Musée d'Art Asiatica

Biarritz


Out on the edge of town is this unexpected treasure trove of ancient Indian, Chinese and Tibetan statues, monuments and temple artwork. The layout is a bit haphazard, but the information cards (in several languages) clearly explain the significance of the objects. It's generally considered the finest collection of its type outside Paris.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Biarritz attractions

1. Chapelle Impériale

0.46 MILES

Built in 1864 on the instructions of Empress Eugénie, this glitzy church mixes Byzantine and Moorish styles, and the plaza in front has a superb view of…

2. Grande Plage

0.53 MILES

Grand by name, grand by nature, Biarritz’ vast main beach has been the place at which to be seen since the days of Napoléon II and Eugénie. It's wall to…

3. Église Orthodoxe de Biarritz

0.55 MILES

This Russian Orthodox church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Alexandre Nevsky was built by and for the Russian aristocrats who frequented Biarritz…

4. Église Ste-Eugénie

0.55 MILES

The neo-Gothic Église Ste-Eugénie was built in 1864 for – who else? – Empress Eugénie, and sits on a prominent spot in the old port.

5. Hôtel du Palais

0.59 MILES

Dominating the northern end of the Grande Plage is the massive 19th-century Hôtel du Palais, built for Empress Eugénie and now a luxury hotel – complete…

6. Plage de la Côte des Basques

0.61 MILES

A long, exposed beach popular with surfers and walkers, said to be one of the first where boardriders hit the waves around Biarritz.

7. Plage Miramar

0.69 MILES

A little bit north of the Grande Plage, on the way to the lighthouse, plage Miramar is packed on summer days.

8. Plage du Port Vieux

0.7 MILES

A good option for families due to its sheltered aspect, this tiny wedge of sand is just under the Musée de la Mer.