From the whales to monarchy
For many people who are not interested in visiting all of the best resorts in the world the French word “Biarritz” will say almost anything. However, the true lover of the royal holiday will immediately think about the ocean, waves, warm water, castles, churches, fishermen …
Yes, exactly, fishermen were the first inhabitants of Biarritz. Not simple fishermen but the fans of something bigger. Whaling was the main “business” of the city till the XVIII century. It affected both the coat of arms and urban culture. But then the views of the public turned to the natural value of Biarritz: the perfect combination of climate of the Biscay Bay and the beauties of the Southern France became more widely known and popular around the world. Napoleon III and his wife, Queen Victoria, Edward VII, Alfonso III and other monarchs preferred to recuperate here.The resort was popular in the cultural circles of Russia as well – Chekhov, Nabokov, Aksenov also did not miss the opportunity to visit these places. Victor Hugo and all the others spoke about this resort as the best place to relax: “I do not know any more charming place than Biarritz.”
So what makes Biarritz so attractive?
Warm breezes …
Biarritz’s trump card is its climate. The Bay of Biscay plays the major role in shaping it featured with soft and warm water in the south. Frankly speaking, storms also tend to happen there but the advantageous location of the resort provides reliable protection from extreme temperatures and gusty wind. On the contrary, rest in Biarritz has rather a calm climate; sea air only emphasizes its grace and serenity.
The resort treats not only nerves – the air is saturated with iodine vapor which in small amounts positively effects the human body. A moderately humid climate also has physical effects; it is ideal for skin rejuvenation. The mandatory minimum of medical procedures also includes sand and sun bathing – resort is located on the shore of the bay meaning that it is open to the warm sunshine.
Enthusiasts of a beach holiday will appreciate the information that the Gulf Stream warms the water up to 25° C what is much higher comparing with other resorts of the Atlantic coast.