In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can enjoy a little-known sport: cesta punta or Basque pelota. Of the 15 different disciplines of Basque pelota practised since the 18th century, this is probably the most spectacular. The ball is thrown at more than 200 km/h. The players gracefully contort their bodies to retrieve the ball using a leather glove. You can watch these matches all year round, but if you come in summer, you'll have the chance to see the 'Cesta Punta Internationals', which bring together the best local and world players. Come and discover this unique game, which has been played in France since the 1950s.
Basque pelota, where the ball is thrown at over 200 km/h
- © Ricardo Hernandez / ShutterstockBasque pelota, which is played in 15 different disciplines, has its origins in the game of paume. The game was reinterpreted by the Basques, who wanted to play "indirectly". In other words, instead of facing each other face to face, the opponents throw the ball against a wall called a fronton.
Pelota fronton in the village of Biriatou
- © Flo Bidarteko / ShutterstockThe arrival of rubber in the 14th century changed the sport. Pelota balls had more bounce. This led to the creation of new "instruments", such as the famous "Chistera", the glove used to catch the ball. like the famous "Chistera", the glove used to catch the ball.
A chistera
- © salvatore stock / ShutterstockIn 1958, Cesta Punta was adopted in France, and the country even hosted the World Basque Pelota Championships in Hossegor. Much criticised in its early days, cesta punta is now a recognised discipline, practised professionally by athletes (particularly in Mexico and Miami).
During the matches, 2 teams of 2 players play against each other in 2 sets of 15 points, with a third set of 5 points in the event of a tie. Cesta Punta is played on a fronton. The fronton measures around fifty metres and has 3 walls:
The playing surface is called the Cancha. It is divided into several parts: "cuadros" of 4 metres each. These are used to mark out the distances to be respected during the game. The game consists of sending the pelota served by the opponent back against the pelota court, which reaches speeds of 200 to 300 km/h, ricocheting off the walls at the side and sometimes at the back. The players gracefully contort themselves to catch this ball using a leather glove (called a chistera), at the end of which has been placed a wicker basket.
The name Chistera comes from the Basque word Xistera, meaning basket. Legend has it that a child created the glove when he saw the wicker baskets he used to gather fruit.
In Saint-Jean de Luz, you can enjoy top-level Basque pelota matches throughout the year. To mention just a few important dates in the calendar, the first is the Celsa All Star from 13 April to 4 May. This is an event based on the principle of the NBA All Star Game in the United States. It features a tournament with the 12 best French and Spanish players. You can buy tickets online or directly at the venue.
👛Price: 10 euros (5 euros for children and students, free for children under 10).
If you're lucky enough to visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz during the summer, the Cesta Punta Professional Internationals, held in July and August, are a must. In 2023, it will take place from 6 July to 29 August and will be the 19th edition. A genuine sporting competition open to the whole family, all the games are broadcast on the Youtube channel of the Saint-Jean-de-Luz club.
The evenings are structured around 3 highlights:
8.45pm: the meeting of the hopefuls. Make no mistake, this is a real competition that showcases future professionals. The announcer will give you plenty of commentary on the rules.
9.30pm: Basque songs and other entertainment, with mascot Pumpa warming up the room to welcome the stars of the evening.
9:45pm: The professionals come into play. The best players in the world take part in this competition, which is broadcast on YouTube and major sports channels such as Canal+.
