sociolinguistic patterns indicate that Basque fluency is marginal in such areas, with French reinforced by historical assimilation policies, internal French migration, and the influx of non-Basque-speaking tourists and retirees. English and Spanish are commonly heard in hospitality and sectors due to international visitors and proximity to , but they do not constitute significant community languages. France does not collect official data on ethnic composition, adhering to a republican model that emphasizes civic nationality over ethnic categorization. Consequently, Biarritz's demographics reflect a predominantly French population with deep historical roots in the Basque ethnic group, originating from the traditional province of Labourd where Basque ancestry predominates through genetic continuity with pre-Indo-European populations. However, centuries of intermarriage, rural-to-urban migration from other French regions, and economic attractions have diluted distinct ethnic markers, rendering the populace genetically akin to broader Western European norms. INSEE immigration statistics reveal that 7.6% of residents are immigrants (born abroad), while foreign nationals comprise about 5.4% of the total population of approximately 25,810 as of 2022, drawn largely from Europe (including Spain, the UK, and Portugal) due to the town's status as a luxury resort and retirement destination.

Economy

Tourism as economic driver

Tourism dominates Biarritz's economy, with wholesale and retail trade, transportation, accommodation, and food services comprising 63.5% of total in 2022, totaling 9,328 jobs out of 14,685. This sectoral concentration reflects the town's reliance on visitor spending, amplified by seasonal influxes that expand the effective population from 25,000 residents to around 120,000 during summer peaks. In 2022, the municipality recorded 9.13 million overnight stays, a 15% rise from the prior year, signaling strong post-pandemic rebound in demand for its beaches, luxury resorts, and cultural sites. Supporting this volume, Biarritz maintained 50 hotels with 1,829 rooms as of January 2023, alongside campsites and other facilities offering thousands of additional bed places. The sector's economic footprint includes over 100 million euros in annual returns, with hotels alone capturing about 10 million euros, bolstering local revenues through direct expenditures on lodging, dining, and leisure. In the encompassing Pays Basque area, tourism generated 1.3 billion euros in 2023, up 41 million from preceding years, with Biarritz serving as a central hub driving regional growth via its established reputation as a high-end coastal retreat.

Surfing industry contributions

Surfing was introduced to Biarritz in 1957 by Hollywood figures and during the filming of , marking the sport's entry into and establishing the town as its epicenter on the continent. The Côte des Basques beach became the initial hub, with local enthusiasts quickly adopting the activity, leading to the formation of the Waikiki Surf Club and the first European surfing competition in 1960. This foundation has sustained as a core economic pillar, transforming Biarritz from a 19th-century aristocratic into a year-round destination for wave enthusiasts. The surfing industry drives substantial tourism revenue in Biarritz and the surrounding , where it accounts for the majority of the approximately 5 million annual tourist nights recorded in 2022. Surf-related visitors, including participants in lessons, camps, and events, extend stays and patronize accommodations, eateries, and equipment rentals, contributing to the region's shift from traditional tourism toward wave-centric activities. Nationally, 's tourism market reached USD 2.89 billion in 2024, with Biarritz's consistent swells and —such as over a dozen licensed surf schools—positioning it as a primary beneficiary. Events like the 2017 ISA have further amplified inflows, generating direct spending on lodging and services. Employment in the sector spans instruction, board , retail, and support services, with Biarritz hosting a global concentration of surf industry talent and offices for international brands established since the late . The influx of skilled professionals and digital nomads post-2020 has bolstered local job creation in and , while surf shops and shapers sustain artisan roles tied to demand. French surf schools issued 65,000 certificates in the most recent reporting year, reflecting instructional demand that supports seasonal and full-time positions in Biarritz's coastal . This ecosystem not only diversifies beyond elite leisure but also fosters ancillary growth in and eco-tourism linked to access.

