Photos: Eusebius, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Christian David, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo credits
Photos: Eusebius, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Christian David, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Surf city: the Côte des Basques story
Your local guide
Élodie Larrieu
View profile
Highlights
- Where European surfing began
- A Gothic villa perched on the rocks
- The footbridge built by Eiffel's firm
- A statue at the edge of the sea
- Biarritz's surf coast, traced live
About this tour
This session tells the story of surfing on the French coast, from the beach where it began to two of the landmarks that frame it. You see the cliffs, the villa on the rocks and the footbridge out to sea. It is a session built around one thread, water and rock, rather than the town's history.
We start on the beach itself since the light there works best earlier in the session, then move along the coast path toward the villa and the footbridge. I keep talking through the walk and slow down wherever the view is strongest. A short list of the spots we covered follows by message.
This suits anyone with an interest in surfing or coastal geography, and travellers deciding whether Biarritz's beaches match what they have heard. It also works well before a session on the town itself.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 6 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Biarritz before heading out.
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Côte des Basques beach 17 min
The camera looks out over the beach where European surfing started in the 1950s, the clay cliffs behind it slowly crumbling into the sea. I explain how a Hollywood screenwriter is usually credited with bringing the first board here.
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Villa Belza 17 min
We look up at the Gothic-revival villa perched on the rocks above the beach, one of the most photographed buildings on this coast. I point out the turret and explain the ghost story locals still tell about the house.
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Rocher de la Vierge 17 min
We finish on the footbridge designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm, leading out to the statue of the Virgin at the tip of the rock. I show you the view back along the whole surf coast from the platform.
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Your questions 11 min
Time to ask anything about Biarritz: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 5 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Gâteau basque and Les Halles quarter, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Paris time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 9 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Biarritz, showing you Côte des Basques beach and Villa Belza live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- A live walk where European surfing began, camera on the water and the cliffs above it.
Times shown in Paris time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Thu 5 Nov · 9 seats left From 24,00 €
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