Only about 20 minutes from our base camp in Bidart, Saint-Jean-de-Luz has a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere, is steeped in Basque tradition and is lively in summer but not overcrowded. Due to its location in the French Basque Country, Basque culture is very much in evidence in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The typical architecture is particularly noticeable on the beach, and some restaurants have Basque names and décor.

The bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz lies on the Bay of Biscay and is the only sheltered harbour between Arcachon and the Spanish border. High walls break the waves of the Atlantic. A fine sandy beach, wide and beautifully curved, lines the bay. High, solid dams protect the town from the force of the Atlantic. This is very necessary, as the old town lies below sea level. Saint-Jean-de-Luz has developed into a famous seaside resort on the Basque Coast. The seaside resort is relatively new, but the harbour itself is very old.

Most of the beautiful and imposing Basque houses that make up the old town date back to the 17th century, when Saint-Jean-de-Luz was one of France's most important fishing ports.

It was also a time of transition: alongside its main industry of fishing, the town developed into a perfect hideout for corsairs. With the blessing of the French crown, these feared Basques hunted English, Spanish and all other enemies of France at sea and plundered their ships. The spoils were then brought to the small port of Saint-Jean. Even today, traces of this golden age are still clearly visible in the streets of the town.

At the same time, on Pigeon Island, located in the middle of the border river between France and Spain, the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed, ending the long conflict between France and Spain. The marriage of King Louis XIV and Maria Theresa, daughter of the Spanish king, was one of the consequences of the conclusion of this cross-border agreement. In June 1660, one of the most important political weddings in history took place in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and remains a source of pride for the people of Saint-Jean-de-Luz to this day.

The main attraction of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is undoubtedly its beautiful beach, known as the Grande Plage. The crescent-shaped beach is protected from the waves by three huge breakwaters, making it the ideal place for families with children, not to mention the numerous activities and games on offer along the beach promenade.

A stroll along the promenade that runs along the entire bay is an absolute must. It offers an extraordinary panorama: the Cantabrian Sea on one side and the Basque architecture on the other.

The houses lining the beach have become the most important landmark of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Many of them are connected to the promenade by a small bridge, which gives them additional charm.

Background information, historical facts and things to look out for can be discovered with the help of Nicolas Louberry and Adel Txu, whose Luz Tuk tuk is not only a fun vehicle, but these two guides know so much about their city that it is worth taking a ride with them to get to know St.-Jean-de-Luz better.