SAINT-JEAN-DE-luz
Life’s a breeze in this attractive city. Whether you stay for a day or a week, you will go home revitalised! As soon as you begin to walk through the streets you will notice a diverse range of architecture. Seaside villas built by rich ship-owners at the height of whaling and cod fishing times sit alongside typical Basque-style houses with their painted timber framing. A good example is Maison Louis XIV. It is located on the square that goes by the same name, and was commissioned by ship-owner Joannid Lohobiague in the mid-17th century.
Stroll down the pedestrian street, Rue Gambetta, for some shopping, then lounge in the shade at one of the terraces on Louis XIV square. At any time of the year you will find local painters depicting the fabulous coastal atmosphere and scenes.
Take a few more steps and you will reach the fishing harbour. Now specialising in tuna, anchovy and line-caught hake, the port strives to practise sustainable fishing in order to preserve the seabed. There is a bright display of traditional fishing boats called “canneurs” and bolincheurs” decorated with flags.
If you turn right, you will come to the Maison de l’Infante which accommodated Maria Theresa of Spain before her marriage to Louis XIV.
The promenade along the Grande Plage gives you a 180° view from the fort of Socoa on your right to the green Sainte Barbe point on your left, a stop on the Coastal Track.
This two-facetted town between sea and pine forest is located between Bayonne and Biarritz. You can enjoy all sorts of sports including surfing, golf, treetop adventure trails and cycling; and cultural activities such as the Biennale Internationale d’Art Contemporain and the Théâtre Quintaou, with the “national stage” label, not forgetting the gigantic flea market!
Bayonne is a real hub of Basque culture. It has everything: architecture, including the traditional timber-framed houses, gastronomy with ham and chocolate, sport with rugby and pelota, traditional dances, festivals, including the famous Fêtes de Bayonne, three museums presenting fine arts, Basque history and natural history, and bullfighting in the arenas!
Around the marketplace, a relaxed urban atmosphere fills the bars and restaurants, spilling out onto the streets. Tapas and traditional dishes can be enjoyed on the terraces.
Take on the waves at one of the four beaches in this seaside city, then walk through the streets to discover a rich variety of architecture.
Bidart is a charming town with a variety of activities on offer. Laze about on one of the six beaches, take a walk along the Coastal Trail or allow yourself a moment of contemplation from a high lookout point over the sea, the mountains and the sunset. Would you like to learn to play golf? Visit the Ilbarritz International Training Centre.
A food-lover’s town, with a Chocolate Museum and a Gateau Basque festival.
It has a rich heritage, as evident in Villa Arnaga, the former residence of writer Cyrano de Bergerac, which is now a museum. Enjoy peace and simplicity at the heart of this inland town.
This town’s location between the sea, the mountains and the Spanish border allows you to combine several different activities in one day: the beach, a walk and an evening of tapas. The picturesque view over the bays from the cliffs is unforgettable. The strata of sedimentary rock in the cliffs are well worth a look.