Saint-Jean-de-Luz is located on the French Atlantic coast between the famous resort of Biarritz and the Spanish border. The magnificent shipowners' villas bear witness to the time when the community was understood as a significant fishing center. Particularly worth seeing is the Maison Louis XIV, where the Sun King stayed before his marriage.
Table of contents
The Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Luz nestles in a gentle bay right in front of the bustling center of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Stroll up the coast to the Sainte-Barbe viewpoint or down to the picturesque harbor. With your feet in the sand, let your gaze wander: the Atlantic lies before you, the city with its typical Basque architecture nestles in a crescent shape around the bay. A protective breakwater makes this beach a safe experience for children as well.
The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste is located in the coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, nestled between mountains and ocean. The once Gothic church was rebuilt in the Baroque style and houses one of the largest Baroque wooden altars in France from the 17th century. You can also admire dozens of saint statues there. Additionally, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste features elements of Basque church architecture, such as the single nave with a wooden gallery. In 1660, Louis XIV married the Spanish Infanta Marie-Thérèse there. Even today, masses with Basque songs are held in this church.
Discover the unique world of the charming port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Here, where the venerable Basque Country is washed by the stormy Atlantic, this port awaits you as a gateway to a breathtaking landscape full of rich culture and welcoming hospitality. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this fishing port. Admire colorful boats and impressive ships swaying in front of the venerable houses of the port. Taste freshly caught sardines, tuna, and hake – culinary delights worthy of God in France.
The Maison de l'Infante was commissioned by the shipowner Joannot de Haraneder and built in 1640. The facade faces the port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Characteristic features include the two towers, the pink bricks, and the Italian galleries. In the House of the Infanta, you can admire an elegant salon as well as Maria Teresa's bedroom. Less than 150 meters away, at Place Louis XIV, is the Maison Louis XIV, where King Louis stayed before his wedding.
In 1659, Louis XIV stayed in Saint-Jean-de-Luz to sign the Treaty of the Pyrenees. A year later, he married the Infanta Maria Teresa of Spain in the Church of Saint-Jean Baptiste. The house of a wealthy shipowner family served as the royal residence. Today's Maison Louis XIV is located on the edge of Place Louis XIV and houses a museum that deals with its history. In the square, there are numerous cafes and restaurants alongside the town hall.
The Pointe Sainte-Barbe is located in the northern part of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region. You can stop by one of the many restaurants here and enjoy the traditional cuisine from the south of France. The viewpoint is easy to find due to its distinctive lighthouse. The scenery is excellent for unforgettable photo moments and a view over the rugged cliffs north of the Pointe Sainte-Barbe. Additionally, a hiking trail with views of the distant Pyrenees starts here.
Only 4.1 km southeast of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Château d'Urtubie in Urrugne invites you to an exciting visit. The building from the 14th century owes its current appearance to later renovations. Despite being used as a hotel, it is accessible through guided tours. Afterwards, you can stroll through the lovely park.
Especially at night, the view from the Pointe de Sainte-Barbe peninsula over the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz will enchant you. Even during the day, you can enjoy the tranquility, disturbed only by the waves of the Atlantic breaking against the rugged cliffs. On a clear day, you can even see the Pyrenees shimmering in the distance.
With only 2.5 hectares of area, the Botanical Garden of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is not among the largest of its kind. The quietly located area on a rocky cliff was established by the French botanist Paul Jovet in the 1980s. You wander through Mediterranean and regional plant worlds from several habitats such as oak-pine forests, dunes, and wetlands.
Discover the charmingly simple chapel Sainte-Madeleine in Bidart, located about 10 km northeast of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It traces back to a much older house of worship that fell victim to a hurricane in the 19th century. The current structure from 1820 stands amidst a small green area and overlooks the Atlantic.
At the mouth of the Nivelle into the Atlantic, the charming coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers a varied day program. Indulging, strolling, and swimming are on the agenda. Your day starts delightfully in the picturesque market hall Les Halles, which tempts you to taste Basque sausages, Bayonne ham, or delicious cheese on a crispy baguette. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the fishing village at the old harbor. Right by the harbor basin, Place Louis XIV commemorates the famous guest of the resort, who in 1660 married the Spanish Infanta Marie-Thérèse in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The bridal couple stayed in two magnificent shipowner houses nearby, inviting you to visit. The wedding took place in the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, located on the shopping street Rue Gambetta. A few steps away, the afternoon sun entices you to the sandy beach. There, the promenade is lined with a picturesque row of red and white half-timbered houses and charming patisseries. In the background, the lush green hills of Ciboure impress.
Spectacular views are offered by the coastal path on the second day of vacation along the Corniche Basque. It begins at the southwestern gate to the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, guarded by the mighty Fort de Socoa, and leads along a bizarre rocky coast to Hendaye, 10 km away at the Spanish border. Along the way, numerous viewpoints open up views over the cliffs. Before reaching Hendaye, a path runs through the meadows of a castle built at the end of the 19th century for the French geographer and world traveler Abbaia. The fairy-tale building offers insight into the cartography of the past and invites explorers of all ages to adventurous forays. The expansive estate offers views of the Bay of Biscay. The entrance to the Bay of Hendaye is marked by two massive boulders, split off by erosion and now jutting out of the sea. Just behind it, the 3 km long Plage d'Hendaye, one of the largest sandy beaches in the Basque Country, promises relaxation after the hike.
With a view of bustling beaches, you travel between the picturesque villages northeast of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. You start at Erretegia Beach in Bidart, 10 km away, and climb up to the Sainte-Madeleine Chapel, built on a rock in 1820. It offers, like the nearby Saint-Joseph Chapel, a magnificent view of the sea. Right in front, the surf roars, and the waves rise up to 6 meters high, making the rocky beach of Parlementia one of the most popular surf spots in the Basque Country. Guéthary Beach offers you the opportunity to watch the sporting activities up close, while charming cafes in the nearby harbor invite you to linger. Afterwards, you pass another surf spot with Lafitenia Beach before reaching the Sainte-Barbe headland behind Erromardie Beach. There, the chapel of the same name opens up the view of the fishing village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and across the bay to Fort de Socoa.