Saint-Jean-De-Luz isn’t just another postcard-perfect beach town on the Basque coast. It’s a place where history, local culture, and Atlantic charm blend effortlessly. If you’re looking for an experience beyond the tourist stops, this list of things to do in Saint-Jean-De-Luz is for you. 

Think hidden gems, alluring views, and authentic bites that locals love. Saint-Jean-De-Luz is one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country, so prepare for plenty of scenery.

17 Top Things to Do in St. Jean-De-Luz, France

Let’s get straight into some of the best attractions and activities Saint-Jean-De-Luz has to offer. 

1. Follow King Louis XIV’s Visit to Saint-Jean-De-Luz

You’re literally walking in royal footsteps here. Louis XIV’s marriage to Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660 was pivotal in European history, and the town still celebrates it. He stayed in the Maison Louis XIV, a Basque noble house now turned into a museum. Here, guides dressed in traditional Basque attire walk you through the rooms, sharing stories about the royal wedding.

A few minutes away, you’ll find Maison de l’Infante (or Joanoenia mansion) with its pinkish facade and wooden window shields, giving it an elegant charm. This is where Maria Theresa took up residence during the wedding preparations.  Inside, you’ll see family portraits, period objects, and artifacts from the 17th century.

2. Visit Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste

The Saint-Jean-De-Luz location where Louis XIV and Maria Theresa held their wedding, Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, is a masterpiece of Basque Baroque. Don’t let its understated facade fool you. Inside, you’ll notice the one-of-a-kind oak galleries stacked on top of each other like theater balconies. Also, keep an eye out for the ornate paintings and statues that fill the church.

The star of the show, however, is a gilded and dramatic altar. Light a candle, take a quiet moment, and admire the acoustics if you’re lucky enough to catch an organ rehearsal.

3. Browse the Market: Mercado Les Halles De St Jean De Luz

Come early as locals do. Tuesdays and Fridays are the busiest, bringing out producers from the surrounding countryside. You can sample everything from Basque cakes to local cider. Some stands serve hot pintxos (similar to tapas) for under €5. This is where you feel the soul of the town.

👉 If you’d rather explore with a local guide, there’s also a great gourmet walking tour that includes stops at the market and other foodie favorites in town. You’ll taste regional specialties, learn about Basque culinary traditions, and discover spots you might otherwise miss. Click here to check out the food tour

4. Try the Amazing Restaurants

This little town is packed with great restaurants, from refined bistros to creative surf-and-turf menus. Here are two favorites worth planning for.

Don’t miss Le Kaiku, where French technique meets Basque flavor. Book ahead if you want a table. For amazing turf and surf, Ilura, in La Réserve Hotel, offers fresh catch daily and sea views. Try their pan-fried foie gras, confit Potatoes with seaweed, or creamy hazelnut sorbet.

5. Spend Some Time at the Beach

Even in peak season, you can find a quiet spot to relax on the beaches of Saint-Jean-De-Luz. For ultimate tranquility, visit Plage de Lafitenia, where waves crash against rocks, making it popular with surfers and photographers. 

Note: Lifeguards are only present at main beaches like Grande Plage, so check conditions before you swim.

6. Do a DIY Food Tour

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a paradise for food lovers, and you don’t need a guide to enjoy it. Just stroll, taste, and follow your nose.

Start with a soft, almond macaron at Maison Adam—a local icon since the 17th century. Don’t skip their Gâteau Basque, a buttery cake filled with cherry jam or pastry cream. Then head to Maison Pariès for a mini chocolate tasting, and try a few kanougas, their famous soft caramels.

For lunch, look for dishes with piment d’Espelette, the mild Basque chili that adds just the right kick. You’ll find it in sauces, omelets, and even jams. If you fall in love with it (and you probably will), stop by Etxe Peio to bring home a few foodie souvenirs.

And of course, try the region’s beloved jambon de Bayonne or jambon Kintoa, a salt-cured ham often served in thin slices. Pierre Oteiza is a great place to sample or stock up.

7. Explore the Port: Port de Saint-Jean-De-Luz

Once a hotspot for Basque corsairs (yes, pirates), today the port is all charm. Fishmongers still unload at dawn, and if you’re around at the right time, you might spot octopus or anchovies being sorted. The salty air, colorful boats, and low-slung cafés make it a photographer’s dream.

There’s a cute bar there too, Café Garra, with ample outdoor seating for people-watching.

8. Take a Stroll Along the Promenade Jacques Thibaud

This seaside walk is more than just a pretty view—it’s steeped in local history. Along the way, look out for the plaque commemorating the 1944 Allied landings. At the far end of the promenade, Le Spot is the perfect place to pause for a drink or a light bite. Grab a table facing the ocean and try one of their signature cocktails made with Patxaran, the local sloe-berry liqueur.

9. Visit Ciboure and Socoa Fortress

Just across the bay from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure is the quieter, more laid-back sister town—and some locals will tell you they love it even more. It’s a place where life moves slower, the crowds thin out, and the views are just as stunning (if not more).