Property market and real estate

The property market in Biarritz is dominated by high demand for coastal residences, driven by the town's status as a luxury seaside destination with strong and appeal, resulting in average prices per square meter exceeding national norms. As of October 2025, the median price for existing apartments stands at approximately 7,238 €/m², reflecting a 4% decline from prior periods amid broader market stabilization, while new constructions average 9,780 €/m². Houses, often sought for their privacy and views, command higher values around 9,516 €/m² on average in 2025. These figures vary significantly by neighborhood, with central and oceanfront areas like Grande Plage pushing prices toward 11,000 €/m² or more, compared to 3,673 €/m² in peripheral zones. Demand is fueled by international buyers and second-home investors, particularly from France's urban centers and abroad, attracted by Biarritz's prestige and limited developable land, which constrains supply and sustains premium valuations despite occasional softening. prices rose 15% year-over-year through mid-2025 in some segments, though overall transaction volumes dipped in 2024 due to elevated interest rates, leading to selective price adjustments of 15-20% in the Côte Basque region to attract buyers. Luxury properties, including villas with sea views, frequently exceed 10,000 €/m², supported by the area's heritage as a former imperial retreat and ongoing appeal to high-net-worth individuals.
Property TypeAverage Price per m² (2025)Trend (Recent 12 Months)
Existing Apartments7,238–7,937 €-0.7% to -4%
New Apartments9,780 €Stable
Houses9,516 €+Selective softening
Local regulations, including height restrictions and environmental protections, limit new builds, exacerbating scarcity and positioning Biarritz as one of France's pricier coastal markets, though affordability pressures for primary residents persist amid investor dominance.

Challenges from

Biarritz experiences significant strain from , with approximately 190,000 annual visitors to a resident of around 25,000, leading to seasonal that exacerbates local pressures. This influx, driven largely by beach and attractions, results in heightened and parking shortages, particularly during peak summer months, as reported by local residents and business operators. Short-term holiday rentals, such as those on platforms like , have intensified housing affordability challenges, contributing to and displacing long-term residents. In response, regional authorities in March 2022 implemented strict regulations prohibiting new developments across 24 towns including Biarritz, aiming to prioritize local needs amid rising prices fueled by demand. Tourist apartments now dominate availability in tourist-oriented districts, transforming neighborhoods into seasonal enclaves and prompting complaints of cultural dilution and economic exclusion for locals. Surfing hotspots, notably Côte des Basques beach, suffer from during high seasons, with novice surfers, instructors, and experienced locals competing for limited waves, fostering tensions and "localism" behaviors that prioritize residents over visitors. This saturation diminishes the sport's intrinsic connection to nature, as excessive board numbers degrade wave quality and increase collision risks, while broader ecological strains include and from heightened human activity. National efforts to mitigate , including France's 2023 strategy for regulating visitor flows at popular sites, have influenced local policies, though Biarritz's economy remains heavily reliant on , creating a tension between economic benefits and sustainable capacity. analyses highlight that while visitor numbers support jobs—95% of the population deriving income directly or indirectly from —the unchecked growth risks long-term resident exodus and without enforced limits on seasonal influxes.

Culture and society

Basque cultural identity

Biarritz forms part of the , where Basque cultural identity persists amid strong French assimilation and tourism-driven , manifesting in initiatives, traditional sports, and culinary practices rooted in ancestral and pastoral heritage. Local identity draws from the broader Basque ethnos, characterized by a non-Indo-European and distinct customs predating Roman influence, though urban development has diluted daily expressions compared to inland villages. Euskara, the unrelated to any Romance tongue and spoken by an estimated 50,000 fluent individuals across the as of 2017, sees limited but dedicated usage in Biarritz, with municipal policies since the late promoting its teaching in schools and public signage to counter historical decline from French centralization policies. Regional bilingualism hovered around 22-26% in the late 1990s to mid-2000s, but coastal urban centers like Biarritz exhibit lower proficiency due to influxes of non-Basque residents and economic focus on international tourism. Traditional sports underscore cultural continuity, particularly or , played daily in frontons both indoors and outdoors, reflecting communal rituals dating to and serving as a marker of local pride. , embodied by Pays Basque—founded in 1910 and known for its red-and-white kit—further cements identity, with the club's successes, including five French championships between 1939 and 2012, fostering regional solidarity across the divide. Culinary traditions highlight Basque distinctiveness, with Biarritz offering pintxos bars and restaurants specializing in salted cod (bacalao al pil pil), (a pepper-tomato stew), and axoa (veal stew), ingredients tied to historical maritime and farming economies; these contrast with broader French while adapting to high-end . Festivals reinforce heritage, as residents participate in nearby events like the Fêtes de (held annually since , drawing over a million for parades, pelota matches, and txupinazo rocket launches) and carnivals featuring masked parades and ancestral dances, though Biarritz's own celebrations often blend these with surf and arts programming. Contemporary efforts include Biarritz's role as a hub for Basque , hosting the and winter square dances that revive folk traditions, alongside museums exploring regional history; these initiatives, supported by local , aim to balance with ethnic preservation amid a where ethnic form a plurality but not due to migration.

