Travel Guide of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France by Influencers and Travelers
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is part of the Basque province of Labourd.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Château d'Abbadie
7 km away
The Château d'Abbadia, also Château d'Abbadie, is a château in Hendaye, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. Built between 1864 and 1879, it was designed in the neo-Gothic style by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and incorporated many enigmatic features characteristic of its owner, the explorer Antoine Thomson d'Abbadie, after whom it is named.
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2 - Bidart
8 km away
Bidart is a commune of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in southwestern France. It is located in the traditional Basque province of Labourd.
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3 - Surfing in St Jean de Luz
Come for a discovery surfing course in Saint-Jean-de-Luz with Gold Coast school of surf! You can pick from several packages adapted to your expectations and objectives so go ahead and do it! You will ride the best waves of the region! The Gold C...
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4 - Hendaye
9 km away
Hendaye is a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The town, France's most southwesterly and a popular seaside tourist resort, stands on the right bank of the River Bidassoa – which marks the Franco-Spanish border – at the point where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean in the French Basque Country.
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5 - Guéthary
6 km away
Guéthary is a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in south-western France. It is located in the traditional Basque province of Labourd, the town traditionally standing on the northernmost coastal linguistic boundary of the Basque language.
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6 - Boat Tours in Biarritz
From Biarritz, admire the Basque coast on board a private, reliable and comfortable zodiac! Breathe in the sea air and feel the sun and wind against your skin... Contemplate the marine landscapes around you and live a memorable experience during a on...
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7 - LaRhune
9 km away
Larrun is a mountain at the western end of the Pyrenees. It is located on the border of France and Spain, where the traditional Basque provinces of Labourd and Navarra meet. Its prominence is 670 m.
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8 - La Rhune
9 km away
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9 - Stand up Paddle in Hendaye
9 km away
Enjoy an unforgettable Stand Up Paddle experience and discover Hendaye in a unique way with the Gold Coast Surf School! Hendaye, the jewel of the Basque coast, offers an idyllic setting for Stand Up Paddle. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and surround...
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10 - Les Alcyons
6 km away
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11 - Bidasoa
11 km away
The Bidasoa is a river in the Basque Country of northern Spain and southern France that runs largely south to north. Named as such downstream of the small town of Oronoz-Mugairi in the province of Navarra, the river actually results from the merger of several streams near the village Erratzu, with the stream Baztan that rises at the north-eastern side of the mount Autza being considered the source of the Bidasoa.
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12 - Sea Kayaking in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Built to be safe and stable, this single/double seater craft can be used by both kayaking beginners and experts. Above all it is ideal for exploring the ocean. Equipped with a tiller, its glide and comfort will encourage you to venture into areas unk...
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13 - Biarritz
11 km away
Biarritz is a city on the Bay of Biscay, on the Atlantic coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country in southwestern France. It is located 35 kilometres from the border with Spain.
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14 - Le Musée de la mer
13 km away
The Aquarium of Biarritz, or le Musée de la Mer, is an aquarium in Biarritz. The building, in art deco style, was opened in 1933. It went through the first renovation in 1992 to add an important collection of marine animals.
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15 - Surf in Anglet
18 km away
These courses are the perfect way for those of you who want to improve your surfing skills and want to improve now! There is no better way to progress than by immersing yourself into the world of surfing and with a lesson (or 2) every day, you'll hav...
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16 - Château-Vieux
18 km away
Château-Vieux, also known as the Old Castle of Bayonne, is a castle in the commune of Bayonne, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département of France. The castle has been rebuilt many times over the centuries.
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17 - St. Andrew's Church, Bayonne
19 km away
St. Andrew's Church is a neo-Gothic Roman Catholic parish church in central Bayonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. It is dedicated to saint Andrew the Apostle.
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18 - Bayonne
19 km away
Bayonne is a city and commune and one of the two sub-prefectures of the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France.
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19 - La Verbena Les Halles
19 km away
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20 - Tarnos
24 km away
Tarnos is a commune in the Landes department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France.
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21 - Anoeta Stadium
27 km away
Anoeta Stadium, currently known as the Reale Arena for sponsorship purposes, is a football stadium in San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain that was inaugurated in 1993.
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22 - La Concha Beach
28 km away
The Beach of La Concha is a crescent shaped urban seaboard of the city of San Sebastián located at the Bay of La Concha in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. Its name “Concha” is given upon its remarkably regular shape.
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Pictures and Stories of Saint-Jean-de-Luz from Influencers
8 pictures of Saint-Jean-de-Luz from Gwendal Cottin, Nicolas Savignat, Alexis Gerbaud and other travelers
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Why should you visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz ?
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🏖️ OceanHow to visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz ?
Why traveling there?
