Tent Textiles Set Biarritz Beach Style
It’s hard to imagine Biarritz without its beach tents.
These photos I took in Biarritz show the power of textiles to set the tone and atmosphere of a location.
A small city on the Atlantic shores of southern France, Biarritz first gained fame in the mid-19th century as a preferred vacation spot for the wife of Napoleon III, Empress Eugenie. Charmed by the city, Napoleon built Eugenie a palace on the beach that was eventually expanded into the shape of the letter E.
Biarritz continues to nourish its imperial heritage. Many buildings are festooned with castle towers and a sizeable portion of the population appears to have Napoleonic names, such as Josephine and Eugenie.
Thanks to the strength of their stripes and open fronted shape, the beach tents have an imperial feel. Lined up in military row, it feels like Napoleon III might emerge at any moment to the lay out battle plans or – more likely – enjoy sip champagne and the waters.
Filed under: Colors, Textile | 7 Comments
I have visited Biarritz, but I didn’t know about the population with the names of the two Napeolonic Empresses. They shouldn’t forget Hortense, the daughter of Josephine, too!
Speaking of the imperial heritage, the Chapelle Imperiale is a little jewel of a chapel not too far from the Hotel du Palais.
It’s now open much more during the week – before it was only for a couple hours on Thursdays. The hours are on the Biarritz Tourist site.
Thanks for the fun write-up!
Thank you Christina for the Chapelle Imperiale! I unfortunately did not have enough time to visit it. Will definitely go there next time.
As for Hortense, I was impressed by how many hortensia flowers were planted all around Biarritz. Do you know if it is in honor of Hortense?
Oh, definitely!
The flower was named for Hortense Beauharnais, I believe.
Josephine was of course a great horticulturalist.
Eugenie restored Malmaison as I recall, and today it can be visited.
If you are interested and around Paris, take a trip to the Chateau of Compiegne. It’s not so much in tourist books but it features the Museum of the Second Empire which has a lot of treasures.
It used to be that one had to make an appointment in advance with the curator,
whose name was Francoise Maison, I believe, but this may have changed.
I’m sure the info is available on French tourist sites.
If in England, right near London is Farnborough, easily accessibly by train.
That’s where Napoleon III, Eugenie and their son, the Prince Imperial, are buried in the crypt of this functioning Benedictine Abbey. It’s very much worth a visit too but check first with the very nice Abbot and monks for best time to see.
They have concerts on the Church’s organ in summertime too.
Christina,
Thanks for the interesting leads on Napoleon!
I would actually love to read more about both Napoleons, especially since I just came back from an uninentional Napoleonic trip.
I spent a few days in Biarritz, followed by a few days on Elba Island and am now in Paris.
You sound very knowledgeable on the Napoleons!
Any recommendations on books or documentaries?
Oh you’re in Paris right now? No wonder I started talking about those places.
Great, how fortunate you are!
Well of course you must know about the crown of Eugenie in the Louvre – another was added to the collection last year or so which I have not yet seen. That’s worth a visit to see.
She escaped through what’s now the Louvre on Sept 4, 1870 when the population rose up after the Imperial French Army’s defeat by the Prussians. She was spirited away to England by an American dentist, Dr. Evans. The coach used can still be seen in a dentistry museum in Philadelphia. Not that that’s so important, but just to file away1
You should see about scheduling, if necessary, the visit to Compiegne, which is remarkable and historic anyway. Even without the Second Empire Museum. Take a camera for sure if you go, for there are so many interesting items.
A funny one was the large collection of her shoes, which are so small people think they were made for a child. She used to give them away to the poor after one use.
If you are interested at all in Catholic highlights, be sure not to not the Convent of the Sisters of Charity at
140, rue du Bac.
It was here in 1830 where the world-famous Miraculous Medal was revealed in a heavenly apparition to a nun there, St Catherine Laboure. You can buy the nicest ones there. They are for everyone, stated the Virgin Mary, who requested in the visions that all people wear one around their necks.
It’s a VERY powerful medal which will protect you on your trip and always!!
There’s much else too.
I could recommend books later since most are in English and probably not so available there.
No documentaries, but some fanciful movies, like “Suez” with Loretta Young and Tyrone Power, made in 1956 or so, available on DVD. Definitely fun if not completely historical !
There are others too, I just found a 1937 one called The Pearl in the Crown, I have no idea if available yet. Eventually they all will be. There are a few more too.
Any more questions?!! I may think of other suggestions too; if so I will mention them here.
Have fun!
Fascinating!
I unfortunately don’t have time this trip to go to Compiegne, but will definitely book a visit next time.
Thank you for all the other recommendations, including the movies. Funny enough, my husband is related to Tyrone Power.
Once I get my Napoleonic culture to speed, I would love to continue our exchange.
Merci Christina for all these first leads!
OK fine,
you could send me an email at the address I gave here sometime later when you can concentrate on the topic.
I know there’s too much else when on the road and after return, too.
That IS amazing – no wonder I felt I should pick out that one.
You both will enjoy the film, then. I could be wrong, but I believe it was an early performance of Tyrone Power’s.
Loretta Young was the perfect Eugenie, too, though a bit gaudy in jewelry.
Not as tasteful as the Empress herself had been.
Vut it’s entertaining to watch.
Bon voyage, then!