A stone's throw from Biarritz Aquarium is a rock shaped like a ship's hull. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a splendid view of the ocean and the mysterious Villa Beltza nearby. At its highest point is a statue of the Virgin Mary, erected in 1865. It towers over the waves, reminding onlookers of a curious incident. Back when Biarritz was a fishing port, people used to go out in all weathers to hunt whales. One day, a crew of whalers found themselves caught in a terrible storm. A mysterious white light guided them back to safety. As a tribute to this mystical moment, the survivors erected a statue of the Virgin on top of the rock, separated from the city by the so-called Devil’s Bridge. So who – or what – was it that guided those sailors back to dry land?
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