La Rhune
A magnificent 360° panorama
La Rhune is the ‘sacred mountain’ of Pays Basque. With over 350,000 visitors every year, La Rhune, and its valiant little rack railway train, is the most visited tourist site in Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Enjoy the magnificent 360° panorama from the mythical summit of Pays Basque at 905m altitude, starting from the coast of Landes to Bayonne, Biarritz, Bidart, St Jean de Luz, Hendaye on the Côte Basque, then Mount Jaizkibel and the 3 Couronnes also known as Penas de Haya.
In the other direction are Baigura and Artzamendy, and on a clear day Pic d’Orhy.
There are two ways to get to the top : walking or on the famous rack railway.
The little train with its wooden carriages leaves Col de Saint-Ignace de Sare for a 35 minute journey at the amazing speed of 9km per hour ! This allows you to admire the beautiful scenery where Manech black-headed sheep and Pottok ponies roam freely and griffon vultures circle overhead.
You can also « go up La Rhune » on foot. The ascent takes between one and two hours depending on your pace. Signposted trails start from Ascain, Sare and Urrugne. You will feel justifiably pleased with yourself when you reach the top !
At the top, have a meal in one of the ‘ventas’ and walk around to look at flora and fauna as well as cromlechs and dolmens."
