Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Saint -Jean -de -Luz (Basque Donibane Lohizune ) is a commune with 12,960 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Pyrénées- Atlantiques in the Aquitaine region. It is located in the arrondissement of Bayonne and is the capital (French: chef- lieu) of the canton of the same name. Saint -Jean -de -Luz is part of the historic Basque province of Labourd.

Geography

The Bay of Saint -Jean -de -Luz is situated in the Bay of Biscay (French gulfs de Gascogne ) and is the only sheltered harbor between Arcachon and the Spanish border. Thanks to their dams, which protect the city from the massive waves of the Atlantic, it has developed into a famous seaside resort on the Côte Basque. The resort is relatively new, but the port itself is very old. In the immediate vicinity of Saint -Jean -de -Luz the Nivelle river flows into the sea.

Culture

Due to its location in the French Basque Country Basque culture is visibly pronounced in Saint -Jean -de- Luz. Especially at the beach the typical architecture can be seen also some restaurants are Basque named and decorated accordingly.

Attractions

  • The Château d' Uturbie Castle, built in 1341, enlarged in the 16th and 19th century, now a hotel ( guided tours ).
  • The church of Saint -Jean Baptiste. Here Louis XIV married in 1660, the Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain.

Sons and daughters of the town

The composer Maurice Ravel was born in the neighboring Ciboure. Today, the same music academy remembers the place to the composer.

  • Pierre Etchebaster (1893-1980), French real tennis champion
  • Franz Duboscq (1924-2012), French politician
  • Zacarias Moussaoui ( born 1968 ), French Terrorist
  • Bixente Lizarazu (born 1969 ), French footballer
Cantons of France Postal codes in France Basque language France Basque Country (greater region) Nivelle (river) Infante Jeu de Paume Ainhoa, Pyrénées-Atlantiques Biarritz Bidache Boucau Cambo-les-Bains Espelette Halsou Jaxu La Bastide-Clairence Sare Ustaritz
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