A picturesque fishing port on France’s southwest coast.
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Overview
St. Jean de Luz (Donibane Lohizune in Basque) is a delightful coastal town nestled in the heart of the French Basque Country, along the picturesque Bay of Biscay. This charming port, once a thriving whaling and fishing center, is now renowned for its beautiful crescent-shaped beach, its colorful Basque architecture, and its rich royal history, notably as the site of Louis XIV's marriage to Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660. The town beautifully blends its maritime heritage with a vibrant cultural identity, distinct from other parts of France.
For cruise passengers, St. Jean de Luz offers a captivating blend of historical exploration, relaxation on sandy shores, and an immersion in unique Basque traditions. From wandering through its historic pedestrian streets and sampling local delicacies to enjoying the lively waterfront and exploring nearby coastal gems, a stop in St. Jean de Luz promises a memorable and enchanting experience on the southwestern coast of France.
Wander through the charming, pedestrianized historic town center of St. Jean de Luz. Admire the distinctive red-and-white half-timbered Basque houses, browse the local boutiques, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Place Louis XIV, the main square.
Tip: Look for the "Maison Louis XIV," the house where King Louis XIV stayed before his wedding, and the "Maison de l'Infante," where the Spanish Infanta Maria Theresa resided.
Step inside the magnificent Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste), where Louis XIV's historic royal wedding took place. This impressive Basque church features a grand altar, a striking wooden triple-tiered gallery, and a unique architectural style.
Tip: Note the separate entrance for men and women, a traditional feature of Basque churches, and the ship models hanging inside, a nod to the town's maritime heritage.
Enjoy the beautiful, crescent-shaped Grande Plage (Main Beach), located right in front of the town center. Its calm waters, protected by three sea walls, make it ideal for swimming and relaxing, offering stunning views of the bay and the surrounding cliffs.
Tip: The beach is very accessible. You can rent chairs and umbrellas in season, or simply lay down a towel and enjoy the sun.
Take a leisurely stroll along the port and promenade (Promenade Jacques Thibaud). Watch the colorful fishing boats come and go, admire the grand hotels lining the waterfront, and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.
Tip: Head towards the lighthouse for great views of the bay and the town, and you might even see local fishermen at work.
Indulge in the rich and distinctive Basque culinary delights. Try local specialties like macarons (the original Basque version, different from Parisian ones), gateau Basque (a traditional almond cake), and fresh seafood. Don't forget to sample Piment d'Espelette (Espelette pepper), a mild chili pepper used in many local dishes.
Tip: Visit a local traiteur (delicatessen) or bakery for authentic treats. Look for a pintxos bar (Basque tapas) for a flavorful experience.
From St. Jean de Luz, take a pleasant walk across the bridge to the neighboring fishing village of Ciboure, birthplace of composer Maurice Ravel. Continue to Fort Socoa, a historic fortress guarding the harbor entrance, offering excellent views and a small beach.
Tip: This walk offers different perspectives of the bay and the two towns, showing their intertwined maritime history.
Aboard
Seabourn Quest
From
Lisbon, Portugal
1 Sailing
Jun 11, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Seabourn Quest
From
Lisbon, Portugal
1 Sailing
Jun 11, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Azamara Journey
From
Lisbon, Portugal
1 Sailing
May 29, 2027
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per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
Azamara Journey
From
Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy
1 Sailing
May 15, 2027
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per person*
taxes & fees included
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