Ciboure


Ciboure is a commune in the south-western French department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
It lies across the river Nivelle from the harbour of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Geography

Ciboure was formerly known as Sibourne in English-language sources.

Climate

Ciboure has an oceanic climate. The average annual temperature in Ciboure is. The average annual rainfall is with November as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around, and lowest in January, at around. The highest temperature ever recorded in Ciboure was on 30 July 2020; the coldest temperature ever recorded was on 3 February 1956.

Population

History

Ciboure and the neighbouring commune of Saint-Jean-de-Luz were suspected of "incivility" during the French Revolution and, during the Reign of Terror, were merged together under the name Chauvin-Dragon. The name was derived from a revolutionary soldier named Chauvin who, as a member of a dragoon unit, died in the region in early 1793. Although the name was in official use from 1793-1795, it was never used by the inhabitants of the communes and the two were officially separated in 1800.
The Notre-Dame de Bordagain was the only church in Ciboure from its construction in the 12th century through 1575. A tower was added in the 14th century for military purposes. During the Revolution, the church and tower fell into disrepair. The building was restored and turned into a tea house in 1911 by an architect from Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The business performed poorly and a proposal was made to turn it into a casino, which fell through. The church and tower were declared a historical monument in 1987 and were restored in 2010.

Notable people