Category: Travel diaries

Cover photo: Côte des Légendes, Brittany © Shutterstock / BreizhPixelWeb

The Côte des Légendes (Coast of Legends) takes its name from the many historical sites that inspired Breton legends, tales, and folklore. It stretches for nearly fifteen kilometres between the towns of Guissény, Goulven, Kerlouan, Brignogan-Plages, and Plounéour-Trez. Let’s set off to discover this land of legends, with its authentic monuments, unspoilt nature, and dramatic coastline. If you take your time, you’ll find that Breton magic is all around you: behind every corner, a fountain of youth awaits, and a megalith rises from the middle of a field. Every place is steeped in enchantment. 

Lesneven, the charm of heritage

Begin your journey through this authentic heritage in the town of Lesneven. Capital of the former Pays de Léon, Lesneven reveals itself through granite-hued streets, old Breton houses with blue shutters, and age-old legends. Since 1720, the former Ursuline Convent has watched over the town. This multifaceted building has served as a maritime hospital for Brest fishermen, a girls’ school, and now stands as a guardian of regional history as the Léon Museum. Its former chapel, cloister, arcades, and stained-glass windows offer visitors a true journey through time. 

Immerse yourself in 50 years of history by watching the film about the Léon Museum, tucked away in the heart of the convent, or explore the heritage of the Pays de Léon on a connected walking tour through its streets.
As you wander through the town, take the time to slow down and enjoy the Monday market! Crowned the ‘Most Beautiful Market in France’ by TF1 in 2021, the square comes alive with authentic local traders offering honey, beer, Breton crêpes, and more not to mention live music and passionate artisans who delight visitors of all ages.

Lesneven is full of surprises. At every turn, you might stumble upon the Eye of Lesneven, a striking sculpture by artist Marc Didou, inspired by a 1628 engraving and now a landmark of local heritage.
Let yourself be captivated by Place Flo and its mysterious “watchful eye”… and above all, by the timeless charm of Brittany’s most authentic villages.

Coast of Legends and Faith

The tour of the Côte des Légendes continues in Folgoët, a medieval town where a spiritual atmosphere seems to permeate the winding streets. At the heart of it all stands a true architectural gem: the Basilique Notre-Dame de Folgoët. This imposing Gothic church, adorned with black kersanton stone and majestic stained-glass windows, has stood here since 1423, resisting both fires and the ravages of the Revolution. Now over 600 years old, the basilica was once a favourite of Anne of Brittany and remains a place of mystical contemplation.

The builder’s words are said to still echo within these sacred walls. According to legend, Salaün ar Fol prayed to the Virgin Mary throughout the construction, and upon his death, a lily engraved with the words Ave Maria miraculously appeared on the home of the young craftsman, who is said to have lived in a hollow tree.
The town takes its name from the Breton word Folgoad, meaning “the madman of the woods,” in homage to its builder. Since then, the monument has been considered sacred, becoming a major site of pilgrimage. Every year, 20,000 travellers come in search of the mystery behind the healing fountain of Folgoët. And since 2020, artist NUSH has drawn inspiration from this local legend to create The Hollow Tree — an installation located behind the Basilica that symbolically retraces the story.

If you’re lucky enough to be near the Basilica, you might spot some black Ouessant sheep or ditch goats — one of the smallest sheep breeds in the world.

Unspoilt Nature and Rich Biodiversity

The Côte des Légendes is a concentrated dose of unspoilt nature. Its black cliffs, unpredictable waves, and salty sea air conceal a landscape as breathtaking as it is mysterious. Modest in size — just fifteen kilometres long — the Côte des Légendes nonetheless reveals unexpected treasures, including three natural gems classified as Natura 2000 sites.

From the Curnic marsh in Guissény, where reeds rustle in the wind and dunes shelter rare orchids (eleven species in total), glass-winged dragonflies, and silent storks, to the Landes de Langazel, guardians of 11,500 years of history, where meadows, ponds, discreet insects, and wild carnivorous plants still whisper ancient tales of life… and finally to the Bay of Goulven, a vast amphitheatre of foam and sky, a sanctuary for over 20,000 birds and 163 species, protected under the RAMSAR convention.