Languages spoken

French serves as the official and dominant language in Biarritz, with all administrative, educational, and public communications conducted exclusively in French, reflecting its status within . The , known as Euskara, is recognized as a of cultural importance in the area, though its daily usage remains limited due to historical assimilation policies and . Municipal initiatives since the 1990s have aimed to revitalize Euskara through , cultural programs, and optional schooling, but proficiency levels indicate it functions primarily as a rather than a vehicular one. In the Bayonne-Anglet-Biarritz urban agglomeration, which encompasses Biarritz, approximately 8% of residents are active Basque speakers, while 6% demonstrate receptive bilingualism (understanding but not necessarily speaking fluently), enabling around 15,000 people to comprehend the language to varying degrees. These figures, drawn from local sociolinguistic assessments, underscore Euskara's marginal role in everyday interactions compared to French, with higher concentrations in rural inland Basque areas rather than coastal urban centers like Biarritz. Spanish influences persist informally due to cross-border proximity and historical ties, but no systematic data supports widespread usage beyond contexts. Biarritz's international tourism profile introduces multilingualism in service industries, where English is frequently employed alongside French to accommodate visitors from Anglophone countries and surfers from global circuits. However, linguistic surveys confirm French monolingualism prevails among the native population, with Euskara confined largely to cultural associations, festivals, and family settings among enthusiasts.

Festivals and traditions

Biarritz maintains a connection to Basque cultural heritage through annual celebrations that emphasize communal gatherings, traditional dances, music, and , though the town's cosmopolitan history tempers these with modern influences. Local customs include participation in regional Basque practices such as aurresku dances and txistu piping, often showcased during neighborhood events to preserve ethnic identity amid tourism-driven development. The Fêtes de Bibi Beaurivage, held annually in late April or early May in the eponymous working-class district, represent a cornerstone of local tradition, attracting thousands for a multi-day program of Basque dances, tanborradas (drum parades led by children and adults), gastronomic competitions featuring regional dishes like ttxuleta (veal steak), concerts, and open-air dancing in a guinguette setting. This event, organized by the district's committee since the mid-20th century, underscores intergenerational conviviality and resists overt commercialization, distinguishing it from larger regional spectacles. In June, Les Casetas recreate a Hispano-Basque village atmosphere along the coast, with temporary casetas (booths) hosting pintxos tastings, pelota demonstrations, and folk music performances that blend French Basque and Spanish Navarrese elements. These gatherings extend into summer with informal herri kirolak (Basque rural sports) like wood-chopping and stone-lifting at local frontons, reinforcing physical traditions tied to agrarian roots. Residents commonly join the nearby Fêtes de in early August, a five-day regional festival since 1932 featuring parades, bull runs, soka dantza (rope dances), and fireworks, where Biarritz participants don red-and-white attire symbolizing Basque festivity; attendance exceeds one million, with spillover effects boosting local economy through shared customs. carnivals add color with parades of mamarroak (straw men) and masked figures satirizing authority, echoing pre-Lenten Basque rituals observed across the coast.

