From a beach day at the Grand Plage to stepping into the historic Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a personal favorite in the French Basque Country. The postcard-perfect seaside resort and fishing port town is wonderful to visit, and I’m sharing everything you need to know about what to do while there.
As a young kid, I visited Saint-Jean-de-Luz several times as part of our time visiting family nearby in Biarritz. So when I returned this summer in 2026, I was very excited to revisit it as part of my Basque Itinerary. I spent two days in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, as the town has changed so much, with many exciting new shops and restaurants.
What I love about the town is its up-and-coming vibe, which has this buzzing atmosphere in the summer. The atmosphere is lively, with the Grande Plage dotted with umbrellas and the main squares full of people enjoying aperitifs on sun-soaked terraces.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a great alternative to Biarritz, without sacrificing traditional Basque culture and architecture or the beachy energy. And while it’s on the up, it still has a quiet, sleepy atmosphere that makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider French Basque Coast area. Read on for my complete guide to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France.
Short on Time? Here’s My Quick Guide to Saint-Jean-de-Luz:
Things to Do
- Shop at Les Halles de St Jean de Luz
- Have an Apero at Place Louis XIV
- Try the Macarons at Maison Adam
- Explore the Old Town
- Spend the Afternoon at the Grande Plage
Where to Stay
- Hotels: Thalazur Saint-Jean-de-Luz ($$), Grand Hôtel Spa & Thalasso ($$), BIZIPOZ Hotel ($$), La Réserve ($$)
- Airbnbs: 2 Bedroom Chic City Apartment, 2 Bedroom Apartment with Ocean View Terrace
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
For more time along the Basque Coast, read my guides for Biarritz (things to do and where to stay), Guéthary, Bayonne, and San Sebastian (things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and best day trips).
The Ultimate Guide to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
Why I’d Consider Staying in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is the perfect base for a trip to the French Basque Country if you want to skip the bigger city atmosphere of Biarritz (read my guide on where to stay in Biarritz). It’s closer to the southern Basque Coast, and its compact size gives it a more intimate charm that is more relaxing.
Where to Stay in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Hotels
- Thalazur Saint-Jean-de-Luz ($$), for the best beachfront spa hotel
- Grand Hôtel Spa & Thalasso ($$), for the best luxury spa break
- BIZIPOZ Hotel ($$), for the best boutique Basque-style hotel
- La Réserve ($$), for the best quiet retreat on the outskirts of town
Airbnbs
- 2 Bedroom Chic City Apartment, for the best stylish apartment
- 2 Bedroom Apartment with Ocean View Terrace, for the best sea-view apartment with a private terrace
Best Things to Do in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France
Shop Through Les Halles de St Jean de Luz
Get the perfect introduction to French Basque cuisine and the region’s top produce at Les Halles de St Jean de Luz. The covered market is the largest in town, with dozens of stalls selling everything from fruit, vegetables, and meat to flowers. Open year-round from early morning until lunch, it’s a great spot to pick up ingredients if you’re planning to cook at your accommodation or sample some pintxos at one of the small bars inside. Though the market technically opens at 7 am, I’d recommend going here about mid-morning, as most everything really opens up about then.
Try the Macarons at the Original Maison Adam
It’s one of my childhood favorite foods, the macarons from Maison Adam. The macaron tradition at Maison Adam dates back to 1660, when King Louis XIV married, as they were served during the wedding celebrations. Following a traditional Basque recipe made of eggs, almonds, and sugar, they are soft and delicate, so a little different from the colorful version you may be used to from Ladurée. This is the best spot in town to try some and experience some of the town’s heritage dating back to the 17th century.
Explore the Old Town
Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s Old Town is perfect for exploring on foot, with several areas pedestrianized, including Rue Léon Gambetta, which is lined with boutiques and cafes. Take time to stroll through the charming streets, pop by Maison de l’Infante, and don’t miss visiting the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste which was the church where King Louis XIV married Marie-Thérèse of Spain in 1660. The wedding became the center point of the rapprochement between France and Spain following the Treaty of the Pyrenees and one of the most defining moments in Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s history.
You can easily stroll through Saint-Jean-de-Luz in about 15-20 minutes, but I’d recommend taking your time to explore the small side streets. One of my personal favorites is Rue Louis-Fortuné Loquin, which is home to the Labechiloa Sarl bakery that makes the best eclairs in the area. And then next door to it are antique stores, linen shops, and more.
