The Basque French Coast

The Basque Country is associated among the travellers exclusively with a part of Spain, but actually, the Basques consider southwestern France their territory as well. We are visiting in a unique French city – of Biarritz. Once a fishermen settlement in a picturesque Bay of Biscay, Biarritz has now become a famous and luxurious station thermal or health and wellness resort. We can see the lighthouse on the Pointe Saint Martin even from the plane. There are exuberant buildings stretching from to the South shore to a broad sandy beach. The resort life buzzes around the lighthouse day and night. It is not just the best viewing point in the city but a secret romantic place for the lovers, as the broad beach stands out in all its beauty next to the huge hotel “Les chambres d'amour” on the opposite side of the Pointe. This romantic place makes you recall the past, dream about the future or do some fooleries. Passing along the streets surrounded by the gorgeous houses with fabulous hydrangeas, we enter a promenade that leads us along luxurious hotels and apartment buildings to the major sightseeing of this resort – the casino. Further on, the old city welcomes us with its boutiques, Lafayette Gallery, port and dozens of restaurants. Going up the hill from the town centre, we head to the market with rich culture. Music and entertainment surround us creating an ultimate cultural fair. Almost every day, we have rewarded ourselves with the seafood and wine or chorizo with black pepper jam while, watching local men in the black berets passing by and women, passionately dancing flamenco. The Basques language is Euskara. According to one of the theories, it is related to Georgian language phonetically, but based on the Latin alphabet. Street signs are written in two or three languages: French, Basque and English for the tourists. This France differs considerably from the rest of the country – it is noble, luxurious and calm. Luxury came here, 200 years ago when Biarritz became one of the favourite holiday destination of Empress Eugénie – the future wife of Napoleon III. They annually travelled to their mansion, which is nowadays one of the seven most prestigious hotels in France – Hotel du Palais, As we know, the King is always followed by his court. Gradually, Biarritz has become the city with rich mansions, gorgeous houses and hotels, vacation destination for French emperor’s and other European noble families. During the last century, this place has attracted Russian intellectuals, including some outstanding individuals who own the real estate. A local orthodox church is also located here. We visited a mess in the Saint Eugénie Church that majestically graces the cliffy town centre not far from the Statue of the Holy Virgin. Mary. Peace, tranquillity, infinite hope and love – this is my holiday experience and impression of Biarritz.