You can walk there along the scenic coastal path, which hugs the shoreline and gives you views you won’t see from the road. Or hop on a small boat from the Saint-Jean-de-Luz port—a quick and fun way to cross the bay.

Once there, take your time exploring Socoa Beach, a sandy, family-friendly spot that’s great for swimming and paddling. The Socoa Fortress, standing proudly at the edge of the water, feels like something out of a storybook. In summer, you might catch one of the informal tours—just ask the local tourist office for info.

It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a bit longer, far from the buzz.

10. Enjoy a Boat Tour

Nothing beats a boat tour to admire the stunning coastal views. Some tours include swimming stops or even glass-bottom boats. Sunset cruises are particularly romantic and offer a new perspective on the Basque coast’s cliffs and coves. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, as there’s little shade.

11. Shop for Local Products

Beyond food, you’ll find a range of keepsakes, from Basque textiles to leather goods and handmade ceramics. Go to Atelier Manufactoum for locally-made leather products, from handbags to belts, and both male and female accessories, such as wallets and card holders.

12. Unwind at a Spa

Looking for a bit of indulgence? Book a massage or thalassotherapy session at Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa. You’ll find marine treatments using seawater, mud, and algae. It’s not cheap, though, expect to spend €80+ for a treatment, but it’s an incredible way to recharge.

13. Catch the Sunset and Sip a Drink on a Rooftop

The rooftop at Bar Le Clipper offers a front-row seat to the setting sun. Order a local rosé or gin tonic and enjoy the view over the rooftops and out to sea. It’s one of the few elevated bars in town, and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.

14. Go on a Day Trip to Biarritz 

Just 20 minutes away by train, Biarritz offers a totally different vibe. Elegant, chic, and a bit wild in summer. Don’t miss the Rocher de la Vierge (a rock formation with dramatic views) and the seaside aquarium. Grab lunch at Halles de Biarritz, a fantastic market with street food stalls—it’s one of the best things to do in Biarritz.

15. Consider a Day Trip to Bayonne

A short 30-minute ride gets you to Bayonne, the cultural capital of the French Basque Country. Explore the half-timbered houses and try their famous chocolate. And if you’re lucky, you might catch the Fêtes de Bayonne (a series of festivals) or a traditional Basque pelota match.

16. Take a Surfing Class in Bidart

Just up the coast, Bidart is more rugged and perfect for catching waves. Even if you’ve never surfed before, the sandy bottom beaches make it a great place to learn. Taiba Surf Club offers beginner surfing lessons (suitable for kids who are 8 years old and up) starting at €36.

17. Go Kayaking

Explore the coast from the water with a sea kayaking trip. Glide through gentle waves, peek into hidden caves, and maybe even spot dolphins. Tours organized by NCKD start at €52 for a half day, and €72 for a full day, and include all equipment. Great for all ages and skill levels.

Where to Stay in St. Jean-De-Luz, France

Now that you know what this charming town has to offer, have a look at these places to stay.

• Budget — Campanile Saint Jean de Luz: This isn’t just a budget hotel—it’s brand new, clean, and well-located near the main roads and beaches. Rooms are minimalist but comfortable, and parking is free. It’s a good base if you’re planning day trips around the Basque coast. Expect prices around €75–€90 per night.

• Mid-range — Hôtel de la Plage: a 4-star hotel with the best location – just on the main beach, and some rooms even have a balcony with a sea view. Rooms are decorated with wooden furnishings and a wooden floor. Best value for money. 

• Luxury — Grand Hôtel Thalasso & Spa: This 5-star hotel epitomizes coastal elegance. With balconies overlooking the bay, a private beach entrance, and a world-class spa, it’s ideal for a romantic or rejuvenating escape. Book a sea view room if you can—it’s worth the splurge. Prices start around €250 and go up, especially in summer.

How to Get Around Saint-Jean-De-Luz, France

Getting around Saint-Jean-De-Luz is simple. The town is walkable, so you can explore most places on foot, from the beach and port to the historic center and local markets. But if you’re driving into town, there’s a smart way to avoid parking headaches: use the Ilargia park and ride.

Located just outside the city center, Ilargia offers free shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes in summer. The shuttle, Navette Littorale, will take you straight into the heart of town and drop you near key attractions like the market, port, and main beach. It’s efficient and completely free.

Once you’re in town, biking is another great option. Dedicated paths line the coast, and rental shops are available near the train station. Speaking of trains, Saint-Jean-De-Luz–Ciboure Station connects you to Biarritz, Bayonne, and even Hendaye, making day trips a breeze.
Next Read: The best things to do with kids in the Basque Country, France.

Here are all my other Basques country-related articles to help you plan your trips:
Most beautiful villages in the French Basque country
Weekend in Biarritz
All the best things to do and eat in Biarritz
What to do in Espelette
A family trip to the French Basque country

You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via Lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list, check them out here:

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