- Visit the Casino Municipal – Biarritz and the “Trente Glorieuses”
The starting point for the tour is in front of the majestic Casino Municipal, right in the heart of Biarritz. Built in the 1920s in the Art Deco style, this building symbolizes the city's luxury and rebirth during the Trente Glorieuses (the “Glorious Thirty Years” post-World War II boom period). Here, we will discuss the high society of post-war Biarritz, the development of seaside tourism, and the rise of a middle class in search of leisure, from card games to elegant balls and dips in the sea.
- Place Bellevue – Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie
Walking along the Grande Plage, you will reach Place Bellevue, a veritable balcony overlooking the ocean. Here, we step back into the 19th century, when Biarritz became an imperial destination. You will discover how Empress Eugenie, captivated by the rugged beauty of the coast, convinced Napoleon III to build a summer residence there, thereby launching the fashion for sea bathing and the rise of Biarritz as an upscale resort.
- Port des Pêcheurs – Basque Traditions and Culture
The tour continues to the picturesque Port des Pêcheurs, with its colorful “crampottes” (old fishermen's huts). This charming spot is the traditional heart of the city. Here, you'll immerse yourself in Basque maritime culture. Here, you can still feel the authentic soul of Biarritz.
- Rocher de la Vierge and Port Vieux – Panoramic views and maritime tales
Continuing along the coastal path, you will reach the Virgin on the Rock, the town's iconic landmark. Accessible via a spectacular footbridge, this headland offers breathtaking views over the entire bay, from the beaches to the Pyrenees mountain range.
- Les Halles de Biarritz – A gourmet experience in the heart of the city
The walk ends at Les Halles de Biarritz, the heart of local life. This lively covered market is an explosion of colors, aromas, and flavors: Bayonne ham, sheep’s milk cheese, Espelette pepper, fresh seafood, and more. Here, you’ll discover the central role of cuisine in Basque culture, and, if you wish, you can extend the experience with a drink or some tapas at one of the neighborhood bars.
