The magnifcent coastline of Biarritz, the birthplace of surfing in Europe. © shutterstock Biarritz successfully combines Imperial elegance with laidback surf culture. Gillian Thornton enjoys a welcome return to the French Basque coast. Wander along the winding promenade at Biarritz and in little more than an hour, you will walk a timeline through the history of this stylish Atlantic Coast resort. Biarritz wears its past on its sleeve, its flamboyant development and vibrant personality clearly visible for those with eyes wide open. Played out against a backdrop of rolling Atlantic surf, there are few nicer ways to take an urban history lesson. Today Biarritz is the first B in the…