The Domain of Nathalie of Serbia

Nathalie of Serbia was born in 1859 to a colonel of the Russian Imperial Guard, Kechko, and a Romanian princess, Pucheria Sturdza. In 1875 Milan Obrenovic, son of Miloc - prince of Serbia since 1817, asked for her hand in marriage. By the Treaty of Berlin, signed in 1878, Serbia's independance was recognised by all the major powers, and became a kingdom in 1882. Milan was the first king, under the Name of Milan 1st and Nathalie thus became the first Queen of Serbia.

A son, Alexander, was born to the royal couple in 1876. He succeeded his father to the throne in 1889 as Alexander 1st. In 1900, he married a princess by the name of Draga. They were to be assassinated following a military coup. Queen Nathalie, having fled her country, chose exile in Paris, London (where she frequently attended the court of Edward VII), and also Bidart.

Edward VII, who was a frequent visitor to Biarritz, wisely advised Nathalie in the purchase of a wooded property of some 40 hectares in Bidart. It is here that she commissioned the building of a magnificent manor, "Les Ailes" ("Wings") that can be seen from the heights of Ilbarritz. Today, the manor belongs to the Latécoère family, related to a famous aeroplane builder of the early 20th century.

It can be seen from the "Pavillon Royal" beach  but visits are not permitted.