Arts, museums, and performing arts

Biarritz maintains a niche landscape emphasizing contemporary galleries and specialized museums rather than large-scale institutions. The town's galleries, such as Galerie Barthelemy Bouscayrol and Champ Lacombe, focus on urban, figurative, and emerging contemporary works by local and international artists, reflecting a recent surge in creative activity along the Basque coast. Other venues like L'Oeil du Prince exhibit paintings, sculptures, and photographs from young figurative artists, contributing to Biarritz's appeal for enthusiasts beyond traditional . The Musée Asiatica stands as the primary dedicated art museum, housing Europe's largest private collection of Oriental art with over 2,000 artifacts from regions including , , , and , spanning prehistoric eras to intricate sculptures and textiles. This private institution emphasizes educational displays on Asian , attracting visitors seeking respite from coastal activities through serene, thematic exhibitions. While the Musée de la Mer features Art Deco architecture from 1933-1935 and occasional artistic installations like pointillist murals, its core remains ocean-focused rather than fine arts. Performing arts in Biarritz center on and theater festivals, with the annual Maitaldia (Le Temps d'Aimer la Danse) event in September showcasing eight Basque and international companies over 10 days, underscoring the town's status as a Basque dance hub. The Théâtre Gare du Midi, a renovated early-20th-century railway station converted into a 1,400-seat auditorium, hosts ballets including those by the resident Malandain Ballet Biarritz, as well as guest troupes and musical performances. Complementary events like the Summer Nights Festival feature children's theater, , and shows across 15 days, while venues such as Halle d'Iraty accommodate larger spectacles and concerts. Basque dance traditions further integrate into local festivities, blending with cultural identity.

Local cuisine

Biarritz's cuisine embodies Basque culinary traditions, characterized by fresh Atlantic , hearty stews incorporating local peppers, and cured meats like ham, with influences from both French and Spanish Basque regions. The coastal location drives emphasis on , including oysters harvested from nearby beds, which are harvested year-round but peak in winter months from November to April, often served raw with or . Prominent dishes include axoa, a minced spiced with chili peppers and simmered with onions and , traditionally prepared in rural Basque households and txokos (private cooking societies). , a confit of stewed green and red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, is frequently topped with poached eggs or paired with , reflecting agrarian roots with seasonal vegetable use. Marmitako, a tuna belly and enriched with piment d', originated from fishermen's onboard meals using fresh catch, highlighting resource-efficient cooking. Pintxos—bite-sized skewers or open-faced sandwiches with anchovies, peppers, or cheese—serve as casual appetizers, akin to Spanish tapas but with Basque twists like txistorra . Basque chicken, braised with bell peppers, tomatoes, and , exemplifies poultry preparations influenced by French techniques. Desserts feature , a - or fruit jam-filled pastry using sheep's milk cheese and Armagnac-soaked prunes in some variants, baked since the . Local markets, such as covered market opened in 1885, supply ingredients like fresh fish, cheeses, and IGP-labeled products, fostering direct producer-consumer ties. While upscale restaurants elevate these with standards—Biarritz hosted three starred venues as of 2023—traditional eateries prioritize unadorned, ingredient-driven preparations over fusion trends.

Landmarks and attractions

Beaches and rock formations

Biarritz features several prominent Atlantic-facing beaches, renowned for their sandy expanses and suitability for swimming, sunbathing, and . The Grande Plage, the town's largest and most central beach stretching approximately 400 meters, serves as a primary hub for tourists and locals, with supervision from to September and facilities including showers and restrooms. Plage Miramar, located north of the town center adjacent to the , offers calmer waters ideal for families and beginners, backed by dunes and a promenade. Further south, Côte des provides a wide, surf-oriented strand popular since the early , where consistent waves attract international competitors during events like the Quiksilver Pro. Smaller coves include Plage du Port Vieux, a sheltered near the old harbor with and rock pools, historically used for before becoming a spot in the . Plage de la Milady, slightly removed from the urban core, features expansive sands and is less crowded, with access via steps from the coastal path. These beaches collectively span about 3 kilometers of coastline, with monitored annually by French authorities, typically meeting EU standards except during rare storm runoff events. Prominent rock formations define Biarritz's dramatic shoreline, shaped by millennia of wave erosion on limestone. The Rocher de la Vierge, a outcrop extending into the , stands about 30 meters high and was linked to the mainland in by a wrought-iron designed by , topped by a Virgin Mary statue erected in 1868 for maritime protection. This site offers panoramic views and withstands heavy swells, with access restricted during high winds for safety. At Pointe Saint-Martin, the northern promontory rising to 80 meters, sheer cliffs form natural arches and eroded stacks, including a visible sea arch documented in geological surveys, serving as a whale-watching vantage historically before the lighthouse's construction atop it. These formations, part of a 10-kilometer rocky stretch from Cap Saint-Martin southward, exhibit flysch-like layering from sedimentary deposition 50-60 million years ago, occasionally exposed by landslides such as one in September 2024 revealing stratified patterns.

