The "Cité des Corsaires" owes its fame to its oceanfront site, well-preserved heritage and rich past, winning it the Ministry of Culture's label, "Pays d’Art et d’Histoire". In 1660, Louis XIV married Maria Teresa, the Spanish Infanta, in the Church of St-Jean-Baptiste, now an Historic Monument. Before the wedding, they lived separately in the Infanta's House and the House of Louis XIV, the latter now open to the public part of the year. It is on the lively Place Louis XIV, ideal for relaxing on a café terrace before shopping on Rue Gambetta with its trendy boutiques, traditional arts-and-crafts. 

Saint-Jean's gastronomy features delicious macaroons from Pâtisserie Adam (see box), "mouchous" with almonds or "kanougas", between chocolate and caramel. Or opt for tuna "à la luzienne", sardines or "ttoro" (Basque fish soup), with ingredients all found on the picturesque fishing harbour. Further on, the Promenade Jacques Thibaud on the seafront is lined with old shipbuilders' residences and neo-Basque villas typical of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The vast sandy beach delights all fans of watersports and sunbathing. 

The Tourist Office also organizes guided tours on various themes.
Further details: www.saint-jean-de-luz.com