Biarritz,
the French Capital for Golf
by Jean-Claude
Gambert
Everyone knows that the Basque Country is the
European birthplace of Golf. The first European golf links was constructed in Pau on the
initiative of English tourists in 1856. This was soon followed by Biarritz, Chiberta, la
Nivelle,... .The Basque Country proposes eleven different links as a golfing pilgrimage.
Biarritz March 2001
At the end of the nineteenth century, one hardly ever
heard the famous Basque songs ringing out on the Biarritz coast. It was rather the
Beatle-like songs about Emperor Napoleon 111 and Empress Eugenie, that were sung on the
Basque Coast, whilst they reigned on their land and making the Hotel de Palais famous.
The climate, the variety of relief and the
historical heritage made the area an ideal place to practise
golf. If Scotland is often described as the " Mecca "
for golf, the Basque Country likes to be distinguished from
the other French regions for its life-style, customs and roots.
 What to see ?
Where to
play ?
Information
Recommendation
It is good to know that the " Kantuas ",
traditional Basque songs, can be heard in most of the " Ostatuas ", Basque
restaurants which are decorated with locally cooked pork meats. There are also the
problems of political identity which damage the public image of the region.
Biarritz owes a lot of its charm to the ornamental walks
lined with flowering hydrangeas which have been planted on the cliff face, rocks and along
the three main beaches, which are the international meeting points for surfers and the day
and night centres of life for the Biarritz people.
|
|
The "
Rocher de la Vierge " is the main symbol of Biarritz, which is topped by a statue and
surrounded by reefs that is attached to the coast by a footbridge. By walking along the beach from the lighthouse, then going down
the length of the Grande Plage you reach the town centre with its lively hustle and
bustle, and luxurious boutiques, casinos and hotel, its undulating fishing port before
reaching the Port-Vieux and Côte de Basque beaches. This walk should not be missed as
there are so many differently surprising things to see - the nooks and crannies, the
houses and the tourist attractions, all condensed in three short kilometres of the Basque
spirit.
It will then be time to take the road to discover St.
Jean-de-Luz about fifteen kilometres away, which is probably the most Basque town situated
north of the Spanish border. Like Biarritz, it offers the visitor all the distractions of
a big beach with the charm of a very lively community and colourful vivacity of a famous
brine-smelling fishing port. You will also have a great deal of pleasure wandering around
the pedestrian precincts in the town centre, especially Rue de la Republique and Rue
Gambetta.
Remember to go inland where you will discover the real
origins of a civilisation. Concrete is still unknown and the rolling hills seem to protect
you from the aggression of the modern world, especially when you see delightful villages
like Arcangues or Ascain. You are at the gates of Béarn and yet so far from everything.
Biarritz and St.Jean-de-Luz are two capitals which smell
of the good Basque spirit and the joie de vivre which are so dear to the south west of
France. While waiting to explore the variety of multiple and magnificent links, the golfer
sees himself being proposed eleven different invitations following in the footsteps of a
certain Arnaud Massy who won the renowned British Open in 1907. All this on a strip of
about 70 kilometres from the Spanish border to the Moliets fairways.
As the matchless famous French actor, author and
film-maker, Sacha Guitry, mischievously said, 'When one hesitates between two beaches, one
of them is bound to be Biarritz. " Enjoy your stay !
|
|
Sky, sea and coast basque
Le Phare, Biarritz
Ilbarrit
Biarritz 's lighthouse
|
REPORTS | GOLFNOTES | ARCHIVES | E-MAIL 
