Saint-Jean-de-Luz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Donibane Lohizune (Basque)
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Waterfront
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 Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Location in France
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Location in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | |
| Department | Pyrénées-Atlantiques | |
| Arrondissement | Bayonne | |
| Canton | Saint-Jean-de-Luz | |
| Intercommunality | CA Pays Basque | |
| Area
1
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19 km2 (7 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2021)
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14,601 | |
| • Density | 768/km2 (1,990/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
64483 /64500
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| Elevation | 0–84 m (0–276 ft) (avg. 6 m or 20 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
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Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a charming town in southwestern France. It is located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques area. This town is part of the Basque region of Labourd (Lapurdi).
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is known for its beautiful sandy bay and interesting buildings. It is a popular place for tourists. The town is also famous for its delicious food and the special light that makes everything look amazing.
Contents
- Exploring Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Its Location and Features
- What's in a Name? The Meaning of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- A Look Back: The History of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Population Growth of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Historical Buildings and Monuments
- Fun Things to Do: Tourism in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Basque Sports: Trials of Strength
- Fun Times: Carnivals, Festivals, and Events
- Weather in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Famous People Connected to Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Places to Visit
- Images for kids
- See also
Exploring Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Its Location and Features
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing port right on the Basque coast. It is a popular holiday spot today. The town is south of Biarritz. It sits on the right side of the Nivelle river. The port is located where the river meets the ocean.
The Larrun mountain peak is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southeast of the town. You can reach the top by taking a special little train called the Petit train de la Rhune. This train starts from Col de Saint-Ignace, which is about 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) east of the town.
A Safe Harbor: The Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a natural harbor. It is the only protected bay between Arcachon and Spain. Strong sea walls, also called dykes, protect the town from the powerful Atlantic Ocean waves. This makes it a favorite place for swimmers along the Basque Coast.
While it's a modern seaside resort, the port itself is very old. A famous event in its history was the marriage of King Louis XIV in 1660.
Rivers and Streams in the Area
Several rivers and streams flow through the Saint-Jean-de-Luz area. The main river is the Nivelle. Smaller streams like the Etxeberri, Isaka, and Xantako also flow into it.
The Basarun river, with its small Mendi stream, goes right through Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The Nivelle river is deep enough for boats. It reaches the sea near the Erromardia beach.
Getting Around Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is on the D810 road, which used to be a main national road. You can get to the town from the A63 motorway. There are two exits: Exit 3 (Saint-Jean-de-Luz Nord) and Exit 2 (Saint-Jean-de-Luz Sud).
The Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure station has train services. These trains run on the Bordeaux–Irun railway line. The closest airport to Saint-Jean-de-Luz is Biarritz Airport.
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The name Saint-Jean-de-Luz comes from the Basque language. In Basque, it's Donibane Lohizune.
- Done means 'saint'.
- Ibane means 'John'.
- Lohi means 'mud'.
- Une means 'place of'.
So, the name means 'Saint John's swamp' or 'Saint John's muddy place'.
Many people mistakenly think Luz means 'light' in Spanish. However, the town was named because of how often the area used to flood and become muddy over the centuries.
A Look Back: The History of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is on the Atlantic coast of France. It is only a few kilometers from the Spanish border. The town became wealthy because of its port. In the past, it was known for both fishing and for its Basque corsairs. These corsairs were like privateers, capturing other ships. English sailors even called Saint-Jean-de-Luz the "Viper's Nest."
The town was most successful in the 17th century. This time is known as its "Golden Age." During this period, Saint-Jean-de-Luz became the second-largest town in the Labourd region. It had about 12,000 people, just behind Bayonne.
A Royal Wedding: Louis XIV and Maria Theresa
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is famous for a royal wedding that happened there. In 1659, Cardinal Mazarin stayed in Saint-Jean-de-Luz for several months. From here, he traveled to Pheasant Island to meet with Spanish officials. These meetings led to the Treaty of the Pyrenees. One part of this treaty was the marriage of King Louis XIV to Maria Theresa, the Spanish princess.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its church were chosen for the royal wedding. It took place on June 9, 1660. This marriage was very important for politics. It helped end a long and difficult war between France and Spain.
Today, if you visit the church, you will see that the main door is bricked up. There are two stories about why this is. One legend says the door was closed to show that the problems between France and Spain were over. Another popular story is that King Louis XIV ordered the door to be closed. He supposedly did not want any other couple to get married by walking through the same door he did.
