Fort de Socoa
A 17th-century round stone fort at the western entrance to the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, standing at the base of the breakwater. It is one of the bay's most photogenic landmarks.
Socoa Fort was built in the first half of the 17th century to guard the entrance to the Bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It was later remodelled in the style of Vauban. The round stone tower and the walls stand at the base of the breakwater, and together with Pointe Sainte-Barbe on the opposite side they command the bay. The fort is not open to the public, as it is now used by a sailing club and other organisations. You can take photos from the outside and from the breakwater, and at low tide the rock platforms beyond the breakwater are worth a look. Nearby are sailing, diving, and kayaking centres. The hillside by the Socoa lighthouse is a good place to see the whole bay. It is about a 30-minute walk along the bay from Ciboure, or you can take a summer ferry from Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This is also the starting point of the Corniche Basque (D912) toward Hendaye.
Opening hours
Exterior visible all day
Nearby sights
- Ciboure
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Corniche Basque
- Château d'Abbadia
- Guéthary
- La Rhune Rack Railway
- Cité de l'Océan
- Plage de la Côte des Basques