- Head to the Municipal Casino – Biarritz and the Glorious Thirties
The tour starts in front of the majestic Municipal Casino, 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. We'll talk about the socialite Biarritz of the post-war period, the development of seaside tourism, and the rise of a bourgeoisie in search of leisure, between games, elegant balls, and sea bathing.
- Place Bellevue – Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie
Walking along the Grande Plage, you'll arrive at Place Bellevue, a true balcony overlooking the ocean. This is where we dive back into the 19th century, when Biarritz became an imperial destination. You'll discover how Empress Eugenie, seduced by the wild beauty of the coast, convinced Napoleon III to build a summer residence there, thus 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 place is the traditional heart of the city. Here, you'll dive into the maritime Basque culture. 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'll reach the Rocher de la Vierge, the city's emblem. Accessible via a spectacular footbridge, this promontory offers breathtaking views of the entire bay, from the beaches to the Pyrenees.
- Les Halles de Biarritz – A gourmet finish in the heart of the city
The walk ends at the Halles de Biarritz, the nerve center of local life. This lively covered market is an explosion of colors, smells, and flavors: Bayonne ham, sheep's cheese, Espelette pepper, fresh seafood… Here, you'll 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 bars.
