Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its Basque beaches: the vanlife guide to exploring the essentials

Discover Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a gem of the Basque Country, where fine sandy beaches, local culture and breathtaking landscapes await. Perfect for road-trippers in a van or motorhome.

Nestled between ocean and mountains, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a must-visit stop for vanlife enthusiasts. Here, you can savour the Basque way of life, from refreshing swims and cliff-top walks to sampling local tapas. Below are the unmissable spots, all accessible by vehicle or on foot from your campsite.

Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Luz

This long stretch of fine sand is ideal for relaxing, surfing or enjoying a sunset over the ocean. Its family-friendly atmosphere and numerous beachfront restaurants make it a standout spot.

Where to sleep nearby

Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.9 Surf camp 100 m from the beach, friendly atmosphere. Shared kitchen and clean facilities, 5 min drive. › Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly shaded campsite, 10-15 min walk from the beach. New facilities, quiet and spacious, 40 min walk. › Street parking Saint-Jean-de-Luz Parking ★ 4.5 Free parking 5 min from the beach and 10-15 min from the centre. Large and flat, 9 min walk. › Paid parking free at night Ciboure Parking ★ 4.3 Free from 7 pm to 9 am, by the bay with direct beach access. Restaurants and shops nearby, 25 min walk. › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 40-50 m from the beach, indoor pool. Grass pitches, 5 min drive. ›

La Rhune

Take the rack railway to the summit of this iconic peak, offering unrivalled views over the Basque coast and the Pyrenees. On clear days, you can even see Spain.

Where to sleep nearby

La Petite Rhune Campsite ★ 4.7 Family campsite with 24 pitches, pool, 1.5 km from Sare. Walkable access to La Rhune (50 min). › Mountain parking Sare Parking ★ 4.4 Wild mountain spot with spectacular valley views. Difficult access (5 km, 6 min drive). › Picnic parking by stream Sare Parking ★ 4.7 Natural picnic area with fountains and a stream. 4 km from La Rhune (5 min drive). › Camping Goyenetche Campsite ★ 4.4 Farm campsite, warm welcome, prices 8-23 euros. Clean facilities, 5 km (5 min drive). › Parking with streamside Sare Parking ★ 4.6 Picnic area in the forest, stream and tables. Very quiet, 5 km (5 min drive). ›

Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Listed as a historic monument, this 17th-century Baroque church is famous for hosting the marriage of Louis XIV. Its richly decorated interior and royal history are well worth a visit.

Where to sleep nearby

Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.9 Surf camp 100 m from the beach, friendly atmosphere. Shared kitchen and clean facilities, 5 km drive. › Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly shaded campsite, close to beach and port. New facilities, 35 min walk. › Street parking Saint-Jean-de-Luz Parking ★ 4.5 Free parking near the beach and centre. Wide road, 14 min walk. › Paid parking free at night Ciboure Parking ★ 4.3 Free overnight, by the bay with beach access. Restaurants nearby, 22 min walk. › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 50 m from Guéthary beach. Heated pool, 5 km drive. ›

Phare de Biarritz

Just a few kilometres from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, this iconic lighthouse overlooks the ocean and provides a spectacular view of the coast. A visit is a must to understand its role in local maritime history.

Where to sleep nearby

Aire de Camping-Cars des Corsaires Motorhome area ★ 3.6 27 min walk from the lighthouse, direct beach access. 14 euros per night, tarmac pitch by the sea. › Camping Le Pavillon Royal Campsite ★ 4 5-star site, pool and direct beach access. 5 min drive, luxurious and quiet setting. › Quiet overnight parking Anglet Parking ★ 4.8 Free from November to May, by the beach. 11 min walk, flat ground for vans up to 7.5 m. › Camping-Car Park Biarritz Motorhome area ★ 3.3 15 euros per night, electricity and water included. 50 min walk, green area near the Cité de l'Océan. › Roadside port parking Bayonne Parking ★ 4.5 Free by the river, motorhome spaces. 6 min drive (5 km), close to Bayonne centre. ›

Sentier du Littoral

This coastal footpath runs along the shore, linking Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Ciboure, passing coves and cliffs. Perfect for a walk with views of the ocean and crashing waves.

Where to sleep nearby

Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.9 Surf camp 100 m from the beach, friendly atmosphere. Equipped shared kitchen, clean facilities (5 km, 5 min drive). › Coastal view parking in Urrugne Parking ★ 4.6 Unbeatable views of the ocean and mountains. Free parking, quiet at night (7 km, 8 min drive). › Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Family campsite 10 min from Socoa beach. Shaded pitches, new facilities (36 min walk). › School parking with Rhune view Urrugne Parking ★ 4.3 Shaded forest parking under chestnut trees. Quiet at night, close to La Rhune (5 km, 6 min drive). › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 50 m from Guéthary beach. Heated pool, grass pitches (5 km, 5 min drive). ›

Musée de la Mer de Biarritz

Explore the marine biodiversity of the Atlantic through spectacular aquariums, including a giant tank with sharks. A captivating activity for all ages.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping UR-ONEA Campsite ★ 4.1 4-star campsite 6 km away, 2 heated pools. Shaded pitches 600 m from the beach. › Quiet overnight parking Anglet Parking ★ 4.8 Free parking by the beach, 30 min walk. Open access from November to May, flat ground. › Aire de Camping-Cars des Corsaires Motorhome area ★ 3.6 Pitch at 14 euros per night, direct beach access. Tarmac ground, sea views and coastal atmosphere. › Parking to visit Biarritz Biarritz Parking ★ 5 Free, quiet parking, 24 min walk. Secure, close to the centre and beaches. › Camping Le Pavillon Royal Campsite ★ 4 5-star campsite, direct beach access. Pool, restaurant, 41 min walk from the museum. ›

See all spots on the map