The Duke of Wellington in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
During the Peninsular War (1813–1814), the Duke of Wellington made Saint-Jean-de-Luz his winter headquarters. He was a famous British military leader.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz Becomes a Resort Town
By the late 1800s, Saint-Jean-de-Luz became a popular beach resort. Wealthy people from the surrounding areas loved to visit. Like Biarritz, it was a favorite spot for French and Spanish noble families.
The famous composer Maurice Ravel was born in nearby Ciboure. He often visited Saint-Jean-de-Luz when he was not in Paris.
After World War II
After 1945, some of the traditional fishing businesses in Saint-Jean-de-Luz slowly disappeared. This was due to too much fishing and competition from other places. The town then focused more on luxury and tourism. Today, over 40% of the homes in Saint-Jean-de-Luz are second homes.
Since the 1970s, the town has been connected to Bordeaux (to the north) and Spain (to the south) by a motorway. More recently, it also got a TGV railway connection. Saint-Jean-de-Luz has beautiful scenery and a well-preserved coastline. Much of the area between Fort Socoa and the Abbadia nature reserve is still in its natural state.
Population Growth of Saint-Jean-de-Luz
| Historical population | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1968 | 10,841 | — |
| 1975 | 11,854 | +1.28% |
| 1982 | 12,769 | +1.07% |
| 1990 | 13,031 | +0.25% |
| 1999 | 13,247 | +0.18% |
| 2007 | 13,728 | +0.45% |
| 2012 | 12,994 | −1.09% |
| 2017 | 14,093 | +1.64% |
| Source: INSEE | ||
Historical Buildings and Monuments
Saint-Jean-de-Luz has many old homes built in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can see them along the Quai de L'Infante, Rue Mazarin, Rue Gambetta, and at the Place Louis XIV. These buildings show the wealth of the shipowners and Basque merchants from that time.
One of these homes, built around 1640, is called "Maison Joanoenea." The Queen Mother, Anne of Austria, stayed here before King Louis XIV's marriage in 1660. The Spanish princess, Maria Theresa, also stayed there. Locals call this house the "Maison de l'Infante." It is now a popular tourist spot and museum.
There is a monument in Verdun Square that honors soldiers who died in World War I and World War II. Another monument on the Quai L'Infante remembers the Orion resistance movement. This plaque tells about the French networks that helped people escape from Occupied France during World War II.
You can still see some old bunkers along the coast. These were part of the Atlantic Wall, which were German defenses built during World War II. They were meant to stop the Allied invasion. Some parts are still visible on the Santa-Barbe promenade.
Fun Things to Do: Tourism in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
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Today, Saint-Jean-de-Luz relies a lot on tourism. It has safe, clean beaches, great hotels, and a seawater spa. There are also swimming pools, a casino, and golf courses. A new conference center is being built.
Many people visit the town for its pedestrian area, which is full of shops open all year. Visitors come from the Basque Country in Spain, and from nearby Bayonne. Many retired people also choose to live here.
The town hosts many cultural and sports events throughout the year. The Académie Ravel organizes classical music concerts. There is a film festival for young filmmakers and a surfing film festival. You can also watch Basque Pelota championships.
Basque Sports: Trials of Strength
The traditional Basque Trials of Strength come from everyday tasks. For centuries, young Basque farmers would challenge each other in physical contests.
- Working in the forests led to aizkolariak. This sport involves lumberjacks working with an ax.
- Building with large stones for cathedrals led to arrijasotzaileak. This means 'those who lift stones'.
Other events came from farm work:
- Lastoaltxatzea is lifting straw bales with a pitchfork or pulley.
- Joko is cart-lifting.
- Zakulasterka is a sack race.
- Untziketariak is a race with pitchers of milk.
Another well-known sport is soka-shot, or tug-of-war. This sport is played in many countries around the world. During the summer, you can see demonstrations of these "Basque Strength" sports. They are often held at the main arena in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Fun Times: Carnivals, Festivals, and Events
Saint-Jean-de-Luz has many exciting events throughout the year:
- The Basque carnival of Ihauteriak is held in February.
- An Andalusian festival takes place during Pentecost weekend.
- The Festival of Saint Jean, the town's patron saint, is at the end of June.
- The Tuna Festival is held on the second Saturday of July.
- The Sardine Night Festival is at the end of July and beginning of August.
- Since 1953, the local Basque Yacht Club has organized an international Amateur Tuna Fishing Championship in August.
- The Classical Music of the Basque Coast Festival is in September. It has concerts and free master classes.
- The Maurice Ravel International Academy of Music holds classes in the first half of September.
- The Rue de la République Festival is organized by local shops on the third weekend in September.
