Saint-Jean-de-Luz: A seaside town in Spanish style

Nestling in the heart of a vast bay between the ocean and the mountains, Saint-Jean-de-Luz has been known as the " city of privateers " since the 17th century. Although the days when whalers ventured off the coast of Newfoundland are long gone, the trollers and gillnet fishermen are still busy in its pretty fishing port, where colourful traditional boats line up. Its pedestrian streets linking the ocean to the historic centre and its old mansions bear witness to the fortunes of the shipowners of the 17th century. You'll also find traces of the Sun King and his wife, who were married in the little town in 1660. Later, Napoleon III's trips to the region, high society's infatuation with the Basque Coast and the arrival of the railway all led to a major boom in tourism. In 2016, the towns of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure were awarded the Land of Art and History label for their many exceptional monuments. Throughout the year, specialist guides offer a programme of events and tours based around the heritage of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz has established itself as a destination for well-being, with 2 thalassotherapy centres open all year round. Life here is serene and peaceful, the culinary discoveries astonishing, the activities varied and the encounters colourful. It has also become a popular seaside resort for many tourists thanks to its numerous hotels, casino and five beaches. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, around ten kilometres from the Spanish border. You'll feel these influences in the gastronomy, the culture (the love of flamenco reflected in the Andalusian festival, for example), but also in the atmosphere of the town, which combines relaxation and festivities.

The activities are diverse and varied. For water sports fans, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is your playground: try your hand at sailing, surfing or diving. But the town doesn't stop at its beaches: try your hand at accrobranche, golf or Basque pelota, a spectacular tradition in the Basque country. Nature lovers can explore the town on foot, horseback or quad bike. One of the town's most emblematic walks is the Promenade Jacques Thibaud, which runs from the red art deco lighthouse by French architect Pavlovsky to the Pergola between the red-shuttered bourgeois houses. This bay is sometimes considered one of the most beautiful in France.

If you want to soak up the Luzian atmosphere, head for Place Louis XIV in the heart of the historic town centre. Surrounded by superb mansions including the Maison Louis XIV and the Hôtel de Ville, it's one of the town's liveliest spots. It is also the central square in the heart of the town. From here, you'll have access to all the main streets: the pedestrianised Rue Gambetta, the port with direct access and the little Rue de la République, which leads directly to the Grande Plage.