Biarritz history

Origins and Foundation of Biarritz

The history of Biarritz begins long before it became a famous resort for European aristocracy. Initially, it was a modest settlement whose destiny and survival depended entirely on the ocean.

Foundation and First Mentions

The exact date of the city's foundation is not recorded in historical chronicles, as the settlement formed naturally. The first written mentions date back to the 12th century. In documents from 1186, the place appears under the name Beariz. Linguists believe that the city's name has Basque roots and is linked to words meaning "two cliffs" or a "rocky place," which perfectly matches the local terrain.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small village into a significant settlement was driven by the following factors:

• Geography and Nature: Its location on the shores of the Bay of Biscay with a natural cove (now the Old Port) created ideal conditions for access to the open sea, despite the turbulent nature of the ocean in this region.
• Whaling: This was the main engine of the economy. From the 12th century, local sailors specialized in hunting whales, which in those times came close to the shore. The importance of this trade is highlighted by the fact that an image of a whaling boat and a harpoon still adorns the city's coat of arms.
• Political Influence: Located in the historical province of Labourd, Biarritz experienced periods of English rule (as part of Aquitaine) and a subsequent return to the French crown, which shaped the distinct cultural mentality of its residents.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Up until the 17th century, life in Biarritz was harsh and full of danger. The economy was built on the extraction and processing of whale oil, which was used for lighting across Europe, as well as on fishing. The locals were renowned as courageous navigators.

Radical changes began only in the 18th century when the whales left the coastal waters. Around the same time, doctors began recommending sea bathing as a therapeutic procedure. Gradually, the rugged whaling port began to transform into a health centre, laying the foundation for the future "King of Beaches," which Biarritz became in the 19th century.

Major Milestones in the History of Biarritz

From a small whaling port to the capital of European surfing — here are the key dates that determined the city's destiny.

• 1186 — First written mention of the settlement under the name Beariz in the church archives of Bayonne.
• 1686 — A doctor from Bayonne recommends sea bathing in Biarritz to Lady de Montespan, sparking the aristocracy's interest in the healing properties of the local waters.
• 1843 — Victor Hugo visits the city and prophetically predicts its imminent transformation from a quiet village into a fashionable resort.
• 1854 — Emperor Napoleon III builds the majestic residence "Villa Eugénie" (now Hôtel du Palais) for his wife Eugénie, turning Biarritz into the summer capital of France.
• 1863 — The railway arrives in the city, opening the way for mass tourism from Paris and Spain.
• 1864 — Construction of the bridge to the Rock of the Virgin (Rocher de la Vierge) is completed, designed by the bureau of Gustave Eiffel.
• 1892 — Consecration of the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built for the numerous Russian nobility who regularly holidayed at the resort.
• 1901 — Grand opening of the Municipal Casino, which became the centre of social life during the Belle Époque.
• 1915 — Coco Chanel opens her first haute couture house in Biarritz, inspired by the elegance of the local public.
• 1929 — Opening of the Art Deco style Casino Barrière on the Grande Plage, marking the height of the "Roaring Twenties."
• 1957 — American screenwriter Peter Viertel stands on a board for the first time at the Côte des Basques beach, considered the moment surfing was born in Europe.
• 1994 — Opening of the "City of the Ocean" museum (Cité de l'Océan) and extensive renovation of the embankments.
• 2019 — Biarritz hosts the G7 Summit, confirming its high international status.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Biarritz is an example of an amazing transformation, where each stage left an indelible mark on the city's architecture and culture. Here are the key milestones that shaped the modern look of the resort:

• Change of Economic Paradigm (18th Century):

  The depletion of the whale population led to the decline of the traditional trade. However, the city quickly reoriented itself towards health tourism when doctors began prescribing sea bathing. This decision saved the region's economy and laid the groundwork for its future fame as a resort.

• Imperial Urbanisation (1850s):

  The arrival of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie was a turning point. The construction of Villa Eugénie led to large-scale urban planning changes: the creation of parks, the laying of new roads, and the reinforcement of the coastline, turning the fishing village into an elite European city.

• Transport Revolution (1864):

  The arrival of the railway (Paris — Madrid line) made the resort accessible not only to monarchs but also to the bourgeoisie. This led to sharp population growth and a construction boom, including the appearance of grandiose hotels to accommodate the growing flow of tourists.

• "Russian Season" and Multiculturalism (Late 19th Century):

  Frequent visits by Russian nobility enriched the cultural landscape of the city. The construction of the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral became a symbol of Biarritz's international status, strengthening its image as a meeting place for the world's elite.

• Architectural Flourishing of the 1920s (Roaring Twenties):

  During this period, the city acquired its unique Art Deco architectural style. The construction of casinos and villas in this style, as well as the opening of Coco Chanel's fashion house, cemented Biarritz's reputation as a centre of high society and high fashion.

