Transfers from Biarritz Airport to St Jean de Luz

Short History of St Jean de Luz

Saint Jean de Luz rests on the south Atlantic coast of France 30 minutes from Biarritz and 20 minutes from the Spanish boarder. St Jean de Luz’s rich culture comes from the excellent fishing conditions in the Bay of Biscay and capture of ocean vessels by the Basque Pirates known as les Corsaires.

The 17^th century is considered ‘The Golden Age’ for the town. During the year of 1659 the Cardinal of Mazarin stayed in Saint Jean de Luz. He spent his time travelling to the offshore island of Bidassoa, which is near Hendaye. The reason for his trips was to meet with the Spanish. These meetings resulted in ‘The Treaty of the Pyrenees-Atlantique’. One of the things that was agreed was that Louis XIV was to marry Maria Theresa of Spain. The Royal wedding was hosted in the church at St Jean de Luz on 9^th June 1660.

In 1940, just a couple of weeks after the invasion of France by Nazi Germany, St Jean de Luz was descended upon by hundreds of Polish evacuees. France and England had organized boats for the Polish people to sail from Saint Nazaire, in the North West of France. When the boats were full the Polish people headed South through Bayonne and Biarritz until they reached Saint Jean de Luz where more boats had been provided to sail to England.

Two ships were able to dock, the M/S Batory and the M/S Sobieski and the fishermen of St Jean de Luz helped to shuttle soldiers between the port and the ships. However there was a big swell and it was very difficult for the fishing boats to moor up alongside the ships. Eventually everyone was onboard including Polish diplomats, ministers and some French who had been inspired by the speech from General De Gaulle on the 18^th June.

Things to do in St Jean de Luz

There is plenty to see, do and eat in Saint Jean de Luz. The beach offers one of the few safe flat water areas for swimming in the region. This is due to the breakwaters that shelter the bay. The town is famous for it’s thalassotherapy spas, the most ambient one situated under the arches overlooking the beach.

The Saint Jean de Luz High street is now pedestrianized and is a hive of activity. Bustling shops and cafes. There is also the church in which Louis XIV was married to Maria Theresa of Spain.

St Jean de Luz to San Sebastian only takes 45 minutes. If you would like to go for the day then contact us to organize your transport.
Other day trips that we can organise from St Jean de Luz include Biarritz, Hossegor and St Jean Pied de Port.

If you are feeling adventurous then you could take a hike up the nearby mountain of La Rhune (or take the mountaine train).
If you fancy trying your hand at surfing then head to either Hendaye or Biarritz.

If you happen to be in St Jean de Luz during the Pamplona festival or Festival San Fermin then you should definitely go! For transfers from St Jean de Luz to Pamplona then contact us today.

For all day trips and activities from St Jean de Luz then feel free to contact us to organise your transport.

Events in St Jean de Luz

• Basque carnival of Ihauteriak held in February
• Weekend Andalusian festival of Pentecost
• Festival of Saint Jean, patron saint of the city, held end of June
• Tuna Festival held 2nd Saturday of July along with the Amateur Tuna Festival
• Sardine Night Festival – end of July and into August
• Since 1953, the local Basque Yacht Club has organised an international Amateur Tuna Fishing Championship in August
• Classical Music of the Basque Coast Festival in September with concerts and free master classes
• Maurice Ravel International Academy of Music holds classes in first half of September
• Rue de la République Festival organised by local merchants, 3rd weekend in September
• Young International Film Directors Festival each October
• International Basque Choral Singing Festival Festival around Halloween (1 November)