Hôtel du Palais

The Hôtel du Palais is a luxury hotel on the Atlantic coast featuring an E-shaped layout with around 156 rooms throughout the building. The architecture blends Second Empire and eclectic design elements from multiple construction phases.

The building began in 1855 as a summer residence for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. A major fire in 1903 led to significant rebuilding, while the transition to a luxury hotel started around 1880.

The building's name reflects its origins as an imperial palace, a heritage that still shapes how people experience the place today. Visitors can sense this royal connection throughout the refined spaces and their careful detailing.

The hotel features indoor and outdoor pools, a spa offering treatments, multiple dining options, and meeting spaces. The coastal location makes it convenient for beach access and sits within walking distance of local attractions.

Several notable architects, including Hippolyte Durand and Édouard Niermans, shaped the building through different construction phases between 1854 and 1905. Their varied contributions created an unusual architectural blend that tells the story of how the place evolved over time.

Location: Biarritz

Architects: Hippolyte Durand, Louis-Auguste Couvrechef, Gabriel-Auguste Ancelet, Auguste Lafollye, Édouard Niermans

Official opening: 1855

Architectural style: Second Empire style, eclectic architecture

Website: http://hotel-du-palais.com

GPS coordinates: 43.48670,-1.55639

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01