Saint-Jean-de-Luz
France
Protected by a bay, Saint Jean de Luz is a peaceful summer fishing village where we we’ll visit the Maison Adam patisserie where, in 1660 (!) they created the famous ‘macaron’. At that same time, a certain Johannès de Suhigaraychipi, a French corsair who captured more than 100 British, Dutch and Spanish ships, was sailing through the area.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a town that occupies a unique and prestigious position in the history of France and the Basque Country. Located at the very edge of the French-Spanish border, this port has long served as a strategic…
Listen in the app2Place Louis XIV — The Civic Heart
We begin our exploration at Place Louis XIV, the vibrant main square of the town. This pedestrian-only area serves as the communal living room for both locals and visitors. …
Listen in the app3Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste — The Sacred Stage
Just a short walk from the square stands the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, arguably the most important and representative church in the French Basque Country. While the exterior may seem relatively modest, the interior is a…
Listen in the app4Maison de l'Infante — The Princess’s Pink Palace
Overlooking the harbor is the 'Maison de l'Infante,' an elegant pink-toned building constructed in a Venetian style that stands in stark contrast to the traditional Basque timbering. This was the residence of Maria Theresa, the…
Listen in the app5The Port — From Whales to Tuna
The Port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is the town’s oldest and most vital organ. For centuries, this was the base for a formidable fleet of whalers and cod-fishers who ventured into the deep Atlantic. …
Listen in the app6Maison Adam and the Macaron Heritage
No visit to Saint-Jean-de-Luz is complete without acknowledging its sweet legacy at Maison Adam. In 1660, the pastry chef Adam created a special macaron for the wedding of Louis the 14th. …
Listen in the app7The Grand Plage and the Sea Walls
Finally, we reach the Grand Plage, a crescent-shaped beach that is uniquely sheltered within a bay. This geography is not entirely natural; in the 19th century, massive sea walls were constructed at the mouth of the bay to…
Listen in the app8Closing
Our journey through Saint-Jean-de-Luz concludes back where we began, in the presence of its royal and maritime ghosts. This town has managed a rare feat: it has remained a vibrant, working port while embracing its role as a…
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What is Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a place in France with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | France |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 43.3877, -1.6609 |
| Last updated |