guide
You’re preparing a stay on the Basque Coast and wondering what to do in Saint Jean de Luz? Between its family-friendly Grande Plage, its historical heritage linked to the marriage of Louis XIV and its renowned Basque gastronomy, this seaside resort has plenty to satisfy all types of vacationers. Here’s an overview of the best activities to make the most of your stay from your campsite with water park.
If you’re wondering what to do in Saint Jean de Luz first, the answer is simple: head to the Grande Plage. Protected from currents by three breakwaters, it offers safe swimming, particularly suitable for families. Those who love thrills prefer the Erromardie and Lafitenia beaches, renowned for their surf spots. You can also practice stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking or take a boat excursion to discover the bay from offshore.
Saint Jean de Luz has remarkable historical heritage, intimately linked to the marriage of Louis XIV and Infanta Marie-Thérèse of Austria in 1660. Two sites absolutely deserve your visit.
This emblematic building of Basque style is distinguished by its single nave and sculpted wooden galleries. It was here that the royal wedding was celebrated on June 9, 1660. Entrance is free and the church is open every day, Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 7:30 pm.
The Louis XIV House (Lohobiague-Enea), built in 1643, hosted the Sun King for over a month. Guided tours last between 30 and 40 minutes. Expect 6€ for an adult and 3.80€ for ages 12-18. In the summer season, the house is open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm (closed Tuesdays).
Claire’s tip: visit the Louis XIV House at the end of the day, when the setting sun illuminates the pink stone facade. It’s a moment that locals particularly recommend, and there’s much less crowding than in the morning.
It’s impossible to stay in Saint Jean de Luz without tasting the local specialties. Maison Adam offers its famous macarons, with a recipe dating back to 1660. Maison Pariès is renowned for its Basque cake, filled with cream or black cherries from Itxassou. Also treat yourself to a round of pintxos, these small gourmet mouthfuls typical of the Basque Country, enjoyed from bar to bar in the city center.
“For pintxos, we recommend strolling along Rue de la République late in the afternoon: that’s where the locals hang out, in a convivial atmosphere you won’t find in the big guidebooks.” – Claire
The surroundings are full of spectacular hiking trails for those wondering what to do around Saint Jean de Luz. The coastal path connects the town to Hendaye along the cliffs, with breathtaking ocean views. The village of Ciboure, just across the harbor, is worth a detour for its colorful streets and Socoa fort.
For an authentic experience, consider attending the traditional festivals of Saint Jean de Luz. The Saint-Jean festivals, organized every year in June, transform the city into an open-air theater with Basque music and dance. The covered market, located near the market halls, is a must-see to discover local produce: Espelette pepper, sheep cheese, Bayonne ham and artisanal chocolate.
Ready to book your stay? Discover our campsites with water parks in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques close to Saint-Jean-de-Luz!
The best activities to do in Saint-Jean-de-Luz with the family include swimming at La Grande Plage, a safe beach suited to children, visiting the Maison Louis XIV, strolling along the harbour, and tasting Basque cake. The tourist train (€9 adults, €5 children) also lets you discover the town with no effort.
Yes, it's entirely possible to surf in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, but the best spots are found at Erromardie and Lafitenia beaches, a few minutes from the centre. The calmer La Grande Plage is better suited to swimming. Several surf schools offer lessons for every level.
Around Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can visit the village of Ciboure and its Fort Socoa, the town of Bayonne and its ramparts, Biarritz and its Rocher de la Vierge, or Espelette, famous for its peppers. The coastal path to Hendaye offers a spectacular hike.
The best pintxos in Saint-Jean-de-Luz are found in the bars of the town centre, particularly around Rue de la République and Place Louis XIV. Tradition has it that you go from bar to bar for variety, pairing your bites with a glass of txakoli.
Yes, several 3- to 5-star campsites offer water parks in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the surrounding Basque Country (Hendaye, Bidart). These campsites offer heated pools and slides, ideal for combining swimming with exploring the historic town centre and the beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
The best time to visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz is from June to September, when the climate favours the beach and outdoor activities. June has the advantage of the Saint-Jean festivities and smaller crowds than in July-August.