Have Apero at Pl. Louis XIV
The heart of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is Place Louis XIV, and I feel like everyone is here either for their morning coffee or later afternoon apero. Right in the heart of it is a large band stand where concerts and events take place. It’s a beautiful tree-lined square with about a half-dozen restaurants to choose from, which all have terraces that spill into the square. For me personally, it’s the perfect spot to kick back for a drink and take in the local atmosphere as the square is lined with stunning Basque architecture.
Spend the Afternoon at the Grand Plage
Take an afternoon by the sea and head to the main beach by town, the Grande Plage. Start with a stroll along the Promenade Jacques Thibaud out to the Art Deco Pavlovsky Lighthouse, then take a dip in the sheltered waters, which are perfect for families. Nearby, you can also hike the Sentier du Littoral for a longer coastal trail that connects Saint-Jean-de-Luz with Hendaye, which is around 12km long. The walk combines views of the coast and the Pyrenees and is perfect for those who love the outdoors.
Travel Tip: The coastal path between Socoa and Asporotsttipi is currently closed due to rockslide safety concerns. For this section, there is a Txik Txak shuttle bus service that will take you between Socoa and Asporotsttipi.
Explore Local Specialty Stores
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is one of my favorites for shopping as there are several specialty stores that sell locally made goods. Everything from linens to pastries, there’s a lot to enjoy here. These are some of my recommendations:
- Artiga, sells beautiful linens and homewares with Basque flair, perfect for design lovers
- Crusoée, an art gallery and store specializing in Basque artwork and hand-carved lino prints
- Maison Pariès, is perfect for edible gifts, including gateau Basque and kanougas, so it’s ideal for foodies
- Labechiloa Sarl, is a traditional Basque bakery specializing in sweet and savory baked goods, ideal for grabbing for a picnic lunch at the beach
- La Civette, focused on regional craftsmanship, this cutlery store is ideal for design enthusiasts looking for a functional piece to return home with
Visit EGIATEGIA Wine Cellar
Discover the unique underwater winemaking process developed by Emmanuel Poirmeur, where the combination of temperature, pressure, and water movement influences the wine’s maturation process. You can take a tour and tasting at the cellar, which overlooks the port area of Socoa and the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. I recommend making a reservation in advance for the tour and tasting, as it often books out.
Drive Out to Fort de Socoa
Sitting at the end of the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Fort de Socoa was built to defend the port and nearby town. I love to drive out here early in the morning for a stroll before the sun comes out, or go out mid-afternoon for a late lunch. You can stop at the port for a meal, either lunch or dinner. My recommendations are either Le Socowa or La Cabane à Moules, which specialize in freshly caught seafood dishes. I remember eating my weight in mussels here when I was a kid!
Visit Nearby Ciboure
With some extra time during your stay in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, it’s worth paying a visit to Ciboure, which has a rich maritime history and a quiet, village-like feel. You can spend a couple of hours strolling through the town center, walking along the Quai Maurice Ravel. There are traditional white Basque buildings with colored timber framing, and you can walk past the Maison Natale de Maurice Ravel, a Dutch-style building where composer Maurice Ravel was born.
Drive La Corniche Basque for The Views
Just near Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a famous stretch along the coast between Hendaye and Ciboure, called “La Corniche Basque.” It’s an area famous for the high cliffs and views over the Atlantic Ocean. While it’s a short drive, it’s nice to do if you’re visiting other areas nearby as part of your day out. If you want to explore further, you can take one of the walking trails in the area to slow things down a little more.
Best Restaurants in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- ALCALDE — This is where I enjoyed one of my all-time favorite meals in the Basque Country this past summer. A traditional Basque-style restaurant with a focus on wood-fired grilled dishes and fresh seafood, especially the chipirons, a type of grilled baby squid. A reservation is a must if you want to guarantee a table, so be sure to book ahead.
- Restaurant Pluviôse — Small and intimate, this spot is perfect if you’re looking for a dynamic menu that changes with the seasons and available produce. This is my top pick if you want a chef-led approach to Basque cuisine without a fixed menu, so perfect for curious diners. Reservations are a must, since there are only 12 seats available.
