Discover Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Few towns in the French Basque Country have the charm of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. A perfect place for a short break when you come to spend your holidays in San Sebastian and one that we guarantee you will want to return to.

Why? Because it is a city that knows how to combine the elegance of large French cities such as Paris, Bordeaux or Toulouse, but with that essence of the French Basque Country that is reflected in the structure of the houses in the historic centre, in the flavour of its gastronomy and in many of its traditions.

A coastal town ideal for family plans, couples, with friends and for lovers of the sea, gastronomy and history.

Come and visit it with us, stay because your trip starts now!

What to see in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

What’s not to be fooled: Saint-Jean-de-Luz is one of the places we Gipuzkoans like to visit most when we go to the French Basque Country.

There are many reasons, as we have already told you. But as we can’t tell you all of them in this article, we’re going to start by telling you which are the places that, if you visit this coastal town, you absolutely have to see.

Port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz

It is the first thing you will see when you arrive in the town, as it is located in the heart of the town and its essence is part of the character of its citizens, but also of its traditions and gastronomy.

What will probably strike you most about it is that it is a picturesque port, as it combines the beauty of fishing boats with the sophistication of modern yachts, especially in the summer season.

This port, which was once an important centre for whale hunting, as was the port of Pasaia, still retains its seafaring essence.

Strolling along its quays is an experience that connects with history and allows you to enjoy the sea views and the restaurants that line the port.

One recommendation: if you want to enjoy the full experience, we recommend you go at dawn or dusk, as this is when you’ll see the most movement of fishing boats.

You can also stop by the fishermen’s guild, where you can find a restaurant serving some of the town’s most traditional dishes, and find out about the different activities that take place in this area of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

In addition, in the port itself you will find the House of Louis XIV, which is still one of the best places in the corsair town to learn about the town’s past.

Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste

This church is one of the greatest treasures of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Famous for being the place where the marriage of King Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Austria was celebrated in 1660, its interior dazzles with an impressive gilded altarpiece and its wooden structure typical of Basque churches.

In addition, its location in the central Rue Gambetta makes it an obligatory stop. If you are lucky and your visit coincides with a sung mass, we recommend you enter (always with the utmost respect) and enjoy the sound of the organ and the voices of the choir, which spread throughout the church.

As a fishing village, this church of Saint-Jean-de-Luz has a boat hanging from the ceiling to protect the sailors who go out to sea every day.

The old town

The old town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is an architectural gem that reflects the essence of the French Basque Country.

Its cobbled streets are lined with brightly coloured houses, with flower-filled balconies and a traditional structure that evokes centuries of history.

Here you will find fashion boutiques of different styles and also of the main surf brands, such as Rip Curl, Billabong or Quicksilver, among others, since it is in this town where one of their main factories is located.

Of course, you will also find different bakeries and patisseries that we invite you to visit, to enjoy the delicious French bread or its well-known pastries. Not forgetting shops selling local products such as pâté, Ezpeleta peppers and local cheeses, among others.

In addition, there is also the city market, Les Halles, where you can enjoy fresh local produce. A lively market where you can discover the essence of the gastronomy of Lugo.

You can also enjoy a delicious coffee, an aperitif or the most local gastronomy in the different bars, cafés and restaurants in the area, with different prices and options to choose from.

Beaches in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The beaches of Saint Jean de Luz are, without a doubt, the jewels in the crown of the Basque-French town and perfect for enjoying the Cantabrian Sea in a relaxed and safe environment.

These are the most outstanding:

Grande Plage

This beach is located in the city centre and is the busiest during the summer season.

Its sheltered bay makes it an ideal place for families with young children, as the waters are calm and safe. Moreover, here you can practice water sports such as paddle surfing and enjoy long walks along the promenade.

At the end of this promenade you will find a park and bunkers from the Second World War.

Lafitenia Beach

If you love surfing, this is the beach for you. With consistent waves and a wilder atmosphere, Lafitenia beach is known for attracting surfers from all over the world.

It is also a perfect place for those seeking peace and quiet, as its natural environment is less crowded than other beaches. However, when it comes to bathing, you will have to take more precautions.

A curiosity: if you go there at sunset, you will see a large number of surfers parading along the beach to bid farewell to the day. A curious and bucolic moment.

