Crédits : Lina Tchalabi. Translation: Jill Harry. Picture: Mathieu Chirico
Destination
Paradise for surfers, the coast of the Pays Basque has nothing to envy of the Californian vibe: stunning scenery, sublime villas, long sandy beaches, thousands of waves. How did this seaside resort, an old fishing village, once nicknamed "queen of beaches, beach of kings", become France's own little California?
Back in the 1950's, American screenwriter Peter Viertel arrived from California with the very first surfboard, for the shooting in Biarritz of "The Sun Also Rises" – an adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's novel. A novice, he was the first to test the waves of the henceforth iconic Basque Coast, accompanied by Georges Hennebutte, inventor of the leash, which attaches the surfboard to the ankle.
In the 1980's, surfing became widespread in Biarritz and nearby towns, with the Basque coast becoming a rallying point for dedicated fans from all over the world. It saw a real boom, with dedicated schools opening and clubs springing up. Since then, competitive events have been held each year, including the French Surfing Championships welcoming professionals in the sport. In 2015, Biarritz was crowned "Ville du Surf" by the French Federation. Deeply rooted in local culture, surfing is celebrated year-round to the tune of festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and events of all kinds.
The imperial city has many surf spots suitable for all levels. At the heart of Biarritz, the Côte des Basques beach is the most famous. Ideal for beginners at low tide, it is also much appreciated by more experienced surfers for its powerful waves at high tide. Nestling between the lighthouse and the Rocher de la Vierge, facing Hôtel du Palais, the Grande Plage is another popular spot, also in the town centre. It is here, in fact, that fans usually brace themselves for their first sessions. It is also appreciated for being lit up at night in summer, a rare bonus in France. As for accomplished surfers, they head south of the town, to Marbella, to treat themselves to a shot of adrenaline and provide a memorable sight for passers-by.
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