Details for Biarritz

In medieval times and up to the 17th century, Biarritz was an unassuming fishing and whaling community. Spotters would perch on the Atalye plateau above the village and use smoke signals to tell the villagers when whales were nearby. In the 18th century, Biarritz took its first steps towards becoming a tourist destination when the Comtesse de Montijo spent two lazy family holidays here. During the following century, the town's popularity grew as kings and queens of nations, as well as the stars of the silver screen kept visiting. Bette Davis, Frank Sinatra, and Rita Hayworth also came here to explore the Monte Carlo of the Atlantic. Today, the city is primarily a tourist destination, but it still manages to maintain its character and steer clear of tackiness. Biarritz is also a famous spot in the world of surfing. Surfers congregate at several beaches, from Biarritz all the way up to Hossegor. The Grand Plage is a classic beach, while the Miramar Beach–an extension of the Grande Plage–is the most fashionable one among those of the entire Atlantic coast.