Biarritz Ordered to Rename Historic 'La Négresse' District

A French court ruled the name violates human dignity, mandating the city to act within three months after a decade-long debate.

The administrative court in Bordeaux has ordered the city of Biarritz to rename the 'La Négresse' district and a similarly named street, citing the term's offensive and demeaning connotations.
The decision follows years of advocacy by the association Mémoires et Partages, which argued the name is both racist and sexist, linked to France's history of slavery and colonialism.
The court dismissed claims that the name honors a historical figure, stating that its current semantic meaning undermines human dignity and could offend residents and visitors alike.
Biarritz officials have three months to implement the renaming, reversing earlier rulings that allowed the name to remain for its historical significance.
Debate over the name has divided local residents, with some defending its historical roots while others emphasize the need for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.