A renowned resort on the Basque coast, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is also renowned for its history and its architectural heritage. Indeed, the Church of St John the Baptist was where the marriage of Louis XIV with the Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain was celebrated on 9 June, 1660. A Historical Monument, the building boasts an exceptional décor and contains a monumental baroque altarpiece carved in gilt wood and three floors of oak galleries... Gorgeous!
Then it's time to explore the shopping streets of the old corsair town, before admiring the iconic façades of Saint-Jean-de-Luz as well as those of the houses of the Infanta and Louis XIV. Open to visitors, the Italian-style house of the Infanta Joanoenia, which was the residence of the Infanta of Spain in June 1660 at the time of her wedding to Louis XIV, contains the so-called Infanta's Chamber and a beautifully decorated 17th-century lounge. Built in 1643 by a wealthy local ship-owner, Louis XIV's house, Lohobiague-Enea, where the young monarch stayed at the time of his wedding, invites you to discover the history of Saint-Jean-de-Luz as you explore its richly furnished rooms.
After sightseeing, enjoy a moment to enjoy the famous macaroons in the town or take a break at a café terrace on the lovely Place Louis XIV, before continuing your journey towards the picturesque fishing port, then go for a stroll on the Promenade Jacques Thibaud, along the beach and past the elegant beachfront villas. The vast sandy beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz will undoubtedly delight relaxation fans and water sports enthusiasts!
Located south of the Aquitaine region, on the border with Spain, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, resort enjoys an ideal location between sea and mountains.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, even in the beginning, a small village on the dunes and marshes. In the 15th century, under the prosperity of Basque fishermen, (thanks to the cod fishery, the whale) and the appearance of the pirates who fought on behalf of the King of France, the city became a thriving and dynamic city.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz had its moment of glory, after the Treaty of the Pyrenees concluded by Mazarin. Louis 14th came there to marry Maria Theresa of Austria, Infanta of Spain June 9, 1660. The door of the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, crossed his release from the church by the royal couple was walled three years after the ceremony. The badge appeared under the influence of a pastry chef, Adam, who offered to Louis 14th for her wedding in 1660.
In the 19th century, dams, often destroyed, were rebuilt to permanently secure the port and the city. Trips Napoleon 3rd in the region and the enthusiasm of the good society for the Basque Coast debouched at that time, with the arrival of the railroad, on a large tourist development.
The ttoro, fish soup is a specialty Saint-Jean-de-Luz, hake Koskera and Basque cake, are also part of the culinary traditions of the region.
