Hotel in Seafront, Biarritz, Nouvelle Aquitaine, Nouvelle Aquitaine
Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz
The most legendary hotel on the Basque Coast, built as a summer palace for Empress Eugénie in 1854 and commanding a magnificent seafront position above the Grande Plage. The palatial rooms and suites are decorated with period furnishings and ocean views, while the Villa Eugénie restaurant, Imperial Bar, and sea-view pool terrace set the standard for Atlantic luxury.
Hôtel du Palais is the grandest address on the Basque Coast, a palatial seafront landmark built in 1854 as a summer residence for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. The hotel commands a dramatic clifftop position above the Grande Plage in central Biarritz, within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, overlooking the surf-lashed Atlantic and the distinctive lighthouse on the Pointe Saint-Martin. The town centre, with its covered market, Art Deco buildings, and Basque souvenir shops, is a five-minute walk from the main entrance.
The imperial heritage of the building is evident in every detail: soaring ceilings, gilded cornices, a grand staircase, and period oil paintings recall the hotel's origins as a royal summer palace. The hotel counts 132 rooms and suites, the finest of which are the ocean-facing Imperial Suites replicating the original palatial décor. Rooms have been thoughtfully modernised without sacrificing their historic character.
Dining centres on the Villa Eugénie restaurant, which serves refined Basque and French cuisine in an imperial-era setting. The outdoor pool terrace and sea-facing lounge, La Rotonde, are exceptional spots for lunch or afternoon drinks, with uninterrupted Atlantic panoramas. Breakfast is an elaborate buffet affair featuring local Basque specialties including sheepsmilk cheeses, Espelette pepper products, and fresh pastries.
The Spa Impérial incorporates a heated sea-view pool overlooking the Grande Plage, a thalassotherapy circuit, sauna, and hammam, alongside a menu of marine-based treatments. Private beach access supplements the pool during summer months. The fitness centre is well-equipped and available at all hours.
Service at the Hôtel du Palais is defined by old-world formality alongside genuine Basque warmth. The concierge team arranges surfing lessons at Anglet or Hossegor, day trips across the border into the Spanish Basque Country, and private guided tours of the Bayonne Cathedral and Musée Basque. The hotel represents an outstanding base for exploring the Basque coastline of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Amenities
- pool
- spa
- restaurant
- bar
- wifi
- sea-views
- beach-access
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +33 5 59 41 64 00
Location
1 Avenue de l'Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz
43.4851, -1.5612 — View on map
Highlights
- Built in 1854 as Empress Eugénie's summer palace, retaining imperial grandeur on a dramatic Biarritz clifftop above the Grande Plage
- Spa Impérial with heated sea-view pool overlooking the beach, thalassotherapy circuit, and marine-based treatments
- Villa Eugénie restaurant serving refined Basque and French cuisine with Atlantic panoramas
- Unrivalled location above the Grande Plage with direct beach access and sweeping ocean views
- Concierge arranges cross-border excursions to San Sebastián and private vineyard tours in the Basque Country
Tips
- Reserve an ocean-facing room or suite — the premium is worthwhile for panoramic views of the Grande Plage and the defining Biarritz experience.
- Book spa sessions during weekday mornings when the facility is quietest; weekend afternoons are the busiest period in the Spa Impérial.
- The Imperial Bar is an excellent spot for Basque pintxos and local Irouléguy wine before dinner — arrive before 19:00 for a sea-view table.
- Biarritz–Bayonne airport is 8 kilometres from the hotel; the concierge provides an airport transfer service that should be pre-booked.
FAQ
Is this the hotel built for Empress Eugénie?
Yes. The building was commissioned by Napoleon III and constructed for Empress Eugénie in 1854. It served as the imperial summer residence for over a decade before being sold and converted into a hotel in 1893, and has operated as one of France's finest palace hotels ever since.
Does the hotel offer access to the Grande Plage?
The hotel has direct access to the Grande Plage below the clifftop, and beach attendants are on hand during summer months. The Spa Impérial pool also overlooks the beach for those preferring an elevated swimming experience.
Can the hotel arrange a day trip to San Sebastián in Spain?
San Sebastián (Donostia) is approximately 50 kilometres south across the Spanish border. The concierge can arrange private transfers and guided tours of the old town and pintxos bars in one of Europe's most celebrated culinary cities.
When is Biarritz at its most vibrant?
July and August see the largest crowds and warmest sea temperatures, with the Biarritz Surf Festival typically held in late July. June and September offer pleasant weather with fewer visitors and greater availability at the hotel.
Accessibility
The hotel's main entrance and primary public areas are accessible at ground level, though this historic palace has areas involving steps and changes in level. Adapted bedrooms with wider doorways are available on request. Beach access involves a sloped ramp, and the spa pool area has lift access. Guests with mobility requirements are strongly encouraged to contact the hotel in advance.
When to visit
June and September offer warm Atlantic weather, full hotel services, and lighter crowds than peak summer. July and August are the most atmospheric but the busiest and most expensive months on the Basque coast.