Architectural highlights

![Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz, France](./assets/H%C3%B4tel_du_Palais._Bearritz%252C_France.22 Biarritz's architecture prominently features Second Empire, , and styles, reflecting its transformation from a to an elite 19th-century resort favored by European royalty and . The town's built environment includes richly decorated facades, majestic villas, and public buildings that blend opulence with coastal adaptation, many constructed or expanded during the Second Empire under III's influence starting in the 1850s. The exemplifies imperial grandeur, originally constructed as Villa Eugénie between 1854 and 1857 for Empress Eugénie, wife of , in by architects Hippolyte Durand and later Auguste Couvrechef. Enlarged in 1905 by Édouard-Jean Niermans into an E-shaped plan honoring Eugénie's name, the structure features lavish interiors and oceanfront positioning, later converted into a luxury hotel after serving as a in the Third Republic. The , renovated in 1928-1929 by local architect Alfred Laulhé, showcases design with its streamlined silhouette and integrated gaming halls, including the 663 m² Salle des Ambassadeurs. Further modernized in 1994 by François Lombard while preserving its heritage status, the casino stands as a key public edifice facing the Grande Plage, embodying Biarritz's interwar glamour. Église Sainte-Eugénie, a neo-Gothic church built from 1898 to 1903 by architect Ernest Lacombe using gray stone, overlooks the Port Vieux and replaces an 1856 chapel dedicated to the empress. Its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and detailed stonework draw from medieval Gothic traditions, positioning it as a spiritual landmark amid the town's secular developments. Other notable structures include the Chapelle Impériale, erected 1864-1866 at the empress's request as part of the imperial complex, highlighting religious architecture tied to Biarritz's elite patronage. The ensemble of these buildings underscores Biarritz's architectural evolution driven by imperial investment and subsequent booms, with preservation efforts ongoing for sites like Sainte-Eugénie amid structural challenges.

Religious and historical buildings

The Église Sainte-Eugénie exemplifies Biarritz's imperial-era religious architecture, constructed initially as a chapel in 1854 during Napoleon III's reign and consecrated in 1859, with major neo-Gothic expansions from 1898 to 1903 under architects Boeswillwald and Lacombe. Overlooking the Port-Vieux, it honors , who frequented Biarritz, and features and maritime motifs reflecting the town's fishing heritage. The Chapelle Impériale, erected in 1865 on Eugénie's commission, blends Romano-Byzantine styles and served the imperial court, underscoring Biarritz's transformation into a Second Empire resort. This small chapel, with its ornate interior, hosted worship for III's family until larger structures superseded it. Biarritz's , dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky, opened in September 1892, funded partly by Alexander III for the influx of in the late 19th century. Its Byzantine-inspired design catered to expatriate aristocrats, highlighting the town's international appeal during the . Older Catholic structures include the Église Saint-Martin, a tied to Biarritz's pre-resort roots, and the Paroisse Notre-Dame du Rocher, which encompasses sites like Église Saint-Joseph and Saint-Charles, evoking local maritime and industrial history through dedications and engravings. These buildings preserve the town's Catholic continuity amid its secular tourism evolution.

Parks and gardens

Biarritz encompasses approximately 145 hectares of parks and gardens, ranging from compact urban squares to expansive reserves that preserve ecosystems with plant species introduced by 18th-century explorers and habitats for endemic . These areas, including over ten neighborhood parks, integrate with coastal paths lined by pink tamarisks and seaside , some designated as sites for protection. The Jardin Public, situated at the junction of and the Halles district, functions as a central urban oasis spanning about 1.5 hectares, equipped with a children's and a for recreational use. It supports pathways and family-oriented activities amid wooded surroundings. Lac Mouriscot, a 23-hectare lake straddling Biarritz and Bidart, qualifies as a with diverse terrain of steep slopes, undergrowth, and water features conducive to local walks and ecological observation. Nearby, Lac Marion serves as a serene public garden adjacent to the city center and oceanfront, emphasizing tranquility in a landscaped setting. Specialized gardens highlight ornamental collections: the Park of Villa Natacha, tied to a historic with its janitor's lodge, displays and magnolias in a publicly accessible layout. The Foch washhouse environs feature ferns, plane trees, and maples encircling a preserved . The Garden of the Imperial , surrounding a erected in 1864, incorporates camellias amid historical grounds. Hill exhibits 13 varieties, while the Rock Garden includes flower beds, cork oaks, and sage adapted to rocky substrates.

