It depends on your familiarity with Japanese - inspired settings and some of the cultural nuances that might be present in the Cote light novel. But the language used is not overly complex most of the time. The story is told in a way that draws you in, so as long as you have basic reading skills, you should be able to follow along. Also, there are often translations available that are done in a way to make it easy for English - speaking readers to understand.
I'd suggest checking out online bookstores like Amazon. Sometimes, they have a wide range of light novels available for purchase or reading through their Kindle service. Also, keep an eye on fan forums and communities related to Cote, as members often share where they found the light novel.
I'm not very familiar with this specific 'la cote basque 1965 short story'. It could potentially be about the region of La Cote Basque in 1965, perhaps exploring the culture, society, or personal experiences in that area during that time through the medium of a short story.
It depends on personal preference. If you like visual and auditory experiences, the anime might be better for you. It can quickly show you the story and characters in action.