A short walk, yet a profound journey through time, life, and nature’s unbroken memory. For the more adventurous, the GR34 offers even greater rewards, 2,000 km of Breton coastline revealing wonders of authenticity, including the small town of Meneham and the legendary lighthouse of Pontusval.

Meneham has stood the test of time, its appearance shaped by wind and tide: once a guardhouse watching over the sea, then a barracks, a hamlet of peasant fishermen, and later a village of artisans.
Today, it stands as a living jewel of Breton heritage. Between Roscoff and Les Abers, you’ll find a string of thatched cottages nestled against the rocks, a landscape sculpted by granite and time, where beaches blend with dark stone blocks like remnants of another world. Its name, derived from Menez and Ham, meaning ‘hamlet on the hill’, already evokes the delicate balance between sky and earth.

Listed as a historic site since 1975, it now celebrates, like Teritoria, 50 years of recognition. This is where the land of Pagan begins: a place of legends, shadows, and ancient tales. It is said that the great stones are creatures frozen by a spell. The most famous legend tells of the Paganiz and their ghostly shipwreckers, who lured ships to the coast to plunder the wrecks under the black moon. Today, Meneham has been transformed into a creative haven, a village of artisans where you can discover the skills of leatherworking, woodworking, ceramics, and even photography. Each workshop is a window into a craft, a memory, a hand shaping the present.

A few kilometres from the village of Meneham rises the Pontusval Lighthouse, an 18-metre-high structure perched on the rocks of Plounéour-Brignogan-Plages, where it has stood for over 150 years. Once used as a blockhouse during the Great War, it is now one of fourteen lighthouses in Finistère listed as historic monuments, though fully automated since 2003. In Breton, the word for lighthouse is tour-tan, meaning “tower of fire”, a fitting name for Pontusval, which is deeply tied to fire through local legend. According to the tale, a dragon once lived in the valley at Pontusval, feasting on three innocent victims every Sunday. One day, when the beast set its sights on the lord’s son, the despairing father threw himself from a cliff, only to be saved at the last moment by the knights of Pontusval, who rose to face the dragon and ultimately cast it into the sea. The name of the town is said to come from this legend: from the Breton Poul Beuz an Aneval, meaning “the abyss where the beast was drowned.” 

As a tribute to the legend, The Dragon’s Egg is an art installation created by Les Nouveaux Voisins as part of the Ribin’ de l’Imaginaire festival. This charred wood structure, shaped like an egg, rests among the rocks and crystal-clear waters. 

Dsicover this unique path, where every stone, every wave, and every breath of wind tells a story. Whether you’re a dreamer, an explorer, or simply curious, your legend begins here.

If you’ve been enchanted by the magic of the Côte des Légendes, explore Teritoria’s hotels and restaurants across Brittany to plan your stay. Browse our gift shop to bring home a little Breton magic, or subscribe to our free newsletter for inspiration, travel ideas, and stories from the region.   

By Émilie FALLOT NGUYEN 

Cover photo: View of the Cochem River in Moselle © shutterstock / Robert Harding Video 

At the crossroads of France, Luxembourg and Germany, Moselle embodies a unique history of cultural fusion. Having been alternately French and German, the region bears the lasting traces of both influences: a Franconian dialect that is still spoken today and architecture that blends German neo-Gothic and French classicism. This dual culture has shaped Moselle’s identity. Its turbulent past has produced a region rich in contrasts, where German and French styles interwine to form a living bridge between two worlds. This article invites you to explore the places in Moselle where traces of this great history still endure.  

Moselle’s French identity rooted in its heritage 

This department nestled in the Grand Est region, preserves part of its French identity despite Germanic influences, and heritage visible in its architectural monuments.

