Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alex Brown

In the 19th century it became a very popular place among European nobility, Napoleon III., Alfonso II. from Spain and others and still offers lots of attractions and vibrancy for the tourists. Can be said that Biarritz competes with Saint Tropez, however it offers much more than just beaches, casinos, bars and entertainment oriented only to spend money.

During the day you can sunbathe and watch the surfers on the Great Beach (Grande Plage). Along the beach is a trail where you can ride on roller skates, and in the evening you can try the luck at the Town Casino (Casino Municipal).

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Interesting places and buildings

Another town beach is Miramar where you can stay in a king of local hotels – luxury 5 star Hotel du Palais. It was built in 1848 by Emperor Napoleon III. Its lowest rate for single room is €300 per night, but you will surely feel like the emperor himself. A little farther, on the tip of St. Martin, you can see Biarritz lighthouse, dating back to 1831.

You should also visit the old whaling port which is no longer working, but the locals love it and keep its original appearance.

Be sure to go to Rocher de la Vierge (virgin reef), which resembles a tooth and offers really great view and atmosphere at sunset. To get here, you have to go through the bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel.

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The old castle was built on the place of today’s castle in Pierrefonds already in the 12th century. This great military strength has undergone a number of refurbishment over the centuries as well as its owner changed frequently. In March 1617, during the troubled reign of King Louis XIII, the castle was conquered by troops of the Chief minister Cardinal Richelieu. He decided to demolish a castle. However thanks to a huge range of construction, the work of destruction was not completed. The roofs have been destroyed and the walls were devastated by the canons.

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Pierrefonds Castle then remained as a ruin for the next two centuries. Napoleon I bought the wreck in 1810 for just 3,000 francs. In the 19th century began a period of fashion traditions of medieval knights. The ruins of Pierrefonds Castle were captured between 1834 and 1866 by the French painter Corot in his paintings.

The future French emperor Napoleon III visited the castle in 1850. Later, as emperor, asked the architect Viollet-le-Duc in 1857 to carry out reconstruction of the castle. The project grew and later they wanted to build a royal residence here. Viollet-le-Duc built it much under the influence of his ideas about the Middle Ages. The fort was changed to the castle. Yet as a builder proved very good knowledge of military fortifications of 14th century.

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