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a charming coastal town in the French Basque Country, known for its beautiful sandy beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Travelers are attracted to its stunning landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine, and picturesque streets lined with traditional Basque architecture. With a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, this destination offers a unique experience for visitors looking to explore the beauty of the French Basque region.
How to get there?
The closest airport to Saint-Jean-de-Luz is Biarritz Airport (BIQ), which is about a 20-minute drive away. There are direct flights from several European cities, or you can connect via Paris or other major hubs. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or catch a shuttle bus to get to Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Alternatively, you can take the train from major French cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Toulouse, with a journey time of approximately 4-5 hours. The town is also well-connected via bus routes within the Basque region.
What to book in advance?
While Saint-Jean-de-Luz is not as crowded as some other tourist destinations, it is still a good idea to book accommodations and popular activities in advance, especially during the peak summer months. Consider booking a guided tour of the town's historical sites, a cooking class to learn about Basque cuisine, or a boat tour to explore the stunning coastline.
What are the costs?
The cost of visiting Saint-Jean-de-Luz can vary depending on your preferences and budget. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Expect to pay around €50-€150 per night for a mid-range hotel. Dining out can also vary, with casual meals at a café or bistro costing around €10-€20 per person, while a fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant can cost upwards of €70 per person. Activities and tours can range from €20-€100, depending on the type and duration.
What are the best things to do?
Some of the top activities in Saint-Jean-de-Luz include exploring the picturesque old town, relaxing on the sandy beaches, and visiting historical landmarks like the Church of Saint John the Baptist, where King Louis XIV was married. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, surfing, and golfing in the surrounding area. Don't miss the vibrant local markets where you can taste and buy delicious regional products.
Where to eat?
1. Chez Pantxua: A traditional Basque restaurant offering delicious local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
2. La Ruelle: A charming bistro serving fresh seafood and regional dishes in a lovely garden setting.
3. Kako Etxea: A popular spot for pintxos (Basque tapas), where you can enjoy a variety of small bites and local wines.
Where to stay?
1. Hôtel La Marisa: A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, offering comfortable rooms and a lovely terrace.
2. Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa: A luxurious hotel with stunning ocean views, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
3. Hotel Madison Saint Jean de Luz: A stylish and modern hotel located just a short walk from the beach and the town center.
Off the beaten path
For a unique and unusual travel experience, consider exploring the nearby La Rhune mountain, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Basque Country and the Pyrenees. You can opt for a challenging hike or take the charming La Rhune cog railway, which has been in operation since 1924. At the summit, you'll find traditional Basque farmhouses, free-roaming Pottok ponies, and a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Learn More about Saint-Jean-de-Luz
From beautiful beaches to an attractive old town, St-Jean-de-Luz is a gem in the kingdom of the Basque Country. This small beach city is full of charm, from the harbor lined with colorful boats to boutique shops selling surf gear and year-round lessons. And due to its warm climate, it is both a winter and summer resort. Saint-Jean-de-Luz is located on the Atlantic coast of France, the last major town before crossing the border into Spain just 10 km (6 mi). It is in the Pyrénées-Atlantique department and the next to Biarritz and Bayonne.
First and foremost, St-Jean-de-Luz is a beautiful and protected sandy bay. It has good beaches, making it ideal for families. St-Jean-de-Luz's success as a fishing port is due to its unique protection. The long stretch south from the Arcachon Bay near Bordeaux has some of the best surfing in France with exposure to great parts of the Atlantic Ocean. But St-Jean is protected by being on an estuary between two headlands, a natural barrier extended by large levees and the Artha breakwater. You'll get a great view from the harbor to the old town.
You can surf year-round on the beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Families should stick to the Grande Plage beach in town. There are lifeguards on duty from June to mid-September, and sun and wind vests can be rented. Lifeguards are on duty daily (from 11am) from June to mid-September, plus on weekends in May. Head a little further out of the city for the surf beaches of Plage d'Erromardie, Plage de Mayarco, Plage de Lafiténia and Plage de Cénitz, both known to be particularly good surfing beaches.
With such a reputation, there are great surf shops where you can buy or rent gear and also book classes for one-on-one classes or a week's dip into the arts. Also St-Jean is a great getaway to indulge in spa treatments at sea and enjoy natural hot mineral waters. Guests can find everything from hydromassage to water fitness classes. There are two main spas and health resorts, Loreamar Thalasso Spa and Thalazur Thalasso Spa.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Take the train or fly to Biarritz . Then take a train (every 12 minutes) to Saint-Jean station on av de Verdun next to the town center and close to the beach.
You can go to Thalassothérapie et Spa Hélianthal Thalazur and Loreamar Thalasso et Spa to get the spa treatments.
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Where to Stay in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
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