Re(1): Question For Jailife16 Posted on July 23, 2026 at 01:59:11 PM by Jailife16
Had a great time, highly recommend to any fans that can make the trip! I didn’t take any trains, public buses were easy to navigate even not knowing French and cheap ($4 1 day pass). Took a coach bus to Pau for $35 round trip and stayed 1 night, the rest in Biarritz near the airport with access to all buses. Ubers are expensive!
I can’t really get into finer points, never played so that’s not easy for me to notice going to each fronton once for a few hours trying to take everything in. The balls did sound different than at Dania, maybe because without AC several doors were open for air flow (Pau did have AC). I didn’t ask, but I’m sure players prefer some courts over others. I’m Spain last year someone was telling me about a player that didn’t like playing at a specific court.
St. Jean de Luz - Great crowd and atmosphere, mini fireworks in both team colors for introductions. Hot that day, bring a seat cushion or splurge for the comfort section if available.
Hossegor - Looked forward to this since there’s not much video and matches aren’t streamed. A Dania player from last season gave me a tour beforehand, cool experience. Nice to see 4 players in the match that I know from Dania & Miami WJAL.
Pau - Modern facility with AC & WIFI! Nice clean place with an enthusiastic crowd. More mini fireworks for the introductions. Back outside patio near the bar overlooking the horse track.
Biarritz - Decent crowd for a Monday, a little more reserved maybe due to the 5 day Fetes de Bayonne (Holiday/Festival) ending the day before. I went for a few hours on Sunday, tons of people wearing the same thing (even me), rides, music and partying.
Bidart (Grand Chistera) - Surprise of the trip! Beautiful, cooler night with a really good crowd. Bars and restaurants close, great atmosphere, highly recommend (this was my first).
I have at least 1 post containing around 20 photos and videos from each fronton on Instagram at the following link if interested:
Tiger's Jai-Alai Chalk Talk
