Waking up to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs a short distance from your room is an exhilarating way to start the day.
I was staying at La Réserve, a four-star, family-owned hotel which sits high above the popular fishing town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the southwest coast.
It enjoys an idyllic position surrounded by lush parkland, palm trees and tulip-filled flowerbeds, with a breathtaking view of the sea as wild Atlantic waves roll towards the shore. From here it’s only a short
walk into Saint-Jean-de-Luz, winding your way down the hill at Sainte-Barbe with the impressive Grande Plage stretching out before you. The long sandy beach is one of the most popular on this stretch of coastline in Pyrénées Atlantiques and perfect for families as it is protected from the ocean by sea walls which break the powerful waves.
The promenade and beach is popular all year round and is the perfect place for a stroll while taking in the uplifting view of the bay and inhaling the bracing, salty sea air.
Basque boutiques
The beach’s proximity to the town centre is also a big draw, with boutique and restaurant filled streets located just behind the shoreline. Among them is Deuza, a tea and coffee shop which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and supplies many Michelin-starred restaurants in the area. Its walls are filled with jars containing an impressive range of blends alongside black and white photos from its past.
Also worth popping into is Maison Pariès in Rue Gambetta which sells delicious, prettily wrapped caramels called Kanougas as well as the famous Gâteaux Basques made from golden pastry, almond cream and black cherry jam.
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