Relaxation and activity options

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, the beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Luz offer many leisure options.

From renting a paddleboard or surfboard to relaxing in one of the beach bars, where you can enjoy the famous ‘moules avec des frites’ (mussels with potatoes) or its sweet and savoury crepes, among other delicacies.

La Grande Plage is also home to the Grand Hotel’s thalassotherapy centre, which has won the prize for Best Thalassotherapy awarded by the Global Winner aux World Luxury Spa Awards on several occasions. Or the Thalazur thalassotherapy, also by the sea.

Gastronomy of Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The gastronomy of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a journey of flavours that combines the best of the French Basque Country with the seafaring tradition.

Some of its most outstanding dishes include:

Seafood gastronomy

If you decide to stay for lunch or dinner in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, we recommend you visit some of its traditional restaurants. Once inside, order hake a la luzienne, a fresh fish dish prepared with a delicious local sauce that you can enjoy at any time of the year.

Also popular are the seafood tapas, which combine the freshness of the port with traditional recipes. In this regard, we recommend you order the oysters, which you can eat in different ways, although natural is always a great choice, or the aforementioned ‘moules avec des frites’.

Sweets and pastries

For those with a sweet tooth, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a paradise. The gâteau basque, a cream or cherry-filled pastry, is the emblem of local pastry-making.

In the patisseries of the old town you will find traditional and modern versions that will delight your palate.

Of course, we also invite you to order the famous ‘macarons’ in different flavours, Bayonne chocolate or ‘éclairs’ (lightning bolts), which taste similar to what you can find in French patisseries, but with a special touch that you will rarely have tasted.

The same goes for the ‘croissant’ or ‘chocolatines’ which, despite being products made in different parts of France, taste really delicious in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Outstanding restaurants

The town has a wide range of gastronomic offerings, from small family-run bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Amongst the recommendations are the places by the harbour, where you can enjoy a dinner overlooking the Atlantic while sampling the best of Basque-French cuisine.

Shopping and crafts in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

If there is one thing we always recommend to people who visit Donostia and its surroundings with us, it is that when you go shopping, take advantage of the opportunity to buy products that you won’t find elsewhere or that will cost you a lot.

So when you visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz, remember to buy unique products that reflect the culture and tradition of the French Basque Country:

Basque-style table linen and towels.

One of the most typical souvenirs you can take back with you are the Basque towels and table linen, famous for their bright colours and traditional designs. These pieces of local craftsmanship are perfect for decorating your home or as gifts.

Local markets

The Saint-Jean-de-Luz market mentioned above is the place to go for fresh, local produce, from cheeses and cured meats to seasonal fruit and vegetables. It’s a lively place where you can get up close and personal with the local gastronomic tradition.

Boutiques and craft shops

The old town is full of boutiques and shops where you can buy unique clothes, accessories and souvenirs. Many of them focus on handmade products, which ensures the quality and authenticity of what you get.

How to get to Saint Jean de Luz

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is just 30 kilometres from San Sebastian, making this Corsican town a perfect day or weekend getaway. Here’s how to get there:

By car

The quickest and most comfortable way is by car, via the A-63 motorway. There are several parking areas close to the centre, making it easy to visit.

By train

From San Sebastian, you can take the Euskotren train to Hendaye and once there, take another train, but with the French company SNCF. Both stations are next to each other, so you can’t get lost.

The journey from San Sebastian to Hendaye takes about 30 minutes and from Hendaye to Sain-Jean-de-Luz, about 10. The station is just a few minutes from the old town. It is, without a doubt, a quick and ecological way to enjoy the city.

By bus

There is a bus line that connects San Sebastian with Saint-Jean-de-Luz, offering an economical alternative for getting there, although it is true that the frequency is not very varied.

Getting around the town

Once in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the town is perfect for walking around, as most of the attractions are close to each other and there are no hills. You can also hire a bike to explore the beaches and the harbour.

As you can see, a trip to Saint-Jean-de-Luz is the perfect option, easy to do and you can brush up on your French, although you’ll have no problem getting help in Spanish in most places.

Would you prefer to be accompanied by a guide? Write to us and we will organise the trip with you.