Getting There
Eight to 10 trains per day arrive from Biarritz (trip time: 15 min.; one-way fare: 3€ to 5€ ($4.40-$7.30), and 10 trains per day arrive from Paris (trip time: 5 1/2 hr.; one-way fare: 95€/$138). For train information and schedules, call tel. 36-35. Buses pulling into town from other parts of the Basque country arrive at the Gare Routière (tel. 05-59-26-06-99), in front of the railway station. St-Jean-de-Luz is a short drive from Biarritz along N10 south.
Visitor Information
The Office de Tourisme is on place du Maréchal-Foch (tel. 05-59-26-03-16; fax 05-59-26-21-47; www.saint-jean-de-luz.com).
Special Events
In July and August on Wednesday after 10:30pm and Sunday after 11:30pm, people pile into place Louis-XIV to take part in Toro de Fuego, a celebration of the bull. Revelers take to the streets to dance and watch fireworks. The highlight of the festivities is a snorting papier-mâché bull carried around place Louis-XIV. Between June 22 and June 26, the city celebrates the Festival of St-Jean (Fêtes Patronales de la Saint Jean) with concerts and a series of food kiosks along the harborfront. For 4 days in mid-October, a small film festival, Festival International des Jeunes Réalisateurs (tel. 05-59-51-65-30), showcases the work of filmmakers from southwestern France. For information about festivals, contact the Office de Tourisme.
