Saint-Jean-de-Luz history

The history of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is rooted in ancient times, when this location was a humble settlement in the marshy estuary of the Nivelle River. The town developed as a significant seaport in the Basque Country, with a destiny defined for centuries by the ocean.

Foundation and First Mentions

The exact date of the town's founding is lost to the ages, but active development of the territory began in the Middle Ages.

• Etymology: The Basque name of the town is Donibane Lohizune, which translates as "Saint John in the Marshes". This refers to the geographical features of the area prior to land drainage.
• First Records: The settlement begins to appear in historical documents from the 12th century. Initially, it was a small community living in the shadow of larger neighbours and dependent on the ecclesiastical authorities of Bayonne.

Key Development Factors

The transformation from a modest village into a thriving city was driven by several strategic advantages:

• Geographical Location: A natural bay, protected from strong Atlantic winds by headlands, and a navigable river estuary created ideal conditions for establishing a port.
• Proximity to the Border: Its location near Spain facilitated intensive trade development and cultural exchange, making the city an important transit point.
• Maritime Orientation: Unlike agrarian regions, the city's economy was immediately built around the sea, which spurred the development of shipbuilding.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of Saint-Jean-de-Luz was laid by fearless seafarers, shaping the city's unique character.

• Whaling: Local Basques are considered among the pioneers of commercial whaling. Even in the early period of the city's history, they undertook long-distance expeditions, reaching the shores of Newfoundland and Svalbard.
• Fishing: Cod fishing and its subsequent salting became the basis of the city's prosperity, allowing local merchants and shipowners to accumulate significant capital.
• Architectural Heritage: Wealth obtained from the sea allowed for the construction of sturdy stone houses, many of which have survived to this day, reflecting the city's early flourishing.

The Golden Age and Royal History

• 1520s — A period of active flourishing for the city, thanks to revenues from whaling and the activities of local corsairs.
• 1659 — The Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed on the nearby Pheasant Island, putting an end to the war between France and Spain.
• 1660 — The wedding of King Louis XIV and the Spanish Infanta Maria Theresa took place in the city's Church of Saint John the Baptist, becoming the most significant event in the city's history.
• 1713 — The signing of the Treaty of Utrecht deprived Basque fishermen of rights to fish off the coast of Newfoundland, leading to a gradual decline in whaling.

Battling the Elements and Industrialisation

• 1782 — A devastating storm destroyed part of the city quarters and old port structures, threatening the existence of the bay.
• 1854 — Napoleon III signed a decree for the large-scale construction of protective breakwaters (Socoa, Artha, and Sainte-Barbe), which saved the city from ocean waves.
• 1864 — The opening of the railway line connecting Saint-Jean-de-Luz with Paris launched the development of seaside tourism.
• 1880s — Construction of iconic buildings of the Belle Époque, including the casino and grand hotels on the seafront.

Modern Era

• 1920s — The city transforms into a fashionable resort, attracting European aristocracy, artists, and musicians.
• 1950s — Saint-Jean-de-Luz becomes the largest tuna fishing port in France, reviving the region's maritime traditions.
• 1990s — Large-scale restoration work on the historic centre and the conversion of main streets into pedestrian zones.
• 21st Century — The city affirms its status as an important centre for surfing, gastronomy, and Basque culture on the Atlantic coast.

Stages of Urban and Economic Development

The development of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a story of transformation from a dangerous but profitable corsair port to an elegant resort and centre of gastronomy. Several key stages defining the modern look of the city can be highlighted:

• The Era of Corsairs and Maritime Power (16th–17th Centuries).
  During this period, the city accumulated immense wealth through whaling and privateering.
  Significance: The economic boom allowed for the construction of the famous "shipowners' houses" (such as the House of the Infanta and the House of Louis XIV), which today form the architectural core of the historic centre.
• The Royal Wedding (1660).
  The marriage of Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain drew the attention of all Europe to the city.
  Significance: The event cemented the city's status as a key diplomatic hub and left a rich cultural heritage, including culinary traditions (the emergence of the famous almond macaroons).
• Engineering Fortification of the Coast (Mid-19th Century).
  Under the leadership of Napoleon III, powerful breakwaters were erected to protect the bay from destructive storms.
  Significance: This urban planning decision literally saved the city from disappearing into the waters of the Atlantic and created a safe harbour necessary for the future development of tourism.
• The Railway Revolution (1864).
  The opening of the branch line connecting the region with Paris and Bordeaux.
  Significance: It radically changed the city's economy, reorienting it from pure industry to serving travellers. An influx of aristocracy and bourgeoisie began.
• Belle Époque Resort Development (Late 19th – Early 20th Century).
  Construction of casinos, hydrotherapy centres, and grand hotels along the coastline.
  Significance: The tourist façade of the city was formed. The embankment acquired its recognisable look with pedestrian promenades and bridges, which became the resort's calling card.
• Industrialisation of Fishing (Mid-20th Century).
  Transition from sailing fleets to motor vessels and the development of the canning industry (sardines and tuna).
  Significance: Allowed the city to maintain a lively, working atmosphere and economic stability outside the tourist season, making it the largest tuna fishing port in France during that period.