- The Young International Film Directors Festival is held each October.
- The International Basque Choral Singing Festival is around Halloween (November 1).
Weather in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz has a mild climate. Summers are warm and winters are cool but not usually freezing. The town gets a good amount of rain throughout the year.
| Climate data for Saint-Jean-de-Luz (Socoa) 1981–2010 averages, records 1921–present | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 24.6 (76.3) |
28.4 (83.1) |
29.8 (85.6) |
32.5 (90.5) |
35.4 (95.7) |
39.0 (102.2) |
39.2 (102.6) |
40.2 (104.4) |
38.0 (100.4) |
33.2 (91.8) |
29.0 (84.2) |
26.0 (78.8) |
40.2 (104.4) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 12.8 (55.0) |
13.4 (56.1) |
15.4 (59.7) |
16.5 (61.7) |
19.5 (67.1) |
22.0 (71.6) |
24.2 (75.6) |
24.8 (76.6) |
23.4 (74.1) |
20.6 (69.1) |
16.0 (60.8) |
13.4 (56.1) |
18.5 (65.3) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 9.3 (48.7) |
9.6 (49.3) |
11.4 (52.5) |
12.6 (54.7) |
15.7 (60.3) |
18.3 (64.9) |
20.5 (68.9) |
21.0 (69.8) |
19.1 (66.4) |
16.6 (61.9) |
12.3 (54.1) |
10.0 (50.0) |
14.7 (58.5) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 5.8 (42.4) |
5.9 (42.6) |
7.4 (45.3) |
8.6 (47.5) |
11.8 (53.2) |
14.7 (58.5) |
16.8 (62.2) |
17.2 (63.0) |
14.9 (58.8) |
12.6 (54.7) |
8.7 (47.7) |
6.5 (43.7) |
10.9 (51.6) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −10.8 (12.6) |
−12 (10) |
−7.2 (19.0) |
−2.4 (27.7) |
2.6 (36.7) |
4.2 (39.6) |
6.4 (43.5) |
7.2 (45.0) |
2.2 (36.0) |
0.5 (32.9) |
−5.6 (21.9) |
−8 (18) |
−12 (10) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 139.0 (5.47) |
116.9 (4.60) |
110.9 (4.37) |
137.0 (5.39) |
115.1 (4.53) |
86.4 (3.40) |
70.1 (2.76) |
99.6 (3.92) |
118.0 (4.65) |
152.6 (6.01) |
182.0 (7.17) |
155.4 (6.12) |
1,483 (58.39) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 13.4 | 11.9 | 12.3 | 14.0 | 12.4 | 10.5 | 8.6 | 9.8 | 9.7 | 12.2 | 13.1 | 12.5 | 140.4 |
| Source: Météo France | |||||||||||||
Famous People Connected to Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Many interesting people have lived in or had strong connections to Saint-Jean-de-Luz:
- Maurice Ravel (1875-1937): A world-famous composer, born in nearby Ciboure, who often visited Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Pierre Etchebaster (1893-1980): A local hero, seven-time World Champion in Real Tennis.
- Louis Paulhan (1883-1963): A French pioneer in aviation, who died in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- René Lacoste (1904-1996): A French tennis champion, known for creating the Lacoste brand. He died in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- José Antonio Aguirre (1904-1960): A leading Basque politician, buried in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Michel Etcheverry (1919-1999): A French actor born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Philippe Ogouz (1939-2019): A French actor and director from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Miguel Boyer (1939-2014): A Spanish economist and politician, born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Michèle Alliot-Marie (born 1946): A French politician who was the Mayor of Saint-Jean-de-Luz from 1995 to 2002.
- Sophie Audouin-Mamikonian (born 1961): An author of popular French fantasy books for young people, like the Tara Duncan series.
- Bixente Lizarazu (born 1969): A famous French footballer who won the World Cup with France in 1998. He was born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- Anne-Sophie Lapix (born 1972): A well-known French television journalist and presenter.
Places to Visit
- Jardin botanique littoral Paul Jovet: A beautiful coastal botanical garden.
- Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Jean-de-Luz: The Church of St. John the Baptist, famous for hosting the royal wedding of Louis XIV.
Images for kids
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Fishermen from St Jean de Luz
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View over the town, and Ciboure (Ziburu) in the foreground, 1895
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Infanta of Spain's House
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St-Jean-de Luz Town Hall
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Saint-Jean-de-Luz
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Beach housing.
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Church of St. John the Baptist
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See also
In Spanish: San Juan de Luz para niños
