Biarritz: where the ocean meets Basque elegance and legends

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