Experience the luxury of the Belle Époque and the charm of the Roaring Twenties on this guided tour of Biarritz. Step back in time to the golden age of this stunning seaside gem in the French Basque Country.
Activity Details
At the indicated time, we'll start our guided tour of Biarritz at the main entrance of the Casino Barrière, from where we'll enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Atlantic.
Next to this luxurious building, we'll begin to discover why Biarritz is one of the most exclusive coastal towns in Aquitaine. To do so, we'll listen to some anecdotes and curiosities of the Belle Époque. This period between 1871 and 1914 was a real boost for the city, just as it was in the so-called “Roaring Twenties.”
At the foot of the casino, we'll find the Great Beach of Biarritz, very popular with surfers. We'll walk along the promenade as we go back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the era when incredible pirate-related episodes took place on these shores.
At one end of the beach, we'll stop in front of one of the most beautiful buildings in the city: the Hôtel du Palais. In front of its façade, we'll learn about the history of the marriage between Eugénie de Montijo and Napoleon III, the promoters of this palace-hotel.
Next, we'll continue our tour of Biarritz at the other end of the beach. Here we'll contemplate the majestic architecture of the church of Saint Eugénie, built in honour of the emperor's wife.
Following the path parallel to the coast, we'll pass by the Biarritz Aquarium and finally arrive at the Rocher de la Vierge or Rock of the Virgin. This is a crag overlooking the sea, on which there is a carving of a virgin. To reach this place, we'll cross a footbridge over the Atlantic, the only access to the islet.
After an hour and a half's walk, we'll end the tour at this last point.
