Located in the Aquitaine region of France, Biarritz lies only 18 kilometers from the border of Spain in the French Basque Country. Today it is known for its surfing, museums and other monuments, as well as for the Bellevue and Barriere - two large casinos on the waterfront.

Surfing has been popular in Biarritz since the 1950s, and the city is now host to the annual Biarritz Surf Festival, which is one of the most popular surfing and longboarding events in all of Europe and the world. In keeping with a nautical theme, the Museum of the Sea is also located here and boasts more than 24 aquariums that house a variety of sea life.

The Russian Orthodox Church in Biarritz was built in the 19th century and features a striking blue dome. By contrast, St. Martin’s church was constructed in the 12th century, while the Chapelle Imperiale was built for the Empress Eugenie and features an impressively decorated interior roof and tiled walls.