Saint-Jean-de-Luz triathlon 2026: practical info and where to stay

Parcours : de la Grande Plage aux collines de l'arrière-pays

The swim takes place in the sheltered bay of the Grande Plage, a protected stretch of water that makes the exercise accessible to all levels, including swimmers new to open water. Competitors then head on foot to the transition area set up at the Urdazuri gymnasium.

Then comes the most demanding section of the route. The distinctly hilly roads of the Basque hinterland lead athletes towards Ahetze, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle or Sare depending on the chosen distance, with the Pyrenees on the horizon. The return is on foot, along the Nivelle towards Chantaco, before a finish in the heart of the town on the place Foch, where the partners' village and race control are installed. The atmosphere there is particularly warm in the late morning, when the first M format finishers come home to applause.

Registration, race packs and getting there

Registration for the Saint-Jean-de-Luz triathlon takes place online, on the organiser's official site, with an opening announced for February 2026. Some events sell out in certain years, so it is worth checking remaining places without delay.

Logistics are straightforward by train as well as by car, since Saint-Jean-de-Luz station sits on the coastal line and Biarritz airport is only minutes away. Do anticipate traffic changes, however: during previous editions several roads were temporarily closed during the cycling sections and swimming was prohibited at the Grande Plage for the duration of the swim. The location and opening hours for race pack collection are still to be confirmed by the organisation, as are the final start times for each format.

After the race: spa, heated pool and cold plunge

This is probably the strongest argument for the address if you are a triathlete. The 90 m² wellness space brings together a sauna, a hammam and two treatment rooms, including a double room for a treatment in pairs. The INDARRA signature massage adapts to what you need, in a relaxing, energising or frankly sports version, with Alaena cosmetics, the clean beauty brand born in Biarritz.

The 20 meters heated outdoor pool stays open until 4 November: it will therefore be available on race weekend, both for a final technical session the day before and for aqua jogging the day after. Do not miss the CELSIUS cold plunge experience, supervised by a cold coach, remarkably effective on the legs the evening after a half marathon. The yoga room open to nature, the fitness room and the Underwater Swim training sessions complete the offer. Breakfast, served from 7am with local and seasonal produce, can be taken in your room or on the terrace, and the organic evening jars save you having to head back out for dinner in town.

View the wellness area

Extending your weekend in the Basque Country

A race number rarely justifies leaving as early as Sunday. From Arbonne, central Biarritz and its lighthouse are about ten minutes away, Guéthary and its surf spots seven kilometres on, with Bayonne, a city of art and history, and Hendaye, on the Spanish border, within immediate reach. Walkers will appreciate the coastal trail and its 23 kilometres of cliffs facing the Atlantic, or the climb up the Rhune, a 905 metre summit reachable on foot or by rack railway in 35 minutes. Around fifteen exceptional golf courses complete the picture, starting with Arcangues, just next door.