Welcome to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a charming and historic fishing port nestled in the heart of French Basque Country. This picturesque tender port is a favorite stop for smaller, luxury cruise lines like Ponant, Seabourn, and Silversea. Passengers are drawn to its authentic atmosphere, beautiful sheltered bay, and rich cultural heritage.
Step off your tender and directly into a postcard-perfect scene of Basque architecture, bustling cafes, and golden sand beaches, all easily explored on foot.
A must-see is the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a stunning example of Basque church architecture where King Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660. Just steps away, you can admire the exteriors of the Maison Louis XIV, where the king stayed, and the Maison de l'Infante, the bride's residence.
For relaxation, the Grande Plage offers a large, sheltered crescent of golden sand perfect for a stroll or sunbathing. Don't miss a walk down the lively, pedestrianized Rue Gambetta, lined with charming shops and cafes. All these sites are within a 5-10 minute walk from the tender drop-off point.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Just a short journey away is the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz, famous for its surfing culture, upscale boutiques, and the iconic Hôtel du Palais. It can be reached in about 30 minutes by car or bus. Another popular excursion is to Bayonne, the historic capital of the French Basque Country, known for its Gothic cathedral and world-renowned chocolate makers, also about 30 minutes away.
For a taste of Spain, the vibrant city of San Sebastián is less than an hour's drive across the border. It's celebrated for its beautiful La Concha beach and its incredible culinary scene, especially the famous 'pintxos' (Basque tapas).
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Cruise ships do not dock in St. Jean de Luz; they anchor in the beautiful and protected bay. Passengers are brought ashore via tender boats. The tender experience itself offers lovely views of the harbor and the surrounding Basque hills.
The tender pier is located directly in the heart of the old town, next to the vibrant Place Louis XIV. This prime location means you step off the boat and are immediately immersed in the town's atmosphere. All major attractions, shops, and restaurants are within easy walking distance, so no shuttles are required to explore the town center.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The official currency in St. Jean de Luz is the Euro (€). U.S. dollars are not accepted, so it is essential to have Euros for any cash purchases. Credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels.
ATMs, known as 'distributeurs automatiques', are readily available throughout the town center for withdrawing cash. While cards are common, it's always a good idea to carry some small change for purchases at local markets or smaller cafes.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
St. Jean de Luz is considered a very safe and welcoming destination for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare, and visitors can feel secure exploring the town center independently on foot, even in the evening. There are no specific areas that need to be avoided.
As in any tourist destination, it is wise to take standard precautions against petty theft. Be mindful of your belongings, such as wallets and phones, in crowded areas like the main shopping street or at the local market. Overall, it is a low-risk destination perfect for independent exploration.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The main cruise season in St. Jean de Luz runs from spring through autumn. The climate is temperate maritime, characterized by mild temperatures and the possibility of rain year-round. In the summer months (June to August), expect pleasant temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).
Spring and autumn are cooler, with average temperatures between 12°C and 20°C (54°F to 68°F), and a higher chance of rainfall. Regardless of the season, it's always wise to pack in layers and include a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as Atlantic weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the town's charming streets.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
St. Jean de Luz is a very walkable town, and most of its main sights are easily accessible on foot from the tender pier. For exploring the town itself, no transportation is necessary. Taxis can be found at designated ranks, such as near the train station, but may not be immediately available at the port.
To visit nearby towns like Biarritz or Bayonne, the regional bus network provides an efficient option. The train station, Gare de Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure, also connects to destinations along the coast. Many cruise passengers opt for organized shore excursions via coach for convenient day trips.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The best shopping is found along the charming pedestrian street, Rue Gambetta, and its surrounding lanes. Here you'll find a delightful mix of independent boutiques, artisan shops, and well-known French brands. Prices are generally fixed and not open to negotiation.
Look for local specialties like traditional striped Basque linen (linge basque), handmade espadrilles, and gourmet foods. The town is famous for its macarons and Gateau Basque, a local almond or cherry-filled cake. Chocolate shops (chocolateries) also offer delicious souvenirs to take home.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
In St. Jean de Luz, immerse yourself in the local Basque culture with a food-focused tour, sampling cured Bayonne ham and the famous Gâteau Basque in an authentic market setting. Discover local life by exploring the historic port and the Church of St. John the Baptist, where King Louis XIV was married. For a broader perspective, consider private sightseeing tours that venture throughout the scenic French Basque countryside to charming villages nestled in the Pyrenees foothills.
Enjoy a private two-hour surf lesson for two in the elegant seaside town of Biarritz. This renowned destination on France's southwestern Basque coast is celebrated as the best surf spot in the region. Learn to ride the waves in a beautiful and iconic setting.
Take a private surf lesson on Marbella beach in Biarritz for an authentic and local experience. Your instructor brings 30 years of expertise to help you master the waves. This personalized instruction ensures you benefit from decades of local surf knowledge in an authentic setting.
Explore the secrets of Biarritz on an immersive guided walking tour that delves into local life and culture. You will experience a variety of tastings from Basque cuisine, including a visit to a traditional chocolate maker. To complete your culinary journey, sip on a local wine, Basque cider, or local beer.
