The Rocher de la Vierge in Biarritz is a rock that owes its name to the statue of the Virgin which was installed at its summit in 1865.

One of the best places to admire the sunset

The authenticity and the picturesque side do not fail to arouse the curiosity of tourists, who marvel at this statue of the Virgin enthroned majestically on a rocky islet beaten by the swell. To reach the site, visitors take a long metal walkway. Once there, they enjoy an exceptional view of the ocean and the city. On the land side, this panorama encompasses the entire Basque Coast and even the Pyrenees. A romantic place to walk, the Rocher de la Vierge is one of the best places to admire the sunset. Protruding into the sea like the bow of a ship, between the Port des Pêcheurs and Port-Vieux, this natural curiosity now faces the Biarritz Aquarium and the Cité de l’Océan.

History of the Rock of the Virgin of Biarritz

The statue of the Virgin was installed in 1865. Legend has it that Biarritz fishermen, whale hunters, were caught in a terrible storm and during their misadventure a divine light guided them and helped them return to port safe and sound. In gratitude they decided to install a statue of the Virgin on the rock.. The statue, 3 meters high, was built there in 1865. Napoleon III had ordered in 1864 to pierce the rock, and have it connected to the coast by a wooden footbridge. This footbridge could not stand the whims of the ocean. In 1887, Gustave Eiffel was entrusted with the realization of the metal work. The walk is very pleasant with its breathtaking view of the Basque Coast.

To get to the rock of the Virgin you have to take the tunnel dug under the Atalaye and the metal footbridge fitted out by order of Napoleon III Biarritz is accessible by exit 4 of the A 63 motorway, 27 km from the Spanish border.

Le Rocher de la Vierge

Eiffel Footbridge

64,200 BIARRITZ