Culture of Biarritz. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Historical Museum (Musee Historique) is known as one of the main attractions of Biarritz. The location of the museum is also very interesting – it occupies an ancient Anglican Cathedral. While enjoying the observation of the museum’s priceless collection, visitors will be able to learn the development of the city starting from the first days of its foundation until the present time. The museum exhibits vintage costumes, various objects of art, valuable historical documents, as well as many other interesting artifacts, which age is hundreds of years. Biarritz Lighthouse, the building of which was completed in 1834, remains the undisputed symbol of the city. The top of the lighthouse is equipped with an observation deck, from which visitors can enjoy a stunning Atlantic panoramic view. In order to get to the observation deck, travellers will have to overcome as many as 248 steps of a spiral staircase. However, the reward for such efforts is more than worthy. From the lighthouse’s observation deck visitors will clearly see the Pyrenees Mountains, the nearby beaches and the port area. If the weather is good, you will even see the coast of Spain.

Maritime Museum (Musee de la Mer) is another important excursion destination. The halls of the museum are the location of 24 aquariums, which have already become home to 150 species of fish and other inhabitants of the deep sea. The visitors of the museum are offered to see such amazing activities as feeding the seals. Most curious visitors are welcome to attend a fascinating lecture dedicated to the diversity of the underwater world. The building, which houses the museum, is also an interesting place from the point of view of its architectural value. It was built in 1935. The Rock of Virgin is surely the most famous natural attraction of Biarritz. A high cliff, which is washed by the sea from all sides, is the location of the statue of the Virgin Mary, which was installed on the cliff in 1865. The statue has always been considered the talisman of the local sailors. For more than a hundred years the statue remains the most iconic landmark of the city. Today everyone can reach the rock by walking on a graceful bridge. The bridge was built by the famous Gustave Eiffel.

Make sure you do not forget to visit Chocolate museum, which is probably the most original museum of the city. The first chocolate factory in Biarritz appeared more than 400 years ago. Nowadays the museum exhibits a rich collection of ancient historical documents and equipment. Without a doubt, tasting pastries is one of the most enjoyable moments of excursion in this museum. There is a store not far away from the museum, where travelers can purchase gifts for loved ones. Delicious Swiss chocolate remains one of the most popular souvenirs. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A great walk awaits those who decide to stroll along the Port des Pêcheurs. What could be better than watching ships sailing back and forth, feeling the fresh sea air and experiencing aesthetic pleasure? Perhaps there are not a lot of things that could be as good as such a recreation. The port is a kind of hidden gem, as it is located under a steep bank. The guiding landmark is the church of Saint-Eugenie which is located just opposite it. Downstairs you can see small fishing houses and restaurants where you can savor seafood.

Speaking of religious monuments, there are quite a few of them in Biarritz, and each of them boasts of a distinctive feature. The most beautiful church perhaps is the Chapelle Impériale; it is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is notable for the fact that its architecture is a bizarre mixture of Roman-Byzantine and Hispanic-Moorish styles. Its construction was finished in the year 1866. Another church, Église Saint-Martin, is famous for being built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th century. The neo-gothic style chosen as the main style during the restructuring perfectly blends with all the other buildings surrounding the church. Everything inside the church is modest and simple.

There is a church in the city for Orthodox believers. It is called Eglise Alexandre Newsky. The church was built in the year 1892. You will find it interesting to visit the church in order to enjoy its beautiful interior which is somewhat different from that of traditional Orthodox churches, but it is remarkable for this. Other interesting religious monuments include Notre Dame du Rocher and Eglise Sainte-Eugénie. The first church was built on a hill, so beautiful views of the city and its surroundings open up from here. It was built in the Gothic style, and is renowned for its laconic interior decoration. Eglise Sainte-Eugénie was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the neo-gothic style. It is nice to go inside – visitors are greeted with beautiful stained glass windows and a suspended model of a vessel.

Besides the abovementioned Biarritz museums, there are a few more that should be highlighted. For example, Galerie D'art Barthelemy Bouscayrol; those who want to get to know the local culture and crafts better, as well as enjoy the beautiful architecture of the half-timbered house where the museum is located, will definitely love it here. Ateliers des Artistes de la Milady is a very interesting place – here you can look at the work of young artists, as well as buy their work if any of the art pieces interests you. Another museum for art lovers is Barthelemy Bouscayrol, where you can get acquainted with modern art.