Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Coastal commune in French Basque Country, France.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a commune on the Atlantic coast in the French Basque Country, where the Nivelle River meets the sea. The bay is protected by three breakwaters from storms and high waves, so the water remains mostly calm and suitable for swimming.
The Church of Saint John the Baptist hosted the wedding of Louis XIV and Maria Teresa of Spain in 1660. After the ceremony, the door through which the couple left the church was walled up forever and remains sealed to this day.
The name derives from Donibane Lohitzune in Basque, meaning John at the marsh. Locals speak both Basque and French, and street signs display both languages side by side, allowing visitors to notice the bilingual tradition immediately.
The seafront promenade is flat and easy to walk for all visitors, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. During summer, the coast can get crowded, so arriving early in the morning or in the evening when fewer people are around is worthwhile.
The sardine fleet disappeared in the 20th century, but anchovy fishing boats still return to the harbor every morning. The fish market along the harbor wall displays the daily catch, and vendors sell fresh anchovies directly from the crates.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
