Nico Williams finds coastal refuge in historic San Juan de Luz

San Juan de Luz, a picturesque coastal town in the French Basque Country with around 14,000 inhabitants, has become a favourite retreat for Athletic Club winger Nico Williams when he seeks to escape the pressures of professional football Source: elespanol. Located just a few kilometres from the Spanish border, this former whaling and corsair port offers quiet beaches, a well-preserved old town, and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts starkly with the noise of big stadiums Source: infobae.

Historical significance

The town's history is marked by a pivotal event in 1660: the wedding of King Louis XIV of France and Infanta María Teresa of Spain, celebrated at the Church of San Juan Bautista after the Treaty of the Pyrenees Source: infobae. This ceremony symbolised reconciliation between the two kingdoms. The church, dating back to the 13th century, features wooden galleries and a 17th-century altarpiece, and has been a historical monument since 1931 Source: infobae.

What Nico Williams finds

• Peaceful environment: Unlike more crowded destinations, San Juan de Luz allows for quiet walks along its port and beaches Source: elespanol.
• Architecture: Traditional Basque houses with green and red shutters line the cobbled streets, and the old quarter is one of the best-preserved in the region Source: elespanol.
• : The town offers Atlantic cuisine, including dishes like hake in cava sauce .