THE PORT

A picturesque place to discover in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with its brightly painted wooden fishing boats. It was only built in the ^12th century, when the silting-up of the Adour river considerably reduced the activities of the port of Bayonne. For centuries, life in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure has revolved around the port, fishing and fish processing. This has enabled the two towns to develop and keep this pretty, enclosed port in operation. From the Middle Ages onwards, whaling developed in the Bay of Biscay, and watchtowers called "Atalaye" dotted the coastline to monitor and warn of passing cetaceans. As whales became scarcer, Basque sailors moved to Galicia and the northern seas. Today, the colorful boats still leave every day, weather permitting, but for other fish. On their return, they unload their catch on the quayside for the Ciboure fish auction, supplying the best gourmet tables and fishmongers throughout the Basque country. Well protected from the waves by its dikes, built under Napoleon III, the town offers an exceptional panorama of the ocean and the Pyrenees. The houses lining the quays are in the Labourdin style. You'll also be able to watch the boats returning from fishing and buy the fruits of their harvest directly, freshness guaranteed! A typical site from which you can embark on excursions along the coast. There's no shortage of sea outings from the Corsair town, but you'll need to book in advance all year round. Embark for a comfortable and safe outing and discover the secret spots of the Basque coast, with the foothills of the Pyrenees in the background. You'll be amazed by this dream setting, the transparent waters of Cap du Figuier, as you sail along the Corniche Basque to the port of Fontarrabie (Spain). The cliffs of Flysh, the Bay of Loya, the estates and castle of Abbadia, the rocks of the Deux Jumeaux, Hendaye beach and the mouth of the Bidassoa river, the natural border between France and Spain... and Biarritz seen from the sea! You'll pass the typical little port of Guéthary, a former whaling port and popular resort, then head for Bidart and its many beaches, admire the Château d'Ilbarritz and its superb golf course. Finally, Biarritz with its famous Rocher de la Vierge, the Grande Plage and the Hôtel du Palais, the lighthouse..