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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The imperial chapel of Biarritz was built between 1864 and 1866 under the direction of architect Émile Boeswillwald, at the request of Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. It commemorates the French victories in Mexico and is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, a black Mexican virgin. Its architecture combines Romanesque-Byzantine and Hispano-Mauresque influences, with azulejos of Sèvres and geometric stained glass windows.

The building, classified as a historical monument in 1981, consists of a unique nave and a semicircular apse. Its interior decor, Byzantine and Moorish inspiration, includes a painting by Steinheil depicting Our Lady of Guadalupe, as well as stained glass windows executed by Coffetier. The chapel, sold in 1881 by the Empress to the Paris Bank, is now owned by the municipality.

Outside, the chapel is distinguished by a ceramic band of Sèvres adorning the walls, while the interior combines painted bricks, stone and goldsmithy signed Chertier. The bells, melted by Dutot and Girome, complete this unique architectural ensemble, a witness to French imperial history.

Located avenue de la Marne in Biarritz, it is an emblematic heritage of the Atlantic Pyrenees, mixing religious and historical heritage. Its classification protects the entire building, including its decor, emphasizing its cultural and architectural importance.

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