Saint Jean De Luz

For the past week we have been staying in Saint Jean De Luz, just across the Spanish border in French Basque country, or as the French say, on the Cote de Basque. This town is home to a once thriving, but still active fishing industry operating from a lovely sheltered harbor.

St Jean is also part quaint french village and part seaside summer resort. I am told that from July through September the beaches and hotels along the beachside promenade are packed with tourists and the restaurants and shops do a brisk trade. Here in the beginning of June the small streets are quite lively but the atmosphere still retains a small village feel.

This charming church, the Eglise St Jean Baptiste dates back to the 15th century, and on 9 June 1660, was the site of the royal wedding between King Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain. The marriage was arranged in accordance with the Treaty of the Pyrenees, which ended the French-Spanish war and brought harmony to the two nations.

During our stay, we were fortunate to witness a special Sunday morning Procession of the Saint Sacrament from the Eglise St Jean Baptisite church through the crowded streets.

St Jean De Luz is a town where locals and tourists can embrace old Basque traditions and also enjoy a relaxing afternoon sitting in the Place Louis XIV enjoying a glass of wine and listening to a mandolin orchestra under the gazebo, just as we did one Sunday afternoon.