Saint Jean de Luz

The origins of Saint-Jean de Luz

Saint-Jean de Luz, a popular seaside resort in the Basque Country, has nothing to envy to its neighbours, such as Biarritz, Bayonne or Guéthary. Bordered by the mountains and the sea, the city has a superb bay and a beach very popular with swimmers.

The city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is marked by a very strong historical past, you may have already heard of it or even the name of the most famous square in the city which puts the a flea in the ear… Indeed the city had its heyday many years ago when King Louis XIV chose the city to get married. A wedding in 1660 celebrated in the Saint-Jean Baptiste church in the city center, an event that marks the city forever.

King Louis XIV is not the only one to have marked the city, the marine world has done the same and remains very present today to the delight of ocean lovers. Fishing has for a long time punctuated the life of this Basque city, whale, sardines, cod, tuna make the reputation of Basque fishermen. This activity was a mainstay of the economy, in particular through whaling, which gradually declined, giving way now to tuna fishing. An activity that has, however, today lost its appeal. Also known for its Basque corsairs, the city was even nicknamed the "nest of vipers" in the 17th century by the English who feared the reputation and captures of the Basques. Today many streets still bear their names, a true Luzian symbol...

The essentials of Saint-Jean de Luz

Saint-Jean de Luz is a city full of charm and above all history. Indeed, it is a city that has a lot to offer you! Its large beach protected by dikes will attract your favors for its calm and its accessibility, but the other beaches a little more hidden are no less charming so, do not hesitate to sunbathe at the beach. of Acotz or Erromardie.

Known for having hosted for a month the future King of France ready to marry the Infanta of Spain, the beautiful Maison Louis XIV has kept few traces of his visit but remains an interesting testimony to what was the home of a Basque shipowner in the 17th century. On the other hand, we can say that the imposing gilded wooden altarpiece of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church - classified as a Historic Monument - welcomed the wedding ceremony of the young Louis XIV and Maria-Thérèse of Spain in 1660.

At Pointe Sainte-Barbe, you have to see Fort Socoa, also built in the 17th century, for the breathtaking view of the city, its neighbor Ciboure and the Rhune, for the spray flapping in the wind or the sunset, but also to remember the time of the corsairs.

Passing by the Jacques Thibault way with houses adorned with the typical Basque red, you can reach the lively rue Gambetta for delightful shopping in the shops of producers in the region.

Nature lovers will happily walk the paths of the Coastal Botanical Garden. More than two hectares of exotic and typical plants of the Basque coast classified in the manner of a collection on the cliff of Archilua.

Right in the center of Saint Jean de Luz, between amphitheater and playgrounds, rose gardens and armfuls of magnolias await you in Ducontenia Park.

Water sports enthusiasts are happy in Saint Jean de Luz. The whole Basque coast and here the large beach and the spot of Lafitenia live to the rhythm of the surfers. Beginners benefit from the know-how of surf schools while more experienced surfers have fun on the Sainte-Barbe spot, to the north of the bay.

Others will practice paddle or golf, in life-size or miniature version.

Occasional sailors (or not) will gladly embark on the Corsaire Basque for a sailing trip in contact with whales, an evening of celebration or the discovery of small coastal ports. Or why not go fishing at sea with a real sailor from Luz?

Along the streets, you can stop at the Arts du XXème siècle gallery to appreciate the sculptures, ceramics, paintings and small pieces of furniture made by renowned local artists, but also to discover the works of unknown artists, as well as its traditional shops. where you can bring back some souvenirs and delicacies from the Basque Country. Do not miss the macaroons from Chez Adam or the mouchous from Pariès, the ice creams from Txomin, the espadrilles and many other must-haves in the city.

In the heart of Saint-Jean de Luz, many cafes, bars and restaurants are present and offer you to taste typical dishes of the region.

Living in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Between beach, mountain, lively neighborhoods, living in Saint-Jean de Luz is a real pleasure and an art of living. Saint-Jean-de-Luz forms with Ciboure an agglomeration open to the bay of Socoa, in the Bay of Biscay. Close to Spain, the famous seaside resort is bordered by the small towns of Urrugne, Ascain, Guéthary and Bidart and only 13 kilometers separate it from Biarritz.

Its geographical location in the heart of Socoa harbor makes it an ideal destination for swimming and practicing water sports.

The coast of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its historical past make it a popular city from the point of view of prestigious real estate, second homes are very popular there and allow you to keep a foothold in this region. gorgeous.

Its living environment, its landscapes and its activities make it very popular, especially in terms of prices.

On the coast near the Atlantic Ocean, the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz has many attractions, so investing there for holidays with a second home, or to come and put down your luggage for good is a smart and wise choice. A rising and fashionable city that has not finished surprising us both with its real estate offer and its development. History has left in particular unmissable monuments, a very particular architecture that can be found in particular in the house of the Infanta, in classic style this 17th century residence sets the tone. And yes, it is not the beautiful residences that are missing in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the real estate offer is substantial, rich and of high quality! A house a few minutes from the heart of the city or an apartment in the historic streets of the center, you are spoiled for choice. The choice has a price, the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is one of the most expensive on the coast in terms of real estate.