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Uploaded Wednesday 9th November for Saturday 3rd September 2022



Saint-Jean-de-Luz and La Rhune (Cog Railway)

Our cruise ship dropped anchor early in the afternoon, allowing time for passengers and excursions to enjoy a full afternoon ashore. 
Tenders were used, the one and only port of call on this tour to use this mode of transport so a fun experience.

St-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing town at the mouth of the Nivelle River.

We took a 35 minute ride on the vintage rack railway, which opened in 1924, to the top of the La Rhune Mountains to enjoy the ‘breathtaking’ views of the Basque region. 
Nature had other plans - the view was hidden behind a blanket of fog! It wasn’t until we were descending from the heights we got a glimpse of what we had missed. 
While it was sad we missed the views we still enjoyed the experience and tasting two local drinks and a slice of the traditional Basque cake.

Before returning to the ship we just had time to wander along the main pedestrian street discovering more food specialities, the distinctive traditional striped fabric and we found the entrance to the galleries of St Jean Baptise Church where a Mass was in progress.  A very quick walk to the beach and promenade gave us a view of the golden sand and the raised wall protecting the houses from rough waves.

Main Photo & Extras
The main photo was taken as the last tender was leaving the port of St Jean de Luz and returning to the ship.

Saint Jean Baptise Church, where King Louis XlV married Marie-Therese of Spain in 1660, has a magnificent gilded baroque alter (see extra photos).

Paintings on display near the main pedestrian street.

A view as we descend on the cog railway - with the railway track continuing far below.