• Birth of European Surfing (1957):

  A chance visit by a film crew from Hollywood introduced the locals to surfing. This event radically rejuvenated the resort's audience, adding a sporting spirit to the aristocratic gloss and forming a new youth subculture that thrives here to this day.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Biarritz represents a unique eclectic mosaic, where traditional Basque motifs sit side by side with imperial luxury and the strict geometry of Art Deco. The urban development of the city was not linear: it occurred in leaps, each associated with an influx of new elites — from the imperial court to the stars of the "Roaring Twenties."

Major Architectural Eras and Styles

The city's appearance was shaped by the fashion of different decades, creating an open-air museum.

• Neo-Basque Style (Regionalism)

  Although this style mimics ancient traditions, its heyday came in the early 20th century as a reaction to urbanisation. Architects sought to preserve the region's identity.

  • Characteristic features: Asymmetrical roofs, white facades with timber framing (half-timbering) painted in traditional red (sang de bœuf) or green.
  • Examples: Residential quarters of the city and numerous private villas, for example, Villa Natacha.
• Second Empire and Eclecticism (1850–1870s)

  The era of Napoleon III turned the fishing village into a resort. The architecture of this period is distinguished by a striving for pomp and a mix of historical styles.

  • Characteristic features: Mansard roofs, use of brick and stone, abundant decor, turrets, and grand staircases.
  • Landmark building: Hôtel du Palais (formerly Villa Eugénie) — the summer residence of the Empress, built in the shape of the letter "E" (in honour of the name Eugénie).
• Belle Époque and Historicism (Late 19th Century)

  At this time, Biarritz became a meeting place for European and Russian aristocracy, leading to the appearance of iconic structures in styles exotic for France.

  • Styles: Neo-Gothic, Neo-Byzantine style.
  • Landmark buildings: Imperial Chapel (a combination of Hispano-Moorish and Romanesque styles) and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Neo-Byzantine style with characteristic onion domes).
• Art Deco (1920–1930s)

  In the "Roaring Twenties," Biarritz experienced a second golden age. The city became a platform for bold architectural experiments reflecting the spirit of modernity and luxury.

  • Characteristic features: Strict geometry, use of reinforced concrete, stained glass, stylized ornaments, flat roofs, and elegant lines.
  • Landmark buildings: Municipal Casino (Casino Municipal) with its famous theatre and pool, as well as the Aquarium building (Musée de la Mer), perfectly integrated into the rocky landscape.
• Contemporary Architecture (21st Century)

  Modern projects in Biarritz are focused on integration with the oceanic landscape and environmental sustainability.

  • Characteristic features: Flowing futuristic lines, glass, concrete, imitation of natural forms (waves).
  • Landmark building: Cité de l'Océan (City of the Ocean), designed by Steven Holl. The building has the shape of a double wave and a roof that transitions into a skate park.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Biarritz

Biarritz owes its fame not only to the ocean but also to specific individuals whose influence turned a fishing harbour into a world-class resort. Below are key figures who left their mark on the city's chronicles.

Monarchs and Resort Founders

• Empress Eugénie (Eugénie de Montijo)
  Empress of France, wife of Napoleon III
  The main patroness of the city. As a child, she holidayed here with her family, and upon becoming Empress, she convinced her husband to create a summer residence in Biarritz. It is thanks to her love for this place that the city received the status of "King of beaches and the beach of kings."
• Napoleon III (Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte)
  Emperor of France
  The initiator of large-scale construction. By his decree in 1854, the Villa Eugénie (now the Hôtel du Palais) was erected. His visits attracted European aristocracy to the city, which stimulated the development of railways and urban infrastructure.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Victor Hugo
  Writer, poet, and playwright
  Visited Biarritz in 1843 when it was still a quiet village. Hugo was charmed by the beauty of the coast and prophetically wrote: "I fear that Biarritz will become fashionable." His travel notes attracted the attention of the intellectual elite to this corner of France.
• Coco Chanel (Gabrielle Chanel)
  Fashion designer, style icon
  In 1915, she opened her first full-fledged Haute Couture House in Biarritz, anticipating even her Parisian boutique. Inspired by the local atmosphere, she introduced fashion for tanning and shorter skirts, creating clothes for the wealthy public waiting out the First World War here.
• Pablo Picasso
  Artist and sculptor
  Spent the summer of 1918 and his honeymoon with ballerina Olga Khokhlova in Biarritz. Here he painted the famous picture "The Bathers" and painted the walls of one of the villas, which strengthened the city's reputation as a magnet for bohemians.
• Feodor Chaliapin
  Opera singer
  In the 1920s, he owned a villa in the Chiberta district. Chaliapin was a prominent representative of the Russian emigration, which made up a significant part of the resort's population in that era, and actively participated in the city's social life.

Innovators

• Peter Viertel
  American screenwriter and writer
  The man who changed the modern face of Biarritz. In 1957, having arrived for the filming of "The Sun Also Rises," he stood on a surfboard for the first time at the Côte des Basques beach. This event is considered the moment surfing was born in Europe.