Grand Plage, Biarritz, France — Photo courtesy of Delphine Pernaud Photo Bernard
When the G7 summit and the world’s most powerful leaders descend on Biarritz, you can bet it will have an impact on this sleepy, chic little Basque country surf town. But it’s not the first time that viewers’ attention from around the world will be focused on Biarritz.
In 2017, they hosted the International Surfing Association’s World Surfing Games. Indeed, surfers have been flocking to Biarritz for decades.
But long before that, in the 19th century, it was an empress who first put this soothing sea, sun and sand getaway on the map. Empress Eugenie formed such an attachment to the region that her husband, Napoleon III, set up France’s official imperial court here every summer.
Throughout the season, many diplomatic meetings were held here with the other reigning monarchs of the world, during which they enjoyed balls, fireworks and entertainment on both land and sea. Today, the Villa Eugènie that Napoleon built for her in 1855 functions as the 5-star Hôtel du Palais Biarritz.
The Basque region is also sought out for its regional culinary delights. It has rapidly become something of a mecca for both chefs and gourmet-lovers in recent decades.
Biarritz’s culinary history
Basque country culinary specialities — Photo courtesy of Allyssa Heuze
The Pays Basque, of which Biarritz plays a starring role, is known far and wide for its culinary specialties. Some of the more famous are the jambon de Bayonne IGP, cured ham that comes in slices thicker and gamier than prosciutto, as well as the Spanish pata negra.
The gateau Basque is prolific in the region. It’s both crusty on the outside and soft in the center, usually with a dark cherry or cream filling. It’s worthwhile researching its many incarnations; a few notables in Biarritz’s city center are la Maison Adam, the Chocolaterie Henriet and la Maison Pariès.
The Iraty Farmer’s Market in Biarritz from 4pm – 9pm offers a sight, smell and taste introduction to many of the local and regional products, such as the famous sheep’s Ossau-Iraty cheese, the AOP piment d’Espelette spice, Idoki (a form of authenticity certification) sheep/goat cheeses, Kintoa AOC (cured ham), beef, duck, poultry and the region’s most well-known wine, Irouleguy AOC/AOP in red, white and rosé expressions.
Axoa is the regional dish here, often made with veal and piment d’Espelette. You can also have it made with duck, beef, chicken or pork. It’s a rustic dish and hearty, sort of like a long-simmered, delightfully spicy and flavorful pulled lamb stew.
Must-visit restaurants in Biarritz
The Bay of Biarritz, France — Photo courtesy of Delphine Pernaud Photo Bernard
With a terrace view directly onto the ocean and the Biarritz Lighthouse, Iqori specializes in bistronomy fare. Chef Antoine Chuard oversees an updated dining room and locally sourced products, such as foie gras from Landes.
Chef Andrée Rosier, originally from neighboring Bayonne, was the first woman to earn the MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) distinction for culinary accomplishment. Her restaurant, Les Rosiers, offers delicate, creative expressions of tenderly cultivated and sourced regional products.
Fresh and only the best of the best in terms of quality, chef Fabian Feldmann has earned his Michelin star – and not just because he once worked for Pierre Gagnaire. Everything at his restaurant, L’Impertinent, is made in-house with local Basque products.
Things to see and do in Biarritz
Golf
Le Phare Biarritz Golf Course, Europe’s second oldest — Photo courtesy of Claude Rodriguez
There are 16 golf courses within a 100-kilometer radius around Biarritz. It’s home to the Biarritz Cup as well as other world-class competitions. It’s also home to the second oldest golf course on the continent, the Golf de Biarritz le Phare, created in 1888.
Le Phare de Biarritz
Biarritz Lighthouse in the distance — Photo courtesy of iStock / Fred-D
Standing at 240 feet high, from its perch on Cap Hainsart, the Biarritz Lighthouse overlooks the Grand Plage and the rest of Biarritz’s breathtaking coastline. It was built in 1834. Be prepared to count 248 steps up to reach the top.
Le Rocher de la Vierge
Le Rocher de la Vierge at sunset — Photo courtesy of iStock / Xantana
The Statue of the Madonna is one of Biarritz’s most famous images, inseparable from the town. Its legend states that the whalers who mined the distant waters were besieged by a storm. It was a divine light that guided them back into port. They then erected this statue to the Madonna in 1865 in gratitude.
Cité de l’Océan & Aquarium de Biarritz
While the former is devoted to interactive exhibits like Virtual Surf where you wear virtual glasses while surfing a wave’s tube, the latter is all about seeing fish, sharks and other ocean-dwelling animals/mammals in large aquariums.
Not to be missed are the daily morning and evening seal feedings at the Aquarium and Ocean 3D, an immersive film at the Cité. Just in front of the Cité is the Dame de la Mer sculpture, installed in 2012, by Spanish sculptor Manolo Valdès.
Musée Historique
Biarritz’s historical museum recounts the story of how this little fishing village became the ‘seaside resort of kings.’ It’s housed in an old Anglican church.
Chapelle Impériale
Chapelle Impériale looks down on the sea — Photo courtesy of iStock / Xantana
Built in 1864 at the request of Empress Eugenie and dedicated to Notre Dame de Guadalupe, the Chapelle Impériale is a historically classified monument that unites two architectural styles: Hispano-Mauresque and Roman-Byzantine.
Casino
The Art Déco Casino offers the backdrop of panoramic ocean views as you play roulette anglaise, slot machines or Texas hold’em,