Biarritz, town in southwestern France, in Pyrénées-Atlantiques Department, on the Bay of Biscay, near Bayonne and the Spanish border. Part of the French Basque Country (Pays Basque), Biarritz is noted for its mild climate, sand beaches, and mineral springs. Once a small fishing and whaling port, the town became an elegant resort in the mid-19th century when it was patronized by Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie, and other members of European royalty. The beach at Biarritz is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Europe. Population (1999) 30,055.