- Petit Grill Basque — One of the longstanding restaurants in town, Petit Grill Basque is all things Basque cuisine with a homestyle approach. The plates here are quite large, meant for sharing, as the portions are big. You’ll find everything from octopus to fish soup, a local staple. You’ll want a reservation, especially for dinner.
- Familia – Cave à vin & Cave à manger — At this wine bar with casual dining and small plates, the emphasis here is on the wine accompanied by tapas-style sharing. This is perfect if you want to start with an aperitif that turns into a light, casual dinner. Located on the pedestrianized Rue de la Baleine, the outdoor terrace can get busy, especially during summer, so book ahead if you want to lock in a table.
- Pil Pil Enea — A traditional French-style restaurant that specializes in seafood, this is one of the top spots in town if you want all things fish. Low-key, it’s close to Les Halles de Saint Jean de Luz, so if you aren’t too full after a wander through the market, it’s the perfect stop for lunch. Open hours are limited outside of summer, so it’s worth checking and making a reservation ahead of time.
- Ostalapia — A standout restaurant a little outside of town between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz, this is an absolute gem. A favorite of Anthony Bourdain’s, it’s set in a 17th-century farmhouse with incredible views over the Pyrenees. Serving hearty local dishes, some notable choices include the slow-cooked pork cheeks in Irouléguy wine and the house-smoked trout. This is one of my favorite restaurants in the region, and I cannot recommend it enough, so be sure to add a reservation to your itinerary.
What to Know About Visiting Saint-Jean-de-Luz
When is the Best Time to Visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
The best time to visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz is from May to September for the best weather. June to August have sea temperatures between 66 and 73 °F, and the days are quite warm with peak crowds. If you want to avoid the peak crowds but still want swimmable water, look more into early September after the annual French holidays in August.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
Two days in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is the ideal amount of time to enjoy the Old Town and spend time at the beach without rushing. You can choose to visit as a day trip from other nearby bases in the Basque Country, including San Sebastian or Biarritz. If you want to take things slow, you could base yourself here for two nights and add on some time in the nearby Pyrenees.
How Do I Get to Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
- By Public Transport — You can reach Saint-Jean-de-Luz Train Station directly from Paris in around 4.5 hours, or from Bordeaux by train in around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- By Plane — The closest airports to Saint-Jean-de-Luz are Biarritz Airport (20-minute drive away), or San Sebastian Airport (30-minute drive away). Both airports offer regular flights to other cities across Europe, but Biarritz offers more frequent connections to more destinations, making it the best option.
How to Travel to Saint-Jean-de-Luz from Biarritz
The fastest way to get to Saint-Jean-de-Luz from Biarritz is by train from Gare de Biarritz Station, which takes around 15 minutes and typically runs hourly. Alternatively, if you are renting a car, the drive takes about 30 minutes via the A63, and this is a great option if you plan on a road trip to enjoy your time in the Basque Country.
Where to Park in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The best parking lot in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is the Indigo Saint-Jean-de-Luz Halles Parking Station, which is in the center of town and within walking distance of the Grande Plage beach. Parking is paid and charged by the hour. I used this parking lot twice this summer and found it always had ample parking spots available.
How Do I Get Around Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is best navigated on foot, as the town center is compact enough with pedestrianized areas and a beachfront promenade that is perfect for strolling along. Alternatively, you can rent a bike through Pony, which offers short-term e-bike rentals with a convenient app.
Travel Tip: Saint-Jean-de-Luz has a “Petit Train” that runs every day from April 3rd to November 1 for 9€ for adults and 5€ for kids under 12. The train ride is a scenic 30-minute ride around Saint-Jean-de-Luz, giving a wonderful introduction to the city. If you need a break from walking, consider hopping on the route that picks up on Place Foch.
What Reservations Do I Need to Make in Advance?
There are a few restaurants that need a reservation in advance if you want to be sure you secure a table while you’re in town. These include ALCALDE and, in the nearby countryside, Ostalapia, both of which I adored and highly recommend. When it comes to your accommodation, I’d suggest booking 3-6 months ahead of your stay as the town is small but gaining popularity.
What is better, Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
If you’re looking for a slower pace and a more relaxed vibe, then Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing village that has a quiet appeal, making it a better choice if you want something smaller and compact. The walkable layout and fishing port are ideal for skipping the city atmosphere without having to forgo the stunning Basque architecture or cuisine, and it still has a great beach. Biarritz is better for those who want a larger city with more shopping and restaurants.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