Sports and recreation

Surfing culture and events

Surfing was introduced to in Biarritz in 1956, when local youth, inspired by a Hollywood shooting on the Basque coast, fashioned rudimentary boards from and began riding waves at Côte des Basques beach. This marked the sport's European debut, predating its spread elsewhere on the continent, and positioned Biarritz as France's surfing epicenter amid its established reputation for elite seaside leisure. The local surfing culture emphasizes accessibility and community, with over a dozen certified schools operating year-round on beaches like Côte des Basques and Grande Plage, offering lessons from beginner clinics to advanced training for all ages starting at five years old. Pioneering institutions such as Jo Moraiz Surf School, established in 1966 as France's first, provide multilingual instruction with high-quality equipment, fostering a blend of technical skill-building and respect for conditions that draws international visitors while sustaining a core of local enthusiasts. This scene coexists with Biarritz's historical elegance, creating a that values , wave , and innovation in board shaping, often showcased in workshops open to the public. Major events reinforce Biarritz's status, including the annual Biarritz Surf Festival from September 12–14, which features competitions, exhibitions, and concerts celebrating surfing's Hawaiian roots and European evolution. The Queen Classic Surf Festival, a highlight of the event, attracts vintage board riders and promotes inclusive, non-competitive formats emphasizing style over speed. Other competitions include the French Surfing Championships, hosted in Biarritz as recently as October 2023, and international gatherings like the ISA World Surfing Games in 2023, which spotlight elite athletes on local breaks. Wheels and Waves festival incorporates duo log surf contests on Milady Beach, blending surfing with custom culture. These events, spanning six decades of organized contests, underscore Biarritz's role in preserving surfing's competitive heritage while adapting to modern, spectator-friendly formats.

Other sporting activities

Biarritz Olympique, the town's premier club, was established in 1913 through the merger of Biarritz Stade and Biarritz Sporting Club, making it one of France's oldest professional teams. The club has secured multiple French championships, including titles in the early and more recently in the Top 14 league, fostering a strong local rugby culture with matches held at Stade Aguiléra, which accommodates over 14,000 spectators. Golf has deep roots in Biarritz, with Golf de Biarritz Le Phare, the continent's second-oldest course, opened in 1888 by British designer on a seaside layout overlooking the Atlantic. The 18-hole course features challenging elements like the historic "Chasm" par-3 hole, a that influenced American , and hosts amateur and professional events amid dunes and ocean views. Basque pelota, a traditional variant central to the region's Basque heritage, thrives in Biarritz through venues like the fronton, where disciplines such as cesta punta (using a curved basket) and bare-hand play draw competitors and spectators. Local clubs offer initiations from age 7, with professional tournaments emphasizing speed and precision on walled courts, preserving a dating back centuries in the Basque Country. Tennis is supported by Biarritz Olympique Tennis Padel, a section of the multi-sport Olympique with over 1,200 members, featuring 14 courts—including four indoor and three floodlit—at Stade Aguiléra facilities. The club hosts regional tournaments and provides public access, complementing the area's active lifestyle with padel courts added in recent years.

Education and infrastructure

Educational institutions

Biarritz provides primary, secondary, and through a mix of and private institutions, serving a local population of approximately 25,000 residents. schools predominate, overseen by the Académie de , with enrollment figures reflecting the town's seasonal influx of international families due to its resort status. Private options, often Catholic-affiliated, cater to smaller cohorts emphasizing bilingual or specialized curricula. Primary education includes public establishments such as École Primaire Le Braou, accommodating around 200 students with standard French national curriculum focusing on foundational and . Private alternatives like École Primaire Privée Sainte-Marie, located at 23 Avenue de la République, integrate religious instruction alongside core subjects for roughly 150 pupils. Secondary education features collèges (middle schools) including the public Collège Jean Rostand, which shares a 3-hectare with Lycée André Malraux and enrolls over 500 students in grades 6-9, emphasizing general academics with options in arts and languages. Private institutions like Collège Immaculée Conception offer similar programs with a faith-based component. At the lycée (high school) level, Lycée André Malraux, a public général et technologique facility near the city center, reported a 97.7% pass rate in 2024 rankings, with strengths in scientific and literary streams; it spans multiple buildings on verdant grounds proximate to the Atlantic coast. Lycée Polyvalent Biarritz Atlantique provides both general and professional tracks, achieving a 95.6% success rate, including vocational diplomas in and tailored to the local tourism economy. Vocational and higher-level training centers on specialized fields like and , with no full universities domiciled in Biarritz; students typically commute to the Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour's campus for degrees. The École Hôtelière de Biarritz, a prominent public vocational lycée, trains about 750 students yearly in management, , and catering, leveraging partnerships with local establishments for practical apprenticeships and international exchanges. The École Technique Privée d'Esthétique offers diplomas in beauty and wellness therapies, enrolling around 11 students per cohort with a focus on hands-on certification. Niche language institutes, such as SOFI 64 and Les Ateliers FL (IH Biarritz), provide adult immersion courses in French, often combined with or cultural activities, but these function as non-degree programs rather than formal schools.

