Martine’s house is her old family home in a super location in Saint Jean de Luz. For our party of 8 it was ideal, and could probably have accommodated another 2 or so comfortably
As an old home, don’t expect completely modern fittings and furniture...but a house that exudes history, place and a sense of the people that have lived in it and enjoyed its space, its location (a pleasant walk into town, with a small beach just a few steps away) and the amazing panoramic views of the whole bay and across to Ciboure. It is full of eclectic bits and pieces, and lots of artworks (many by Jean Pattou, whose family own the house)
Bedrooms are upstairs with comfortable beds (with 2 bathrooms plus extra loos); downstairs is a well-equipped kitchen and a big sitting room with huge glass doors that open onto a terrace with a big table that is perfect for holiday meals
Wi-fi is good and strong, and there is a laundry which we always find useful on holiday
In town we had good meals at Le Brouillarta (Michelin starred but well-priced given excellent quality), l’Épicerie Luz del Sur (simple food with excellent ingredients), Le Grand Grill Basque (good value local fare) and Pil Pil Enea (off the beaten track but lovely food and excellent Iroulégy wine). In the other direction there is a small place called Le Stop which we wanted to get to but didn’t
We have visited Saint Jean de Luz before and for us it is the nicest town on this coast line...great mix of beach, old town, shops, restaurants and position for touring. We did go to Biarritz (which we liked) and walked the coast part to Guéthary (there are lots of tempting bars on this route for a restorative glass of rosé...and a lunch spot (La Balda) which is two old British buses on the beach which was excellent and quirky)...but always concluded we were glad to be in SJDL!
We would recommend Martine’s place. It is not cheap but this is not a cheap town and you can be paying much more for less. We felt we got a lot of value