Biarritz, often referred to as the pearl of the Basque coast, has a rich history that dates back to its days as a whaling city. The town gained prominence in the 19th century when the Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, built a palace there, attracting European royalty and transforming Biarritz into a fashionable resort. Over the years, it has welcomed a host of notable figures, including celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Pablo Picasso, and has become renowned for its surfing culture, earning the nickname "Little California" of Europe.