The Saint-Etienne Cathedral, with its typical French style  

Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz is one of the jewels of French Gothic architecture. It is known as the Lantern of God because of its exceptional stained-glass windows, which fill the building with light and give it an almost mystical aura. It is a remarkable architectural achievement, with nearly 6,500 square metres of stained-glass windows, among the largest collections of ancient stained glass in Europe.

Some of the panels are signed by the great French artist Chagall, further enhancing the artistic and symbolic significance of the site. Saint-Étienne Cathedral is distinguished by its monumental nave, rising to a height of 41 metres, making it one of the tallest in France. Its soaring height powerfully conveys the spiritual ambition of the Gothic style. While affirming its French architectural identity, it also embodies Metz’s historical roots in the Kingdom of France before its annexation by Germany in 1871. 

The cathedral also has one of the oldest organs in France, dating back to 1537. This historic instrument is part of the exceptional musical heritage of Moselle, France’s second-ranked department for the number of organs. It’s part of the Moselle Organ Trail, a route created to promote, maintain, and showcase this unique heritage. 

The Château de Sierck, a French medieval castle  

Also known as the Castle of the Dukes of Lorraine, the fortified site of Sierck-les-Bains stands on a rocky promontory overlooking the Moselle valley, at the border with Luxembourg and Germany. Nestled in lush green countryside, this thousand-year-old castle, whose origins date back to the 11th century, was one of the favourite residences of the Dukes of Lorraine until the 17th century.

Its architecture blends harmoniously with the landscape: an oval enclosure, massive towers and stone walls that tell a story shaped by the centuries at every turn. Transformed and embellished over time, it now stands as a remarkable testimony to the evolution of French architecture.

Beyond its past, the castle charms you with its unique atmosphere: exceptional views of the Moselle, walks among the ruins, temporary exhibitions and historical events. Immerse yourself in a setting that combines history, landscape and vibrant culture.

The oldest theatre in France    

Take a break in Metz on your way through the Moselle region. The ‘golden city’ is home to the oldest theatre in France. The Metz Opera Theatre, built in the 18th century, is still in use today, 700 years after it was first opened. It stands in the heart of the Moselle region, having witnessed changes in eras and rulers. In the 19th century, major plays by Victor Hugo, such as Hernani, were performed here shortly after their Paris premieres. 

As Victor Hugo said: ‘The theatre is a point of view. Everything that exists in the world, in history, must and can be reflected there.’ A wonderful stopover and a great quote as you explore the history of the Moselle. But now it’s time to head back to the German side…

German influence in the streets of Moselle   

While in Metz, spend some time visiting the city, as there are other attractions to discover…

The medieval quarter of Metz, symbol of annexation

Reinvented by Emperor Wilhelm II at the end of the 19th century, this quarter has preserved the memory of nearly fifty years of German rule in France. But far from being frozen in time, this era has left a lasting mark on the neighbourhood’s visual and cultural identity: narrow streets and half-timbered houses stand alongside massive buildings with a Germanic appearance, where golden Jaumont stone meets neo-Romanesque austerity. Far from being a historical stroll, the neighbourhood reveals a city rebuilt with opulence to assert the power of the German Empire, blending local heritage and imperial ambition.  rigueur néo-romane. Loin d’une promenade historique, le quartier révèle une ville reconstruite avec faste pour affirmer la puissance de l’Empire allemand, mêlant patrimoine local et ambition impériale. 

As you wander through the city, you’ll come across medieval shops and take in spectacular views of the Neue Stadt (“new town” in German), as if Metz were still caught between two cultures. It’s a journey into a suspended world, where echoes of the Holy Roman Empire and dreams of grandeur intersect at every street corner, a fragment of Alsace-Lorraine, where Europe’s story is written on the walls. 

A Journey Through time: the Citadel of Bitche

No, this is not an insult, but a medieval town nestled in the Grand Est region. Dominating the rolling landscapes of the town of Bitche, the eponymous citadel, a 17th-century masterpiece by Vauban, seems to rise out of the rock itself, powerful and serene at the same time. In 1870, it was the heart of the Moselle resistance against the German and Prussian assaults, embodying the region’s fierce attachment to its identity. 

