Biarritz

Biarritz is a famous coastal town in French Basque Country, which first became popular with the aristocracy and then with wealthy British tourists in the mid-19th century, when Empress Eugenie fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach at what is now the world class Hotel de Paris. Today, Biarritz attracts crowd from all over the world. The beaches, casinos, golf courses and surfing spots have made it a haven for outdoor-loving sun worshippers.

Biarritz has three beaches, with the best surfing in Europe and two casinos. A fun and very lively town for teenagers in summertime, there's always something going on, a band playing, jugglers in the street, and painters in the old port, skate boarders or roller skaters showing off their talent. Biarritz weather also provides a perfect environment for sport lovers, its long sandy beaches and incredible waves attract surfers from all over the world. The Biarritz Surf Festival is the summer surf event in Europe, bringing together some of the greatest names in Hawaiian and world surfing for a week of long board contests and music and films, on the beach at the Côte des Basques, the birthplace of surfing in France.

Asiatica Museum is a town's newest muesum has an unusual collection, mostly from India, Nepal, Tibet, and China. It has already been recognized as one of the top museums of oriental culture in Europe today.

The Sea Museum, built in 1933 at the foot of an old semaphore was entirely renovated in 1993. It presents its collections such as aquariums with more than 150 fish species, the seal basin and the dogfish grotto, gigantic cetacean skeletons, fishing exhibits and an ornithological gallery with 350 bird species.

Chocolate Museum provides an unusual experience to discover the world of chocolate, Art and history of chocolate on display to inform visitors all about one of the most widely desired comfort foods in the world.

Eglise St. Martin is one of the few vestiges of the port's early boom days. In the 12th century, Biarritz grew prosperous as a whaling center. The mammals' departure from the Bay of Biscay marked a decline in the port's fortunes. The church dates from the 1100s and was restored in 1541 with a Flamboyant Gothic chancel.

Place Ste. Eugenie is a popular public square with many restaurants lining the sides offers an ideal meeting spot. The Port des Pecheurs, or fisherman's port, lies next to the Place and offers some excellent seafood dining. At the southern edge of Grande Plage, steps will take visitor to particular place.