Embark on a private four-hour tour to discover the treasures of the French Basque coastline aboard a vintage 1970s VW Combi. Your journey begins at the Biarritz Lighthouse and travels south to the authentic harbor of Saint Jean de Luz, famed for its pirate stories. Your local guide, Clémence, will share the secrets and stories that define this unique region and its people.
Board a small-group boat for a unique excursion to observe cetaceans in their natural habitat. After a 45-minute journey off the coast of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you'll reach the Gouf de Capbreton, an oceanic fault where marine life gathers. Look for over fifteen species of cetaceans, including dolphins, whales, and porpoises, for a truly privileged experience.
Improve your photography on a tour that blends theory with practice to help you better control your camera. Venture off the beaten track to photograph a wide range of subjects, from landscapes and architecture to street scenes with sublime light. The tour visits Biarritz, the art-deco village of Guéthary, and the historic fishing port of Saint-Jean de Luz, with a break for lunch along the ocean.
Learn to surf in a small-group lesson designed exclusively for beginners and open to all. With a maximum of six people, you are guaranteed personalized attention for good progress from your very first session. The lesson takes place in the gentle foam of broken waves, and no prior physical skills are required as all equipment is tailored to you.
Experience the Basque Country in an unforgettable way with a friendly and tailored sidecar tour. Journey through the mountains, contemplating extraordinary landscapes and discovering animals grazing freely. Enjoy the flexibility of photo stops at your convenience to capture the unique culture and scenery.
Embark on a journey through Biarritz's history as a destination for luxury and royalty, starting at its majestic Casino. You will discover key points of interest including the Hotel du Palais, the Church of Santa Eugenia, and the Museum of the Sea. The tour concludes at the famous Rocher de la Vierge, an impressive viewpoint offering spectacular coastal views and stories of local legends.
Discover the charm of the Basque Country on a luxury excursion in a top-of-the-line Mercedes minivan. A professional private chauffeur and guide will lead you through breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and picturesque villages. This sophisticated and seamless journey can be customized to include dining reservations or additional stops upon request.
Learn to surf with state-certified instructors on one of Biarritz’s most beautiful beaches or on a traveling trip to discover the best local spots. Your session is grouped by level and age, and begins with a warm-up and technical instruction before you hit the water. Enjoy an hour and a half of surfing with your instructor in the water to guide you, with all equipment provided.
Embark on a full-day, authentic journey from the Basque coastline to its countryside with your local guide, Clémence. The tour explores the heritage of Biarritz, the fishing village of Guéthary, Saint Jean de Luz, and the hilltop villages of Sare, Ainhoa, and Espelette. You will immerse yourself in local gastronomy by tasting Basque cake at an ancient mill, enjoying lunch at a traditional cider house, and discovering the famous Espelette pepper.
Arrange a reliable and comfortable private transfer to or from Saint Jean Pied de Port with a local, fully licensed driver. Your bilingual French/English driver will transport you in a clean, modern sedan or minivan. Onboard amenities such as mineral water, phone chargers, and child seats are available upon request.
Enjoy a private transfer from Biarritz Airport directly to your destination in San Sebastian, Spain. A friendly driver will meet you upon arrival, attending to your comfort and handling all your luggage. Relax and travel with peace of mind, knowing you are being taken care of until your safe arrival.
Discover the Basque Country with a passionate tourist driver who will show you memorable mountain and ocean scenery. This tour takes you along incredible off-the-beaten-track roads for postcard-perfect views. Along the way, you will learn about the region's culture and its celebrated local AOP and AOC foods.
Travel from Biarritz city to San Sebastian in a luxury, chauffeured Mercedes-Benz car. This safe and reliable private transfer comes with a fixed price and no hidden costs after booking. A certified, professional, and uniformed driver will provide a meet and greet service at your hotel lobby, holding a board with your name.
Arrange a luxury private transfer from Biarritz city directly to the Bilbao Cruise Terminal in a chauffeured Mercedes-Benz. This safe and reliable service features a fixed price with no hidden costs. Your certified, professional, and uniformed driver provides a meet and greet service, welcoming you with a name board.
Take a private sightseeing tour of the Basque Country with an American driver-guide and long-time expatriate. Discover the remarkable culture, fascinating traditions, and breathtaking scenery of the Pyrenees mountains and Atlantic coast. Your minivan tour follows an itinerary through Biarritz, St Jean de Luz, Ainhoa, Espelette, St Jean Pied-de-Port, and Bayonne.
Begin your exploration of Saint Jean de Luz at its vibrant market before taking a tour through the picturesque streets of this charming fishing village. Discover the town's rich maritime history and visit the Church of San Juan Bautista, where King Louis XIV was famously married. You'll also explore the fishing port, enjoy beautiful coastal views, and hear the local stories and legends that shape the city's identity.
Embark on a unique evening boat trip in a small group aboard a comfortable and reliable semi-rigid vessel. This guided tour showcases the Basque coastline's rich history between Hendaye and Guéthary. Discover landmarks like the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Basque Corniche, and Abbadia Castle while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine.
Showing 11 ships in the area
No ships scheduled in port today.
On average St. Jean de Luz is rather expensive as a port of call. Sailings visiting St. Jean de Luz during the the peak season of summer are considerably more expensive than the the low season of fall. Take a look at the diagram below for the monthly average cost per day.
Want to hear about the best deals and cruise tips every week? Sign up for our free weekly VIP Newsletter, customized exactly to your preferences!