Today, through an immersive and poignant tour, its bastions recount the story of a heroic siege and a contested territory. The Citadel of Bitche offers a powerful experience of its underground passages through a cinematic journey. Equipped with headphones, you are led by the voices of soldiers from a docu-fiction series, projected in episodes along the route, depicting the siege of 1870 to 1871.

After this immersion, the upper plateau of the citadel offers you an exceptional panorama of the Northern Vosges. On the way down, the Jardin pour la Paix (Garden for Peace), located at the foot of the citadel, invites you to relax in a green setting covering almost 500 metres.   

Moselle is a land of open-air history, where every stone bears witness to centuries of conflict and coexistence. To explore even more places steeped in history and culture, discover our Teritoria hotels and restaurants in the region, as well as other authentic places and experiences available on our gift shop. For more inspiring stories, subscribe to our newsletter for free. If you’re already convinced, find out how you can get a refund on part of your next experience with our loyalty programme.  

By Emilie Fallot Nguyen 

Cover photo : Shutterstock © Claudio Giovanni Colombo

Once you catch sight of the fortifications of Toul, an irresistible urge takes hold: the desire to step back in time. Here, no crowds, no mass tourism. The city unfolds slowly, on foot, to the rhythm of cobblestones and bell towers. This medieval town, nestled in the heart of the Moselle, exude a raw and tranquil charm, forged by centuries of history.

It is a town on a human scale, to be explored with all the senses: your eyes for the architecture, your taste buds for the flavors, and your heart for the memories. 

Toul’s Citadel and Ramparts: In the Footsteps of Vauban 

Listed as a Historic Monument, the ramparts encircle the city like a vast stone book open to the region’s history. Vauban’s genius left a powerful mark here: star-shaped bastions, camouflaged casemates and and grassy glacis where nature has reclaimed the space. As you walk along the moats or atop the ramparts, you can read in these walls the tensions of the 17th and 18th centuries, when Toul was a strategic stronghold between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire.

It’s more than just a walk through history — from the bastions, the view over the city is striking: red rooftops, Gothic spires, and rolling green hills. At every turn, you feel the layered complexity of a fortified city that has long stood its ground to preserve its authenticity. 

Toul’s medieval center: a slow walk through centuries  

Once beyond the city walls, immerse yourself in the old town. 
There are no straight avenues or Haussmann-style boulevards here, just a tangle of cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, shaded squares, and hidden courtyards. 

At every corner, the streets seem to whisper memories. 

Here, you find the imprint of bishops, medieval craftsmen, canons, soldiers and generations of Toulois ( Toul residents) who shaped the city over the centuries. 

Saint-Gengoult Collegiate Church: a hidden elegance  

Lesser known, yet just as impressive, the Saint-Gengoult Collegiate Church is well worth a stop. This 13th-century Gothic church is remarkable for its luminous interior, shaped by white-glass windows and open, airy architecture. Its cloister, one of the most elegant in Lorraine, invites quiet reflection. The calm here feels worlds away from the noise outside. You’ll also find stained-glass windows of exceptional finesse, dating from the same period as those in the cathedral  together forming a unique ensemble in the region.

Listed as a Historic Monument since 1862, Saint-Gengoult Church is a distillation of religious history, sacred art, and architectural ingenuity.  It gently extends the spiritual journey begun at Toul’s cathedral. 

A taste of Toul: between cellar and terroir 

After this immersion in the past, it’s time to enjoy the local flavours, because Toul is also wine region. Head to the surrounding hillsides for a tasting in one of the Côtes-de-Toul AOC cellars. The region’s famous ‘gris de Toul’, a subtle and floral rosé, has been produced here for centuries. You’ll also find excellent Pinot Noir and fresh, vibrant Auxerrois wines. 

Meet a winegrower, listen to the story of their vines, and discover the unique character of the local terroir. It’s another way to extend your visit through the language of taste, climate, and patience.  The wine here is like the city itself: discreet, complex, and true to its roots.

