In an area much influenced by the maritime industry over its lengthy history, the Bay of Biscay has been defined by its coastal location. Shared between France and Spain, the bay offers both heritages and in some areas it is easy to see how they have combined. To see some of these influences in action, many guest choose to stay at one of the historic hotels. Bay of Biscay visitors are also often drawn to the plentiful marine life, and in particular the beaked whale. It is also possible to get a glimpse of the teeming waters from many boat cruises. The combination of cultures and the maritime theme has resulted in a very interesting architecture over the years, preserved in the popular historic hotels on the Bay of Biscay.