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Viewpoint · Biarritz, Nova Aquitânia
Rocher de la Vierge
The rock with the statue of the Virgin, linked to the shore by an iron footbridge over the sea, between the fishermen's harbour and the Port-Vieux: the most iconic image of Biarritz.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Rocher de la Vierge
The Rocher de la Vierge is a rock off the Biarritz seafront, connected to the shore by an iron footbridge and by a tunnel cut into the Atalaye rock. At the top stands a white statue of the Virgin, placed in 1865. According to local tradition, it commemorates the whalers of Biarritz who, surprised by a storm, managed to return to the harbour guided by a light on the coast.
The first link was a wooden footbridge from the 1860s, at the time when Napoleon III planned to build a sheltered harbour here, which was never completed because the sea destroyed the breakwater. The current metal footbridge dates from the late 1880s and was made by the Schryver workshops in northern France; many people wrongly attribute the work to Gustave Eiffel.
From the rock the view opens on both sides: to the north, the Grande Plage, the lighthouse and the Landes coast; to the south, the Port-Vieux, the Côte des Basques and, on a clear day, the Spanish coast and the Pireneus. When the sea is rough the waves crash under the footbridge. Beside it are the Atalaye plateau, from where lookouts warned of passing whales, and the fishermen's harbour, with the fishermen's cottages with colourful doors, the crampottes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to an hour, including the Atalaye plateau and the fishermen's harbour.
Best time
At the end of the afternoon, with the sun lowering over the sea, and on days of rough seas, when the waves hit the rocks. Early in the morning the footbridge is quieter. In a storm, access may be closed for safety.
How to get there
It is on the seafront, about a 10‑minute walk from the centre, down the street leading to the fishermen's harbour. The aquarium is right opposite the entrance to the footbridge.
Tip
Combine it with the aquarium, which is on the other side of the esplanade, and walk down the steps to the fishermen's harbour. Wear shoes with firm soles: the footbridge and the steps get wet from sea spray.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rocher de la Vierge
Is the Rocher de la Vierge footbridge by Gustave Eiffel?
No. The metal footbridge from the late 1880s was made by the Schryver workshops from northern France. The link to Eiffel is a common idea, but it does not match the history of the structure.
Why is there a statue of the Virgin on the rock?
The statue, placed in 1865, commemorates, according to local tradition, the whalers of Biarritz who returned safely from a storm guided by a light on the coast.
Is the Rocher de la Vierge open when the sea is rough?
On stormy days access to the footbridge may be closed. With rough seas, even when open, spray reaches the walkway.