Toul is a promise of a journey back in time, far from the crowds and noise. From the moment the first ramparts come into view, you walk, you breathe, you taste… and begin to understand what it truly means to ‘slow down’. The city may lack the sparkle of a regional capital, but it offers something far rarer: unspoilt authenticity. It’s a place to explore slowly, to observe without hurry, to listen as night falls. So if you’re looking for a getaway off the beaten path, an encounter with our terroir without the staging, subscribe to our newsletter, discover more authentic experiences to offer and plan your next getaway with our loyalty programme.   

An article written by Emilie Fallot Nguyen 

Cover photo: Shutterstock © EBASCOL

Long before beer became a symbol of festive occasions and conviviality, the French were already enjoying cervoise, a fermented drink made without hops but with gruit, the direct ancestor of modern beer. In this region of eastern France, this millennial heritage is now expressed through innovative breweries, preserved traditions and a thriving brewing culture. Between Charleville-Mézières and Stenay, through medieval villages and wooded valleys, a whole gourmet beer route awaits curious visitors.

Along the way, unexpected stops invite you to discover local savoir-faire: brewery tours, tastings, unique experiences like beer spa, and educational walks through hop fields. The Grand Est, land of barley and hops, produces distinctive beers, crafted by a new generation of brewers. 

The Beer Route

Inspired by the the wine route model, this brewery tour offers visitors a unique chance to to meet dedicated producers, visit production sites and discover some lesser-known beers. 

The Beer Route, celebrating a lesser-known French tradition 

French beer has been the drink of choice in the Ardennes since the 12th century. And since the 2000s, the art of brewing has experienced a revival in the Grand Est region, much to the delight of enthusiasts.

From the borders of Luxembourg to the Val d’Ardenne, the route begins in Stenay with its Beer Museum, which traces the history and influences of the art of brewing over nearly 800 years. 

The tour continues in Sedan, where the Brasserie Docquin, founded in 1706, welcomes you to a former farmhouse listed as an industrial heritage site since 1896. Here, you can go behind the scenes of brewing and sample a classic local beer. The Beer Museum and the Sedan Brewing School complete the experience, teaching you everything you need to know about this ancient craft. Next, the tour takes you to Charleville-Mézières, known as the ‘City of Poetry’ and beloved by the young Arthur Rimbaud. Once there, you’ll lose track of time as you visit the Petite Brasserie Ardennaise – De Malt et d’Ô, and savour L’Oubliette, a beer brewed from malt, hops, and yeast with no additives or preservatives.

Be amazed by their expertise in all its forms: amber, blonde, dark (known as stout), or white! While you’re in the area, make sure to stop in Launois-sur-Vence, a town committed to both heritage and brewing. On one side, the Les Sabots du Relais association has restored the 17th-century postal relay, keeping the region’s equestrian tradition alive. On the other, Ardwen Brewery, just a stone’s throw away, showcases the local craft beer scene. A must-see stop along the Beer Route!

Walking in the footsteps of hops

For lovers of the outdoors and local know-how, the Sentier du Houblon (Hop Trail) around Wingersheim-les-Quatre-Bans is a must. This 4.5 km trail, open to the public from April to September, offers guided tours every Wednesday during the summer. The highlight is the harvest season (mid-August to mid-September), when the hop fields resemble vertical forests.

The trail connects farms and breweries (such as Holtzmann and Pfister) and offers an exceptional views from the Croix de l’Année Sainte. This route, easily accessible from Strasbourg, can be explored on foot or by bike and combines nature, culture and the pleasures of hops.

Brewing highlights  

Rocroi: a star-shaped town that brews its identity 

In Rocroi, a medieval town with a star-shaped fortifications, local history meets modernity. Under the initiative of Mayor Denis Binet, the town created its own beer: Rocroy Beer, with a ‘y’ to differentiate it, the result of a collaboration between three local breweries. To go with it, a local made cheese celebrates the heritage while supporting the local economy.

