Saint-Jean-de-Luz Things to Do Tips by King_Golo

The Beach in Acotz

If you choose to stay in Acotz at the campground Interplages, your closest beach is just next to the campground. It can get pretty crowded in the afternoons, but it's worth going there. The location is very pretty: surrounded by cliffs overgrown by shrubs and bamboo, the crescent-shaped beach has a much more natural feeling than the one in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Nonetheless, you will not miss the amenities of urban life. On the small street leading to the beach, there are a few bars offering sandwiches, hamburgers, ice-cream and cold drinks. Further up the road are some real restaurants. You can get decent food here for a small price.

See more pictures in my Acotz travelogue.

Address: Acotz

Directions: In the village of Acotz, follow the road to the campground Interplages and pass it. After 200m, there is a parking lot on your left from which you can reach the beach.

The Beach

As very many other places in Aquitaine, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is home to a superb sandy beach. Quite crowded on hot days, it is nonetheless worth going there as one can never swim in an ocean too often... Several places on the Grande Plage offer sun-loungers, tents or parasols for rent, and there is also a beach club for the children.

Directions: sea front in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The Harbour and Place Louis VIX

Saint-Jean-de-Luz's harbour is at the end of Rue Léon Gambetta. A shady square with plane trees (Place Louis XIV) at one side of the harbour makes a great place to sit and watch the ships or passers-by. If you want to be more active, you can also book a boat tour from here. Moreover, several artists display their paintings on the square. All in all a enjoyable place to be!

Address: Place Louis XIV

Directions: central Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Rue Léon Gambetta

Rue Léon Gambetta is the town's major pedestrian zone. Unlike those in other citys, it has a lot of charm: colourful Basque buildings, typically equipped with shutters on the outside of their windows, geraniums blooming in front of basically every house, a number of nice shops selling local handicrafts and much more. There is also the beautiful Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, but as a wedding was taking place when I was there, I couldn't catch more than a glimpse from the inside.

Address: Rue Léon Gambetta

Directions: central Saint-Jean-de-Luz