The architectural appearance of Saint-Jean-de-Luz is unique in that traditional Basque flair harmoniously intertwines with the elegance of a French seaside resort. The urban development of the city proceeded from the port inland and along the coast, reflecting the shift in economic eras: from fishing and privateering to elite tourism.

Basque Tradition and "Corsair Houses" (17th Century)

The city's Golden Age, linked to whaling and corsair activities, gifted Saint-Jean-de-Luz its most famous buildings. This was an era when functionality was combined with the display of wealth.

• Style: Basque Classicism and traditional Labourdine architecture.
• Characteristics: For ordinary citizens — whitewashed houses with timber framing (half-timbered), painted in dark red ("oxblood") or green. For the nobility — monumental stone mansions with corner turrets and austere façades.
• Iconic Buildings:
  • House of Louis XIV (Lohobiague Enea): Built in 1643 by a wealthy shipowner. The strict stone façade conceals luxurious interiors. The King spent a month here before his wedding.
  • House of the Infanta (Joanoenia): An elegant building of pink brick and stone with Venetian motifs, where Maria Theresa of Spain stayed.

Religious Architecture (17th Century)

The central element of spiritual life and the urban dominant of the old town is the church, the architecture of which is considered a benchmark for the French part of the Basque Country.

• Style: Basque Baroque.
• Characteristics: External restraint, resembling a fortress, contrasts with rich interior decoration. A unique feature is the multi-tiered wooden galleries along the walls, traditionally intended for men, while women prayed in the nave.
• Iconic Object: Church of Saint John the Baptist (Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste) with its monumental 17th-century gilded altarpiece, considered one of the most beautiful in France.

Resort Architecture and Neo-Basque Style (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)

With the arrival of the railway and the development of seaside tourism, the city began to expand towards the ocean. The seafront was built up with hotels and villas, forming a new "resort" façade.

• Style: Eclecticism, Neo-Basque style (Néo-basque).
• Characteristics: Architects such as Henri Godbarge reinterpreted traditional Basque farm forms (etxe), adapting them for urban villas and hotels. Asymmetric roofs, decorative timber framing, and wide eaves appeared.
• Iconic Buildings: Grand Hôtel — a prime example of luxurious resort architecture of the Belle Époque, combining classical proportions with elements of local décor.

Modernism and Art Deco (1920s)

In the Roaring Twenties, Saint-Jean-de-Luz became a platform for bold architectural experiments that introduced modern notes into the historical landscape.

• Style: Modernism, Art Deco.
• Characteristics: Use of reinforced concrete, geometric forms, clean lines, and absence of excessive decoration. A desire to open the city to the sea.
• Iconic Object: Casino La Pergola. Designed by the famous architect Robert Mallet-Stevens in 1927, this building became a manifesto of modernism. Despite controversies at the time of construction, today its strict white silhouette is an integral part of the main beach panorama.

Royalty and Historical Figures

• Louis XIV — King of France, known as the "Sun King". His name is inextricably linked to the city's history due to his marriage to the Infanta Maria Theresa in 1660. This event, cementing the Treaty of the Pyrenees, is considered the most significant in the annals of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
• Maria Theresa of Spain — Infanta of Spain and Queen of France. Before the wedding, she resided in a luxurious mansion on the embankment, which now bears the name "House of the Infanta". Her stay gave the city the status of an important diplomatic centre in 17th-century Europe.

Cultural and Artistic Figures

• Feodor Chaliapin — The great Russian opera singer. In the 1920s, charmed by the beauty of the Basque coast, he purchased a villa here. Chaliapin spent summer seasons in the city, attracting members of the creative intelligentsia and bohemia.
• George Gissing — English novelist of the Victorian era. He chose Saint-Jean-de-Luz as a place to live in his final years due to the mild climate. He passed away here in 1903, leaving a mark on the city's literary history.

Athletes and Public Figures

• René Lacoste — Legendary tennis player, one of the "Four Musketeers", and creator of the famous clothing brand. He lived in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and managed the prestigious Chantaco golf club, turning the city into an important point on the world golf map.
• Bixente Lizarazu — World and European football champion with the French national team. A native of the city, he began his sporting journey here. He is an active promoter of Basque culture, ocean tourism, and surfing.
• Michèle Alliot-Marie — A prominent French politician who held the posts of Minister of Defence, Justice, the Interior, and Foreign Affairs of France. She was the Mayor of Saint-Jean-de-Luz from 1995 to 2002, making a significant contribution to the modern development of the resort.