Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Basque inland coast: 5 must-sees by campervan

Between ocean, mountains and heritage, the Basque inland coast unfolds its treasures. Here are 5 unmissable stops for your campervan adventure.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz is the soul of the Basque Country by the sea: fine sandy beaches, colourful houses and a warm atmosphere. Just a stone’s throw away, the inland coast offers breathtaking landscapes, from sheer cliffs to picturesque villages. Ready for a campervan adventure? Here’s our pick of must-visit, accessible and exotic spots.

Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Luz

With its 1.5 km of fine sand, this family-friendly beach is perfect for a swim or a stroll with your toes in the water. Surfers also love it, especially at high tide.

Where to sleep nearby

Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.9 Friendly surf camp 100 m from the beach, rated 4.9. 5-minute drive (4 km). › Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly shaded campsite 10-15 minutes from Socoa beach. Rated 4.7, new facilities. 40-minute walk. › Street parking Saint-Jean-de-Luz Parking ★ 4.5 Free car park 9 minutes’ walk from the beach and town centre. Rated 4.5, 50 reviews. › Paid parking free at night Ciboure Parking ★ 4.3 Free overnight stay by the bay with direct beach access. 25-minute walk, rated 4.3. › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 40-50 m from Guéthary beach. Heated pool, rated 4.4. 5-minute drive. ›

Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste

This 17th-century Baroque gem towers over the town and offers a stunning ocean view from its parvis. Its richly decorated interior is well worth a visit.

Where to sleep nearby

Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.9 Surf camp 100 m from the beach, friendly vibe. Shared kitchen and clean facilities (4.9/5). › Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Quiet family campsite 15 minutes’ walk from Socoa. Shaded pitches, new facilities (4.7/5). › Street parking Saint-Jean-de-Luz Parking ★ 4.5 Free car park 5 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from the centre. Spacious and flat, no height restrictions. › Paid parking free at night Ciboure Parking ★ 4.3 Free from 7 pm to 9 am by the bay. Direct beach access, shops and restaurants. › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 50 m from Guéthary beach. Heated pool, grassy pitches (4.4/5). ›

La Rhune

Reachable by rack railway, this legendary summit stands at 905 m and offers a 360-degree panorama of the Basque coast and the Pyrenees. A must for lovers of wide-open spaces.

Where to sleep nearby

La Petite Rhune Campsite ★ 4.7 Family campsite with 24 pitches and a pool. 50-minute walk to La Rhune, rated 4.7. › Mountain parking Sare Parking ★ 4.4 Spectacular panoramic view, wild spot. 6-minute drive (5 km), difficult access. › Parking with streamside Sare Parking ★ 4.6 Picnic area in the forest, by a stream. 5-minute drive (5 km), rated 4.6. › Camping Goyenetche Campsite ★ 4.4 Farm campsite, prices 8-23 euros. 5-minute drive (5 km), clean facilities. › Picnic parking by stream Sare Parking ★ 4.7 Natural picnic area with fountains. 5-minute drive (4 km), rated 4.7. ›

Sare

Listed among France’s most beautiful villages, Sare charms visitors with its traditional houses and prehistoric caves. The village is also famous for its sheep’s cheese.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Uhaitza le Saison Campsite ★ 3.9 Family campsite by the Nive river, with pool and swimming. 8-minute drive (7 km), rated 3.9. › Technical high school parking Mauléon-Licharre Parking ★ 4.7 Quiet car park near the secondary school, free and spacious. 5-minute drive (5 km), rated 4.7. › Le Village, L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise Parking ★ 4.3 Tarmacked car park opposite a listed Romanesque church. Toilets and river 5 minutes away (5 km), rated 4.3. › Parking with picnic tables Chéraute Parking ★ 4.7 Rural picnic area with tables, toilets and children’s play area. Free, 49-minute walk, rated 4.7. › Downtown parking Mauléon-Licharre Parking ★ 4 Central car park in Mauléon, near the media library. Free, 6-minute drive (6 km), rated 4.0. ›

Corniche basque

This scenic road connects Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Hendaye, hugging the cliffs. Mandatory stops to watch the waves crashing against the rocks.

Where to sleep nearby

Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.9 Surf camp 100 m from the beach, friendly vibe. Shared kitchen and clean facilities, 5-minute drive. › Coastal view parking in Urrugne Parking ★ 4.6 Unbeatable ocean and mountain views. Free, quiet car park, 8-minute drive. › Camping municipal Chibau Berria Campsite ★ 4.4 Direct beach access, shaded pitches. Lively municipal campsite, 39-minute walk. › School parking with Rhune view Urrugne Parking ★ 4.3 Forest car park at the foot of La Rhune. Flat and shaded ground, 6-minute drive. › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 50 m from the beach. Heated pool, quiet, 5-minute drive. ›

Château d'Abbadia

Perched on a cliff, this 19th-century mansion combines neo-Gothic architecture with a spectacular ocean view. The gardens and surrounding trails are ideal for a hike.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Family campsite rated 4.7/5, 4 km away, new facilities. 5-minute drive, shaded pitches. › Coastal view parking in Urrugne Parking ★ 4.6 Free coastal car park, ocean and mountain views. 6-minute drive, sloping but manageable terrain. › Paid parking free at night Ciboure Parking ★ 4.3 Free from 7 pm to 9 am, by the bay in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. 6-minute drive, direct beach and shop access. › Camping Suhiberry Campsite ★ 4.4 4.4/5 campsite on terraces, near Socoa. 5-minute drive, welcoming staff and clean facilities. › Shaded roadside parking Urrugne Parking ★ 4.3 Free forest spot under chestnut trees, quiet at night. 8-minute drive, flat and shaded ground. ›

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