With this poster illustrated by Lotza, explore Socoa, an emblematic district of the commune of Ciboure, located in the heart of the French Basque Country. Exquisitely created on Illustrator and printed in Charente, this work highlights one of the historical jewels of the Basque coast: the Socoa fort, a true sentinel facing the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the peaceful waters of the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
The Socoa Fort, built in 1636 by order of Louis XIII, is the work of military engineer Jean-Baptiste Dupuy de la Serra. Built to defend the coast against Spanish incursions and maritime attacks, it completes a military system that is part of a long tradition of fortifications on the Basque coast. Its robust architecture, made of local stone, blends harmoniously into the surrounding natural landscape.
Throughout its history, the fort has had several uses. During the French Revolution, it was converted into a prison, particularly for refractory priests and members of the nobility. In the 19th century, it was transformed into a military hospital, then into barracks and a munitions depot. Despite these successive uses, the site has retained its integrity and remains today a central element of the region's maritime heritage.
Socoa, as a district of Ciboure, is also prized for its seaside charm. With its fine sandy beaches, small fishing port, and traditional houses with colorful shutters, it attracts many visitors each year in search of relaxation, authenticity, and unspoiled maritime landscapes. The district is also renowned for its gastronomy, with a multitude of restaurants offering Basque specialties, such as ttoro, piperade, and the famous Basque cake.
In this illustration by Lotza, we find the essence of Socoa: a peaceful atmosphere bathed in light, the clear waters of the bay, and, in the background, the imposing fort steeped in history. The colors used evoke both the sweetness of late summer days and the mineral character of the landscape. It is an invitation to travel and contemplation, a graphic homage to the Basque Country and its coastal treasures.
Carefully printed, this poster is more than just a decorative souvenir: it is an ode to the history, culture and natural beauty of Socoa, perfect for all lovers of the Basque coast and its characterful villages.
