H as in Hendaye

Green and dynamic, with a strong character, the Basque coastis a breath of fresh air. Located in an exceptional setting, Hendaye is a town in the French Basque Country located at the southwestern tip of France and the last coastal town before Spain. It is in fact a very old fishing port, the third largest marina in Aquitaine.

Hendaye, an exceptional border town in the Basque Country

The seaside resort of Hendaye offers its visitors more than 3 kilometers of fine sandy beach, the longest on the Basque coast. It is surrounded by the peaks of the Rhune, the three Crowns and the Jaizquibel.

From Socoa to the entrance to Hendaye, the road offers the most beautiful panorama of the Atlantic coast, wild and authentic and moreover on foot. These are kilometers of coastal hiking from Bidart to Hendaye, punctuated with direction signs and interpretation stations that are available to you. In addition, the Corniche road is home to the Abbadia castle of neo-Gothic architecture and the estate of the same name.

Do not forget to take a short walk in Biriatou, a small village very close to Hendaye with freely accessible paths and paths. From the top of Choldokogaina, you will have a superb view of the Landes coast, the Rhune and even San Sebastian. From the church of Biriatou, heading east towards the Rocher des Perdrix then the Col d’Osin, go down towards the chemin de Lizarlan to the stream of the lancet.

The tourist points not to be missed

A trip to Hendaye will not be complete without a little ride on the little train. To discover the city of Hendaye and its heritage, the little train runs from April to the end of the All Saints holidays. A circuit of about 30 minutes is a good way to discover the city, you will go from the beach to the city via the port through a very pleasant visit offered in four languages.

With its two bodies of water, Txingudi Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Hendaye offers a range of water activities. This famous bay is a protected natural site, a rest area for migrating birds and seabirds, it is also a paradise for budding surfers.

At the end of its more than 3 kilometers of beach, appear two large rocks called “the twins”. They are located at sea, visible from Hondarribia and from the top of the Abbadia estate. Often depicted in images of the Basque coast, these two emblematic pink limestone rocks are natural witnesses of marine erosion. They are the symbols of Hendaye and are accessible all year round.

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