Meet the Fort of Socoa

Published on July 8, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Teaser: The Fort of Socoa is a building located in Ciboure that is of particular importance in the history of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Built from 1627 and modified by Vauban, it was erected to protect the port of Socoa and the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, as the town was threatened by Spanish invasion. It fulfilled its defensive role until the mid-19th century, when it was turned over to the customs service and then to sailing activities. Very well preserved, this monument is an architectural gem. In Socoa, you can not only learn more about the history of the Basque country, but also take advantage of the many restaurants and bistros in the area, which are sure to delight your taste buds.

Socoa Fort at the end of the day

Summary

A defensive site built under Henri IV
Practical info
Where to stay?
What to do after your visit

A defensive site built under Henri IV

In the Middle Ages, Socoa was a fishing port where whaling boats moored. Nowadays, it is used more for small fishing and leisure boats, as well as "battelekus", colourful traditional boats.

Fort Socoa is home to the "battelekus", colorful traditional boats.

Socoa gained in importance in 1617, when Henry VI decided to start building the fort to protect Saint Jean de Luz from the expansionist pretensions of Spain. The project was too ambitious and was abandoned. But under the reign of Louis XIII, it was revived. After an invasion by the Spanish in 1636 (who did not hesitate to rename the citadel the "Fort of Castile"), the King regained his rights over the region and decided to complete work on the fort. Two batteries were built on either side of the bay to protect access: the Socoa battery and the Sainte-Barbe battery. In 1686, Vauban undertook to reinforce the fort and had a jetty built to protect it from damage caused by storms and rough seas. The fort was finally completed in 1698.

The fort was finally completed in 1698

During the reign of Napoleon III, 3 dykes were built, including one at Socoa, to protect the bay from the onslaught of the ocean. At low tide, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll along the Socoa dyke to admire Ciboure and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with the Pyrenees in the background.

Practical info

🚌 Getting there

To visit the fort, you'll need to follow the port of Ciboure, and reach Socoa beach (we recommend taking a walk there, as it's really charming, and great for photos, with its small boats). The fort is also accessible by bus. The Mairie \~ Herriko Etxea (Ciboure) stop on line 43 and the Plage de Zokoa \~ Zokoako Hondartza stop on line 39 are just a few minutes' walk from the monument.

Socoa Beach

You can only visit the fort from the outside. When you arrive, you'll see the fort towering above the sea. You can get there from the mainland, via a road that is only accessible on foot. After crossing the first drawbridge, you will enter the grounds of Fort de Socoa. A second drawbridge completes the defensive system between the tower and the garrison accommodation.

Where to stay?

⭐ Iduskia Apartment

Booking.com

Iduskia Apartment

Flat 400m from the beach with balcony and river view. Ideal for 4 people

8.5 Very good

From

£144 / night

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What to do after your visit

After your visit, we recommend a stopover at Socoa beach to discover one of Ciboure's best restaurants: the Alaïa guinguette. It's run by Fabrice Naacke, a surfer-restaurateur who left Paris for the fresh sea air of the Pointe de Socoa. You can enjoy views of the beach from the large terrace, which has been decorated in a refined style. In the kitchen, you'll find fresh produce from the day's catch, Basque pork, banka trout and Basque cakes and cheeses. All the wines on offer are organic. So you can enjoy a hearty meal in a beautiful setting, without breaking the bank (menus €20 à la carte from €30 to €45)!

by Editorial Team

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Saint-Jean-de-Luz