How a humble Basque whaling village transformed into the playground of European royalty

History · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Once a rugged outpost for whale hunters, Biarritz evolved into a world-famous seaside destination. From the therapeutic sea-baths of the 1700s to the arrival of Empress Eugénie, the town became a magnet for monarchs, aristocrats, and eventually, the birthplace of European surfing culture. Its transformation remains a masterclass in luxury branding.

For centuries, Biarritz was defined by the sea, though not for leisure. During the Middle Ages, the town was a hub for whale hunting, with local sailors using watchtowers like the one at the Atalaye promontory to spot prey. This industry was so central that the town's coat of arms still features a whale and a harpoon-wielding crew. By the 16th century, however, the whales migrated away, forcing the local fleet to pursue cod in Newfoundland until international competition and fishing bans eventually ended the town's maritime dominance.

The transition to a resort town began in the 18th century, when doctors promoted the ocean's therapeutic properties. By the mid-1800s, the town had caught the eye of French royalty. Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, commissioned a palace on the beach in 1854, cementing the town's status as a destination for the elite. This 'Queen of the Beaches' soon hosted a parade of monarchs, including Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, who famously conducted official business from the resort. The influx of wealth transformed the landscape, replacing wild dunes with manicured gardens and luxury hotels.

The 20th century brought further reinvention. Following World War II, the U.S. Army established a temporary university for servicemen in the town's requisitioned hotels. Later, in 1957, the arrival of American filmmaker Peter Viertel and his surfboard introduced the sport to the region, sparking a new identity as a global surfing capital. Today, the town balances this modern surf culture with its historical legacy, preserved in landmarks like the 12th-century église Saint-Martin and the opulent Hôtel du Palais, which stands as a monument to the era when Biarritz was the undisputed center of European high society.

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