This small town in the Ardennes offers much more than just its local beers. Rocroi has preserved the traditional architecture of its fortresses and is one of the few towns in France that has maintained its original layout. Built in 1555 during the reign of Henry II, the fortress of Rocroi was designed to withstand attacks. A site of historic victories, Rocroi still features has Vauban’s three gateways and ten star-shaped streets, unchanged since they were constructed.

Senones: L’Opercule, the taste of honey and organic ingredients 

In the Vosges, 20 minutes from Saint-Dié, the craft brewery L’Opercule stands out for its originality. The brewers, who are also beekeepers, incorporate mountain honey into their recipe. The result is a smooth, subtle, 100% organic beer, bottle-fermented. Located in a former abbey, the site offers immersive tours that take you deep into the brewing process.

Hochfelden: Villa Meteor, 400 years of history

More than just a brewery, Villa Meteor in Hochfelden offers a glimpse into the history of brewing in Alsace, from 1640 to the present day.

The 90-minute tour is a real sensory experience: discover the raw ingredients from the garden (including gruit), visit the family home, the laboratories, the brewing and fermentation rooms, before enjoying a tasting at the bar.  

A unique break: the beer spa

Opening in Strasbourg in 2022, Taaka Beer Spa is the first establishment in France to offer a beer-based wellness experience. Bathe in a hop infusion, sample local beers, enjoy cheese and charcuterie boards… All in a chic and cosy setting. This is no marketing error: hops, malt and yeast have real benefits for the skin and hair. 

The name Taaka, a nod to the Alsatian stork (in Maori), symbolizes the establishment’s attachment to the region and its local raw materials.

The Ardennes Beer Route is much more than just a gourmet itinerary. It is a journey back in time, exploring monastic traditions, rural expertise, artisanal revival and surprising innovations. As the heir to Gallic cervoise, the Grand Est region proves that beer is a serious business… and a deliciously joyful one at the same time. 

If this article has inspired you to explore the hidden gems of the Grand Est region, visit our Teritoria website or stop by our gift shop to discover even more authentic places and experiences. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with our latest discoveries. Already planning your trip? Check out our loyalty programme, a great way to prepare your stay and get rewarded for your experiences in the heart of the region. 

As a reminder, alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health and should be consumed in moderation.

By Emilie Fallot Nguyen 

Cover photo: Small beach in Biarritz ©shutterstock/ctimsimages.uk

You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world for a complete change of scenery. Just drop your bags at Biarritz, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the pearl of the Basque coast. A town with unique charm where the Atlantic meets tradition, and where every street, every rock, every wave tells a story. Less than 40 km from Spain, with the southern charm of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, between beaches, casinos and an authentic town, the city of Richard the Lionheart is appreciated by tourists from all over the world. At Teritoria, our mission is to help you travel off the beaten track. If you are looking for a stay between the sea and the town in New Aquitaine, we have just what you need… So let’s set off to discover the hidden gems of Biarritz.

Biarritz: the sea, the ocean, the beach – and the dream of dolce far niente

Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Biarritz exudes charm and natural elegance. Here, powerful waves lap against the cliffs and caress the long sandy beaches, offering a permanent spectacle. The Atlantic, alive and untamed, sculpts every corner of the coastline and shapes the very identity of the town. Its changing light, at times soft and golden, sometimes dramatic beneath the clouds, creates a unique, almost cinematic atmosphere.  

Biarritz and the sea

Above all, Biarritz is the sea: ever-present, vibrant, and majestic. On the Grande Plage, you can stroll to the rhythm of the tides, among swimmers, surfers and seaside elegance. But it is on the Côte des Basques, the cradle of surfing in France in the 1950s, that the spectacle becomes magical. 

Unlike the Mediterranean Sea, the Basque seas around Biarritz are more unpredictable, ideal for surfers. Surrounded by green cliffs, they offer spectacular views and a peaceful, timeless atmosphere. 

The town is more than just a picture postcard. It bears the marks of a rich and cosmopolitan past. One of its symbols is the Rocher de la Vierge, a true stone sentinel, battered by the waves. 

