Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Basque Coast by van: 6 must-see spots

Between ocean, mountains and Basque culture, explore the treasures of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its surroundings in a campervan. Beaches, picturesque villages and natural sites await you.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 13 September 2026

The Basque Coast is the perfect blend of Atlantic salt air, the green slopes of the Pyrenees and the warm soul of the Basque Country. Hop in your van or camper and set off to discover Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a gem nestled between sea and mountains, and its surroundings, rich in breathtaking landscapes and history. Here are six unmissable spots for an unforgettable road trip.

Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Luz

With its fine sand and gentle waves, this family-friendly beach is perfect for a relaxing break by the ocean. Treat yourself to an ice cream or a plate of axoa at a beachfront café, with your toes in the sand.

Where to sleep nearby

Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.8 Surf camp 100 m from the beach, friendly vibe. Shared kitchen and clean facilities, 4.9/5. › Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly campsite 15 min from the beach, shaded. New facilities, 4.7/5, 40 min walk. › Street parking Saint-Jean-de-Luz Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking 9 min from the beach, spacious. Flat surface, 4.5/5, 50 reviews. › Paid parking free at night Ciboure Parking ★ 4.3 Parking by the bay, free overnight. Direct beach and shop access, 25 min walk. › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 50 m from the beach, with pool. Grass pitches, 4.4/5, 5 min drive. ›

Vieille Ville de Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Wander through the cobbled streets lined with colourful half-timbered houses, and don’t miss the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, a listed historic monument. The atmosphere is authentically Basque, blending tradition with a laid-back way of life.

Where to sleep nearby

Street parking Saint-Jean-de-Luz Parking ★ 4.4 9 min walk from the Old Town, wide and flat road. Free, close to beach and historic centre. › Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.8 Surf camp 5 min drive, friendly vibe. Shared kitchen, 100 m from the beach. › Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly campsite 40 min walk, quiet and shaded. New facilities, 10-15 min from the beach. › Paid parking free at night Ciboure Parking ★ 4.3 Free overnight (7 PM-9 AM), by the bay. Direct beach access, restaurants nearby. › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 5 min drive, heated pool. Grass pitches, 50 m from the beach. ›

La Rhune

Take the rack railway to the summit of this iconic peak, 905 metres above sea level. The 360-degree views over the Basque Coast and the Pyrenees are simply spectacular.

Where to sleep nearby

La Petite Rhune Campsite ★ 4.8 Family campsite with 24 pitches, pool. 50 min walk to La Rhune, peaceful setting. › Parking quiet surrounded by trees Sare Parking ★ 4.8 Isolated mountain parking, views of La Rhune. 5 min drive, steep track. › Camping Goyenetche Campsite ★ 4.5 Farm campsite, low prices (€8-23). 5 min drive, clean facilities. › Parking with streamside Sare Parking ★ 4.6 Forest area with tables and drinking water. 5 min drive, very quiet. › Mountain parking Sare Parking ★ 4.5 Wild spot with spectacular panoramic views. 6 min drive, difficult access. ›

Sare

This village, ranked among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, charms visitors with its typical Basque houses and prehistoric caves. A delightful stop to explore local crafts and the region’s history.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Uhaitza le Saison Campsite ★ 3.8 Family-friendly shaded campsite by the river, pool and swimming access. 8 min drive (7 km), rating 3.9. › Technical high school parking Mauléon-Licharre Parking ★ 4.7 Quiet parking at a technical college, ideal for a short stop. 5 min drive (5 km), free. › Parking facing the cemetery L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking opposite the cemetery, wide tarmac spaces. 6 min drive (5 km), rating 4.4. › Parking with picnic tables Chéraute Parking ★ 4.7 Rural rest area with picnic tables and toilets. 49 min walk, free. › Le Village, L'Hôpital-Saint-Blaise Parking ★ 4.3 Tarmac parking near a listed Romanesque church, clean toilets. 5 min drive (5 km), free. ›

Hendaye and the Corniche basque

The Corniche basque offers an exceptional panorama of the ocean and the Spanish border. Stop in Hendaye for a stroll along the beach or a taste of Basque tapas.

Where to sleep nearby

Hegoa Surf Camp Campsite ★ 4.8 Surf camp 100 m from the beach, friendly vibe. Shared kitchen and clean facilities, 5 min drive. › Coastal view parking in Urrugne Parking ★ 4.6 Stunning views of the ocean and mountains. Free parking, quiet, 8 min drive. › Camping Untxin Socoa Campsite ★ 4.7 Family campsite near Socoa beach. Shaded pitches, new facilities, 35 min walk. › Shaded roadside parking Urrugne Parking ★ 4.2 Shaded forest spot under chestnut trees. Free, quiet at night, 7 min drive. › Camping Tamaris Campsite ★ 4.4 4-star campsite 50 m from the beach. Heated pool, grass pitches, 5 min drive. ›

Bayonne

Just 20 minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne combines historic heritage with a lively atmosphere. Visit Sainte-Marie Cathedral or take a walk along the ramparts for a journey back in time.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Lou P'tit Poun Campsite ★ 4.2 4-star campsite in nature, heated pool. 10 min from the ocean, large shaded pitches. › Quiet overnight parking Anglet Parking ★ 3.2 Beachside parking, free out of season. Flat ground, suitable for vehicles up to 7.5 m. › Aire de Camping-Cars des Corsaires Motorhome area ★ 3.5 Area 5 km from Bayonne, €14/night. Direct beach access, tarmac surface. › Parking to visit Biarritz Biarritz Parking ★ 4.9 Free parking near Biarritz centre. Quiet despite the road, secure. › Green space parking with benches Tarnos Parking ★ 4.2 Green parking near the port, with benches and bins. Peaceful atmosphere, 4 km from Bayonne. ›

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