Saint Jean de Luz town
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Saint Jean de Luz - by Alexis Gerbaud on Unsplash
Description
Saint Jean de Luz is an oceanside town in the French Basque Country (the basque name is Donibane Lohizune). It is very popular with tourists and retirees for its mix of beaches, attractive town centre and cultural heritage. Highlights include the typical house architecture, quaint streets, beaches, the church of Saint John Baptist and the food & restaurants. Historically, the town owes its development to its natural harbour: Socoa Bay (shared with the village of Ciboure), the only one in the Bay of Biscay between Spain and Arcachon. Nowadays fishing remains important but tourism and services are the main sources of revenues.
Access & Transport
Saint Jean de Luz train station is on the eastern edge of town and connects the town with Bordeaux (and further on Paris) and Pau / Toulouse. It is also possible to get the train into Spain but this requires a change in Hendaye or Irun to continue further south. By car, one should take exit #3 on the A63 when coming from Biarritz/Bayonne. It is about 1h20' to Pau and 2h30 to Bordeaux using the expressways.
Instructions & Recommendations
We strongly recommend you walk around the town and try some of the cafes, restaurants and ice creams. Seafood is of course one of the specialities there. There is plenty to fill a day and it works well as a base to explore the region. Other highlights that can be seen from there include Hendaye beach, the villages of Bidart and Guétary, Biarritz, Bayonne and the various inland villages and activities such as La Rhune train / hike. Try to avoid the peak season of July/Aug. if you can.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral (no carbon footprint). Tourism helps preserve the town's cultural heritage and provides economic activity to the community but there is a clear case of over-commercialization, and the town is expensive for residents.
Conclusion
Saint Jean de Luz is deservedly popular, you may expect it is all about the beach, but we'd rather say it is oceanside living as the town has plenty to offer but manages to keep a laid-back atmosphere most of the year. Do not look for a specific monument or outstanding sight but, instead, take the time to wander the various streets, have a morning coffee and a lunch, etc. - enjoy!
Key positive
Streets and squares with lots of charm
Good connectivity with the rest of the region
Key negative
Quite expensive
Crowded in the summer
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:5h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo