Between the ocean and the mountains, Saint-Jean-de-Luz , a charming seaside resort in southwest France, is steeped in fascinating history and offers an idyllic setting for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing break, Saint-Jean-de-Luz has something for everyone all year round.
If you're looking for things to do on the Basque Coast and specifically things to visit in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, here's a top 5 of the must-sees.
Written by Anto
03 May 2025
read in 1 min
Summary
Top 5 things to do in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
1 - Dive into the history of Saint-Jean-De-Luz by visiting the city center
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a town rich in history following the marriage of King Louis XIV in 1660. Its pedestrian streets, linking the ocean to the historic center, and its old residences bear witness to this.
Begin your visit by discovering the Maison Louis XIV, located in the heart of the city. It was in this house that the Sun King married Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain. The city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers guided tours to explore the richly decorated rooms and delve into the fascinating history of this royal union.
Continue your city tour with a stroll around the old port. A peaceful spot where you can stroll along the quays, admire the colorful fishing boats, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
And starting in April, board the Little Train to explore the old town in depth. You'll discover the hidden charm of this Basque city.
2 - Discover the botanical garden
Want to explore the Basque Coast in a different way? The coastal botanical garden of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a superb opportunity for plant lovers.
This garden is a place of discovery, learning and fulfillment all year round.
The garden is home to a variety of plants: useful plants, plants from five continents, and a labyrinth of botanical families.
You even have the opportunity to attend various workshops (by reservation) on composting, vegetable garden design, grafting, and even water cycles. Plenty of activities to delight young and old alike.
This ideal location also has a food court. It's a great botanical garden, ideal for a family afternoon in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
3 - Take a walk
What could be better than taking a walk to enjoy the wonderful landscapes of the Basque Coast ?
After strolling along the seafront, join the Flots Bleus promenade which will take you to Sainte-Barbe .
Grab your hiking shoes and climb up to the rocky hill of Sainte Barbe, a public park for the enjoyment of children. You can admire the stunning view and the magnificent sunset over the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz .
4 - Enjoy the Ocean
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a popular place for water sports in both summer and winter.
The large, calm beach with fine sand is reserved for swimming and calm water sports: stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, Hawaiian canoeing, flyboarding, towed buoys, etc.
The Basque Coast , renowned for its ideal climate and strong ocean waves, has many popular surfing spots.
In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Sainte Barbe beach is ideal, with several surf schools for the initiated.
5 - Taste Basque specialties
Take advantage of your stay to sample local savory specialties such as spicy stuffed piquillo peppers, Bayonne ham, and succulent fresh fish. Local markets are full of fresh produce that will delight food lovers.
For dessert, try the unmissable Basque cherry cake or the macarons from Maison Adam! Sure to delight your taste buds.