Transportation networks

Biarritz is served by the (BIQ), located approximately 3 kilometers from the town center, which handled 1.19 million passengers in 2017 and has an annual capacity of 1.4 million. The airport features a and connects to major European destinations via seasonal and year-round flights, with shuttle buses linking it directly to Biarritz, , and . The Gare de Biarritz railway station, situated in the town center along the – line, accommodates high-speed services to (approximately 6 hours), trains to (about 2 hours), and TER regional trains to nearby cities like and on the Spanish border. The station includes facilities such as lifts and real-time timetables, facilitating connections for both long-distance and local travel. Road access to Biarritz is provided primarily via the A63 autoroute, which links to the Spanish border and offers direct exits (such as Exit 4 or 5) for the town, enabling efficient travel from major cities like (about 2 hours by car). The D810 ring road and proximity to the N10 further support vehicular mobility, though the area experiences seasonal congestion due to . Local public transport is managed by the Txik Txak network (formerly associated with Chronoplus), operating over 40 bus lines that connect Biarritz's , , and city center to surrounding areas like and , with fares around €1.20 for urban trips. Services include frequent shuttles to key sites, supplemented by options like carpooling and bicycles for short distances within the Basque Country agglomeration. No dedicated or metro system exists in Biarritz itself, relying instead on these bus routes for intra-urban and intermodal connectivity.

Notable individuals

Historical figures

Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III, played a pivotal role in Biarritz's transformation from a modest fishing village into a premier European resort destination. Born in Granada, Spain, in 1826, Eugénie first visited the Basque coast as a child and later persuaded her husband to acquire land there for a summer residence. In 1854, Napoleon III commissioned the construction of the Villa Eugénie, now the Hôtel du Palais, on dunes overlooking the Atlantic, marking the beginning of Biarritz's era as an imperial retreat. Napoleon III, Emperor of the French from 1852 to 1870, frequented Biarritz during the summers of the 1850s and 1860s, using it as a base for both leisure and diplomacy. The imperial presence elevated the town's status, drawing European royalty including kings of , , and , as well as Russian and Polish princes. In October 1865, hosted Prussian at Biarritz for secretive discussions on Prussian unification efforts and potential French compensations, influencing the lead-up to the . French writer encountered Biarritz in 1843 during exile, describing it as "this white village with red roofs and green shutters set on grassy slopes" in his travel notes, predating its imperial fame and contributing to its early literary allure among intellectuals.

Modern personalities

(1927–2014), born in Biarritz on May 26, 1927, was a French who gained prominence in Hollywood during the . He appeared in films including Gigi (1958) alongside and , and married American actress in 1953, a marriage that lasted until 1957. Later marrying actress from 1959 to 1964, Bergerac transitioned from acting to business, becoming vice president for in Europe by the 1960s. His career reflected Biarritz's early 20th-century allure as a glamorous coastal destination attracting international figures. Serge Blanco (born August 31, 1958), a Venezuelan-born player raised in France, became synonymous with , where he played fullback and helped elevate the club during the 1970s and 1980s. Earning 93 caps for the French national team, Blanco's speed and attacking prowess made him one of rugby's most celebrated fullbacks, contributing to France's successes in the Five Nations Championship. His long tenure with Biarritz underscored the town's strong rugby tradition, with the club winning multiple French championships during his era. Maïder Arosteguy, serving as mayor of Biarritz since her election in 2014, has focused on , surfing infrastructure, and economic development amid the city's evolving coastal identity. Re-elected in subsequent terms, she has navigated debates over and heritage preservation, including controversies surrounding place names tied to colonial history. Arosteguy's background in international consulting informs her policies promoting Biarritz as a hub for initiatives and regional cooperation in .

