1. Meet at the Casino Municipal – Biarritz and the Trente Glorieuses
The tour departure point is in front of the majestic Casino Municipal, right in the heart of Biarritz. Built in the 1920s in an Art Deco style, this building symbolizes the luxury and renewal of the city during the Trente Glorieuses (the post-war economic boom). Here, we will discuss the fashionable Biarritz of the postwar period, the development of seaside tourism, and the rise of a bourgeoisie in search of leisure, with games, elegant balls, and sea bathing.
2. Place Bellevue – Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie
Walking along the Grande Plage, we arrive at Place Bellevue, a true balcony overlooking the ocean. It is here that we step back into the 19th century, when Biarritz became an imperial destination. You will discover how the Empress Eugenie, captivated by the rugged beauty of the coast, persuaded Napoleon III to build a summer residence there, thus launching the fashion for seaside bathing and the rise of Biarritz as an upscale resort.
3. Port des Pêcheurs – Basque traditions and culture
The tour continues to the picturesque Port des Pêcheurs (Fishermen's Harbor), 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. You can still feel the authentic soul of Biarritz here.
4. Rocher de la Vierge and Port Vieux – Panoramic view and maritime tales
Continuing along the coastal path, you will reach the Virgin on the Rock, the city's iconic landmark. Accessible via a spectacular footbridge, this promontory offers breathtaking views of the entire bay, from the beaches to the Pyrenees mountains.
5. Les Halles de Biarritz – A gourmet finale in the heart of the city
The walk ends at Les Halles de Biarritz, the hub of local life. This lively covered market is an explosion of colors, smells and flavors: Bayonne ham, sheep's milk cheese, Espelette pepper, fresh seafood... Here, you will discover the central role of gastronomy in Basque culture, and you can, if you wish, extend the experience with a drink or some tapas in one of the neighborhood's bars.
