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Ciboure

Reached from St-Jean-de-Luz by a road bridge, and separated by a harbour, Ciboure is the quiet twin of its northern neighbour.

This was not always the case. Ciboure grew and became prosperous starting from the 16th century when St-Jean-de-Luz decided to refuse admittance to fishermen, pirates, bohemians and vagabonds. Thus Ciboure, just outside the town, came into being.

Ciboure is much quieter than St-Jean-de-Luz, also the latter is easily reached. With its own beach, and attractive harbour front, Ciboure is a small, pleasant place with interesting streets to explore in the town.

Nowadays, in addition to fishing, Ciboure is a large centre for diving, wind-surfing and other watersports.

Ciboure/Socoa, seen from Socoa fort

Ciboure was the birth place of Maurice Ravel, the composer, who also returned there to work on various works including Bolero. Henri Matisse, the artist, also lived for a while in the town.

Birthplace and residence of Ravel (Dutch style house on right)

The church at Ciboure

We were pleased to stay at this St-Jean-de-Luz apartment during our visit.

Ciboure: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Henri Matisse lived in this house at Ciboure

PLAN A VISIT TO CIBOURE, FRANCE Hotels Ciboure See Hotels in France Holiday rentals / travel Search Aquitaine gites Search for Ciboure gites Car hire Property for sale Ciboure Aquitaine property for sale PLACES TO VISIT NEAR CIBOURE Explore places near Ciboure

Places to visit - Ciboure

Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Ciboure.

Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Ciboure are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)

• Ainhoa Most beautiful village at 21 km
• Bayonne Important town at 24 km
• La Rhune Basque mountain at 9 km
• Sare Most beautiful village at 12 km
• Saint Jean de Luz Coastal town and resort at 1 km
• Biarritz Atlantic resort and surf capital at 16 km
• Hendaye Atlantic resort at 12 km
• Hondarribia Medieval town in Spain at 14 km
• Espelette chilli village at 25 km

 

Information and photos

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