Erected in memory of a sea miracle, it recalls a local legend: sailors lost at sea during a violent storm are said to have miraculously found their way back to dry land thanks to a divine light emanating from a cliff. They saw this as a divine sign and thanked providence by erecting the Virgin Mary’s statue on the cliff. 

For over a century, the Virgin Mary has watched over sailors, offering visitors an unforgettable view of the bay and the Pyrenees.  

Not far away, the Biarritz Lighthouse proudly towers over the ocean from a height of 73 metres. It has been guiding sailors and dreamers since 1834. Climb its 248 steps to enjoy a breathtaking view of the town and the immensity of the Atlantic. 

What’s more, this lighthouse is steeped in culture and history: in the 19th century, its dioptric lantern was equipped with one of the first concentric ring lenses designed by Augustin Fresnel. Automated since 1980, it remains a valuable witness to the evolution of maritime signaling techniques.   

Biarritz, a town rich in heritage 

From a simple fishing and farming village to a resort favored by the imperial couple of the former regime, Biarritz has evolved over time, drawing inspiration from every era it has lived through. In 1843, Victor Hugo described it as a “charming and magnificent place”, fearing only that it would become… too trendy. Explore its streets and sights, far from the crowds…

A town immersed in French history

Another symbol of yesteryear’s elegance is the Villa Belza. It has overlooked the “Devil’s Hole” since the 19th century. Built in 1882 by Ange Dufresnay, a visionary Parisian businessman, the Villa Belza stands majestically on a black rock, where the ocean roars fiercely. Its neo-medieval silhouette, with its turrets and dark façade, has always been a source of fascination and mystery: its name, Belza, which means ‘black’ in Basque, intrigues and fuels popular stories. Behind this name lies a little-known story: that of Marie Belza Dubreuil, the owner’s wife, whose surname was passed on by a Caribbean governess who saved the Dubreuil children during the upheavals of the Revolution. The name thus became a symbol of a heroic act and a unique legacy.

Faced with the upheavals of the last century, the villa lost its role as a party venue during the Roaring Twenties, and the “Château Basque” was transformed into a blockhouse during the wars. It then gradually fell into oblivion following a fire, before being restored to its former glory through meticulous restoration work between 2015 and 2018. Today, it retains all its splendor and continues to enchant both visitors and locals, preserving a piece of local history that oscillates between legend, nostalgia and modernity. Villa Belza is not just a building: it is a mythical stone structure, a theatre of elegance and mystery.

A heritage shaped by history

At the heart of this wild natural setting, Biarritz shines with refinement and authenticity. A former whaling port turned imperial seaside resort, the town combines elegant architecture, Basque traditions and a culture of water sports. Visitors can stroll among old villas, lively cafés, premium casinos and colourful markets, always with the ocean as a backdrop.

The Grande Plage, the Côte des Basques, and the Rocher de la Vierge offer spectacular views, where land and sea are in constant dialogue.

Basque cuisine and authenticity

Biarritz has also a rich, lively and generous culinary culture. At the Port des Pêcheurs, the small fishermen’s huts known as ‘crampottes’ are used as restaurants where you can enjoy seafood and other culinary specialties while watching the boats.   

A few steps away, the Halles de Biarritz come alive with a cheerful atmosphere every morning. Here you can sample local produce, sheep’s cheese, chilies, Bayonne ham, Basque cake… and above all, the local way of life.

Biarritz is not to be visited. It’s to be felt. It can be admired from a rock, savoured at a vibrant table, breathed in at the top of a lighthouse, experienced barefoot on the sand or with your gaze lost in the ocean. It’s a place where you come to see… and where you return to feel.

If this itinerary has made you want to drop anchor in Biarritz, start planning your next visit with Teritoria. Subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring ideas, and explore our gift shop for authentic experiences. Join our loyalty programme to enjoy exclusive offers and privileges all year round. The ocean awaits you — with a few extra gifts. 

By Emilie Fallot Nguyen