The Crossing of the Bay is an annual event that takes place in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a coastal town in southwestern France, on July 14th. The event is part of the town's celebration of Bastille Day, the French national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris during the French Revolution.
During the Crossing of the Bay, participants swim across the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, which is located in the Bay of Biscay. The swim covers a distance of approximately 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles) and is open to both amateurs and experienced swimmers. The event attracts a large crowd of spectators who cheer on the swimmers from the beach and along the route.
The Crossing of the Bay is a popular tradition that has been held for over 50 years and is a significant part of the Bastille Day celebrations in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It is a unique way to celebrate the national holiday and enjoy the natural beauty of the bay and surrounding coastline.
Photography: Walter Somers
Socoa beach: the starting point - 9 am
The finish at Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Approaching the finish.
Txomin Dachary finishes first in 24'41'.
Xavier Zenoni-Gleizes finishes second in 25'31".
Justine Astier is the first lady in 29'45".
