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Port de Saint-Jean-de-Luz and around
A day in Saint-Jean-de-Luz · 9:30–16:30 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/saint-jean-de-luz/itineraries/port-de-saint-jean-de-luz-and-aroundA walking day around Port de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Maison de l'Infante and Maison Louis XIV, with a lunch break nearby and Grande Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Luz to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Port de Saint-Jean-de-Luz ↗1 hGo early · Sunset
Colourful fishing harbour shared with Ciboure.
- Boat trips leave from the quay
- Lovely at golden hour
↓ 2 min walk
10:302Brick-and-stone mansion where Infanta Maria Theresa stayed.
- Admire the Italianate loggia
- Facing the harbour
↓ 2 min walk
11:303Maison Louis XIV ↗1 h 30 min
Shipowner's mansion where Louis XIV stayed before his 1660 wedding.
- Guided tours only, about 45 minutes
- Original 17th-century furniture
Lunch
13:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 2 min walk
Afternoon
14:154Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste ↗1 h
Basque church where Louis XIV married, with tiered wooden galleries.
- Free entry
- See the gilded altarpiece and ship model
↓ 4 min walk
15:305Grande Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Luz ↗1 hSunset
Sheltered sandy bay with calm water, ideal for families.
- Calm thanks to the sea walls
- Lifeguards in summer
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz tips
Transportation
- Arrive by train: The station has SNCF trains to Bayonne, Biarritz and Hendaye; it is a short walk to the old town and beach.
- Use Txik Txak buses: The Basque Coast bus network links Saint-Jean-de-Luz with Biarritz, Bayonne and Hendaye.
- Walk the promenade: The seafront walkway runs around the bay and connects the beach, harbour and Ciboure easily.
Local Hacks
- Cross to Ciboure: Walk across the bridge to Ciboure for quieter streets and the birthplace of composer Maurice Ravel.
- Hike to Socoa fort: Follow the bay to the fort at Socoa for sunset views over the breakwaters.
- Ride La Rhune train: A short drive away, the cog railway climbs La Rhune for views over the Basque coast and Pyrenees.
Saving
- Shop at Les Halles: The covered market sells local cheese, cured ham and fruit, ideal for a picnic on the beach.
- Visit outside July and August: Accommodation prices drop in spring and autumn, and the weather often stays pleasant.
- Eat a formule lunch: Many restaurants offer a set lunch menu that is cheaper than ordering a la carte at dinner.
Security
- Mind ocean swell outside the bay: The sheltered bay is calm, but beaches outside the breakwaters can have strong currents.
- Watch belongings in summer: Crowds during festivals and peak months can draw pickpockets around the market and beach.
- Check tides on coastal walks: The coastal path to Hendaye can be windy and cliffs are steep; stay on marked trails.
Cultural
- Visit the Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste: Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain here in 1660; the wooden galleries are distinctive.
- Try Basque specialities: Taste ttoro fish stew, piperade, gateau basque and macarons from the town's traditional bakers.
- Enjoy pelota: Watch a game of Basque pelota at the town fronton during summer events.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for mild summers: Summers are warm but not scorching; bring light clothes and a sweater for evenings.
- Expect rain: The Basque coast sees frequent rain year-round; carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket.
- Bring layers in winter: Winters are cool and damp; a warm waterproof coat keeps you comfortable.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/saint-jean-de-luz/itineraries/port-de-saint-jean-de-luz-and-around
Day 1 of 19:30–16:305 stops
Port de Saint-Jean-de-Luz and around
A walking day around Port de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Maison de l'Infante and Maison Louis XIV, with a lunch break nearby and Grande Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Luz to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hColourful fishing harbour shared with Ciboure.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Sunset
2 tips
- Boat trips leave from the quay
- Lovely at golden hour
📷 Photos
2 min walk
210:30 · 1 hBrick-and-stone mansion where Infanta Maria Theresa stayed.
3 tips
- Admire the Italianate loggia
- Facing the harbour
- Hosts occasional exhibitions
📷 Photos
2 min walk
311:30 · 1 h 30 minShipowner's mansion where Louis XIV stayed before his 1660 wedding.
3 tips
- Guided tours only, about 45 minutes
- Original 17th-century furniture
- Closed in winter months
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps2 min walk
Afternoon
414:15 · 1 hBasque church where Louis XIV married, with tiered wooden galleries.
3 tips
- Free entry
- See the gilded altarpiece and ship model
- Walled-up royal wedding door outside
📷 Photos
4 min walk
515:30 · 1 hSheltered sandy bay with calm water, ideal for families.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Calm thanks to the sea walls
- Lifeguards in summer
- Promenade above for sunset walks
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.