Maison Louis XIV
Step into history at Maison Louis XIV, a preserved 17th-century residence where King Louis XIV once stayed. Experience authentic Basque heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Maison Louis XIV
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at Maison Louis XIV, a preserved 17th-century residence where King Louis XIV once stayed. Experience authentic Basque heritage.
"A superb visit to the Maison Louis XIV, a chance to visit it while it is private (and inhabited)."
Book a Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the house's rich history and the owners' stories.
Check Opening Hours
As a private residence, hours vary. Always confirm before your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The King's Chambers
Second Floor
Experience where Louis XIV slept, adorned with richly decorated furniture and wax figures. A true step back in time.
The Grand Salon
Ground Floor
An impressive main living area showcasing centuries of preserved furnishings and art, reflecting the house's grandeur.
Panoramic Harbor Views
Second Floor Apartments
Enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor and moored boats from the upper floors, offering a picturesque perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Maison Louis XIV
Understanding Maison Louis XIV's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the house's rich history and the owners' stories. +1
Check Opening Hours
As a private residence, hours vary. Always confirm before your visit.
Explore Place Louis XIV
Enjoy the vibrant square, cafes, and views before or after your house visit. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through historic rooms and potentially up stairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Guided Tour
Essential for understanding the house's rich history and the owners' stories. +1
Check Opening Hours
As a private residence, hours vary. Always confirm before your visit.
Explore Place Louis XIV
Enjoy the vibrant square, cafes, and views before or after your house visit. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking through historic rooms and potentially up stairs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Maison Louis XIV for its historical significance, particularly the connection to King Louis XIV, and the authentic experience of visiting a privately owned, inhabited residence. The passionate explanations from the current owners are frequently highlighted as a major plus, bringing the history to life. While some find the price a bit high for the limited accessible area, most agree it's a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts.
"A beautiful, historic 17th-century house. For his marriage to Infanta Maria Theresa of Austria, the king slept here for 40 nights, from May 8th to June 9th, 1660, the date of his wedding. The king chose this house because it was, at the time, the most beautiful and largest residence in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. A private tour is highly recommended if you are visiting Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The guide will provide you with details about the house's history; it's well worth it."
Verdier Christian
"A very nice visit on the occasion of the Heritage Days. The place is very beautiful, very well furnished and lively because it is inhabited by its owners. During the visit, we discover somewhat by chance that the people who passionately explain and show the house are none other than the owners themselves! A big thank you to them for bringing this beautiful heritage to life!"
Pat 50
"We had the opportunity to visit the Louis XIV house during the Heritage Days. Half price, or €4, a very reasonable price (more would be too much). Since it is inhabited, only one floor can be visited. We really enjoyed this discovery and the explanations given by the current owners. It is a very beautiful residence."
coco coco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maison Louis XIV is located in the historic center of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, right on the square of the same name, near the port. It's easily accessible on foot if you're already in the town center. If arriving by car, look for public parking options nearby. The town itself is well-connected by public transport if you're coming from other parts of the Basque Country.
Yes, the house is prominently situated on Place Louis XIV, a central and well-known spot in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. You'll likely pass by it if you're exploring the town's historic core.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally around €7 for adults, with a reduced price of €6 for groups of 10 or more. During special events like Heritage Days, there might be a reduced entry fee, around €4.
While you can often buy tickets on-site, booking in advance, especially for guided tours, is recommended to secure your spot and ensure you get the desired time slot. The house has a website where you can find information on guided tour times and potentially book tickets.
Maison Louis XIV is typically open for visits from the end of March to the beginning of November. However, as it's a private residence, specific daily hours can vary. It's crucial to check their official website for the most current opening times before planning your visit.
You can visit the house on your own, but a guided tour is highly recommended. The current owners are passionate about sharing the history, and a guide will provide in-depth details about the house, its owners, Louis XIV's stay, and the history of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. +1
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll discover preserved furnishings, art, and objects spanning centuries. Highlights include the King's Chambers with wax figures, the impressive Grand Salon, a well-preserved kitchen, and a large dining room. The second-floor apartments offer beautiful views of the harbor.
Maison Louis XIV is a private residence that is inhabited by its owners. They are the ones who passionately explain and show the house to visitors, making the experience very personal and authentic.
A visit, especially with a guided tour, can take around 1 to 1.5 hours. This allows ample time to absorb the historical details and enjoy the ambiance of the house.
While specific rules can vary, it's generally advisable to check with your guide or on-site staff regarding photography policies. Often, flash photography is restricted in historic interiors to protect the artifacts.
The house is historically significant because King Louis XIV stayed there for over a month in 1660 during his marriage to the Infanta Maria-Theresa of Spain. It was the most beautiful and largest residence available in Saint-Jean-de-Luz at the time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Maison Louis XIV itself is a historic residence and does not have a restaurant. However, the surrounding Place Louis XIV and the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz offer numerous cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine. +1
Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers delicious Basque cuisine, often featuring fresh seafood, pintxos (Basque tapas), and regional specialties. Many restaurants have terraces on or near Place Louis XIV, perfect for a meal with a view. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the house, with its distinctive towers and classical facade, is very photogenic. Inside, the Grand Salon and the King's Chambers offer unique historical backdrops. Don't miss the picturesque views of the harbor from the upper floors.
Absolutely! Place Louis XIV itself is a charming square perfect for photos, especially with the kiosk and town hall. The nearby harbor and the colorful streets of Saint-Jean-de-Luz also provide excellent photographic opportunities. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the house itself might not have specific child-focused activities, the overall experience of stepping back in time can be educational. Ensure children are supervised, especially in rooms with delicate artifacts. The nearby harbor and beaches in Saint-Jean-de-Luz also offer more traditional family-friendly activities for a well-rounded visit.
🏛️ History Buffs
The fact that it's a privately owned and inhabited residence, meticulously preserved by the descendants of its original builder, offers an unparalleled level of authenticity.
📸 Photographers
Beyond the house itself, the surrounding Place Louis XIV is a charming location for capturing the essence of the town, with its kiosk and lively atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Royal Connection: Louis XIV's Stay
During your visit, you can explore the very rooms where the King resided, including his bedroom, which is furnished with period pieces and even features wax figures to recreate the atmosphere.
A Shipowner's Legacy: Architecture and Preservation
This dedication to preservation is what makes Maison Louis XIV so special. Unlike many historical sites that are purely museums, this house is still inhabited, offering a unique sense of authenticity.
Exploring Place Louis XIV and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz itself is a delightful coastal town with a rich maritime history. Beyond Maison Louis XIV, visitors can explore the picturesque harbor, wander through narrow streets lined with traditional Basque houses, and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
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