Controversies and debates

Place name controversies

The district known as La Négresse in Biarritz, located near the town's historic center, originated with the Basque toponym Harausta or Herausta, translating to "dusty quarter" in reference to its sandy, arid terrain prior to urban development. This pre-19th-century name reflected local Basque linguistic conventions in the region, which spans the . The shift occurred in 1861 when the area was officially redesignated La Négresse, reportedly in homage to a woman of unknown identity who may have owned property there or contributed to its early settlement; historical records suggest at least two individuals bore similar epithets, potentially linked to African origins amid 's colonial era, though direct ties to the transatlantic slave remain unproven and contested by local historians. Debate over the name intensified from 2013 onward, driven by antiracist associations such as Mémoires et Partages, which argued that La Négresse—deriving from the French term for a Black woman—carries inherently racist and sexist connotations, evoking colonial dehumanization and , regardless of its localized historical intent. Proponents of retention, including some residents and historians, countered that erasing the name obliterates verifiable 19th-century archival evidence without sufficient causal link to , emphasizing preservation of unvarnished local history over modern sensitivities; they proposed alternatives like reverting to Harausta to honor Basque roots while avoiding politicized changes. The Biarritz municipal council initially resisted, defending the name in 2020 as a neutral historical artifact tied to a specific individual rather than systemic . Legal escalation culminated in a , 2025, ruling by the Administrative Court of Appeal, which mandated the rename on grounds that the term "undermines human dignity" through its demeaning racial and gendered implications, overriding municipal autonomy under French administrative law. The city complied by April 2025, adopting Rue de la Joie ("Street of Joy") as the new designation, selected via to evoke the area's vibrant community life without reinstating the Basque original, despite advocacy from Basque cultural groups. This resolution highlights tensions between historical fidelity and contemporary ethical standards, with critics noting that judicial intervention prioritizes subjective offense over empirical etymological context, potentially setting precedents for other legacy place names in former colonial powers.

Environmental and social impacts of tourism

Tourism in Biarritz, which attracts millions of visitors annually due to its beaches and surfing, exacerbates stormwater overflow during heavy rains, leading to untreated sewage discharge into the sea and temporary beach closures for bathing. In 2013, authorities closed shorelines including Grande Plage due to high bacterial pollution levels from such overflows, banning swimming and water activities to protect public health. Similar incidents occurred in July 2024, when beaches in Biarritz were shut due to elevated fecal bacteria from urban runoff strained by seasonal population surges. These events, linked to tourism's pressure on aging infrastructure, result in economic losses for the sector while highlighting causal vulnerabilities: high visitor densities overwhelm sewage systems designed for the town's 25,000 residents but not summer peaks exceeding 100,000. Surfing tourism contributes to overcrowding at spots like Côte des Basques, where peak-season congestion—often 100+ surfers per wave—degrades through increased human activity and wetsuit , while straining marine ecosystems. This localism emerges as experienced local surfers assert priority over novices and tourists, fostering interpersonal conflicts and reducing the activity's intrinsic appeal. Ecologically, such density amplifies risks on the Basque coast, where infrastructure like promenades can hinder natural sand replenishment, compounded by storms; studies note severe at engineered beaches like Grande Plage during extreme events. Socially, tourism drives gentrification via short-term rentals and second homes, inflating property prices and displacing locals. Apartment prices in Biarritz rose 15% in the year to June 2025, with central studios starting at €200,000 and larger units exceeding €1 million, pricing out year-round residents amid demand from affluent visitors. This shift, fueled by platforms like , reduces long-term housing stock and erodes community cohesion, mirroring Basque Country-wide patterns where mass tourism forces relocations and transforms neighborhoods into seasonal enclaves. Seasonal employment booms but fosters precarious jobs, while cultural dilution occurs as commercial spaces prioritize tourist-oriented offerings over local needs.

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