Hendaye, the beginning of the coast of the French Basque Country

Hendaye, the first French village we find after crossing the old border, opens its doors to us.

Separated from Hondarribia by the mouth of the river Bidasoa, Hendaye is one of the three towns that form the bay of Txingudi with Hondarribia and Irun. A location, which has made Hendaye has been for centuries an important urban center for trade and also the first target of the Spanish army, as a result, much of its heritage was destroyed. Hendaye is the first town that we find on our way along the route of the coastal towns of the French Basque Country, a town that we highly recommend.

Bizkiak of Hendaye from the coast

Its huge beach, the colorful houses, the casino, the twin rocks (Bizkiak) and the Abaddia castle are some of the treasures that await us on this trip to Hendaye, are you coming?

Abbadie Castle: Built by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc between 1864 and 1879 under the orders of Antoine d’Abbadie, Abbadie Castle in Hendaye has become a symbol of the French Basque Country. The son of an Irish mother and a Basque father (Zuberoa), he became a lover and patron of Basque culture, earning the popular title of “father of the Basques”, his body rests inside. His passion for travel is reflected in every corner of the castle where we can appreciate a great variety of cultures. For more information, please visit the Chateau Abbadia website.

Castle Abbadie Hendaye

Domaine d’Abbadia: In English the domains of the Abbadia, simply magnificent domains. Protected area of 65 hectares in which pastures and forests mingle with the great cliffs forming a dream place. The rock formations known as flysch (like those of the Geoparkea) are present all along the cornice allowing us to go back in time 80 million years. Remember that it is not allowed to make the route by bicycle and not to bring pets. This same route allows us to enjoy the rocks known as “Bizkiak” (twins in Basque) while enjoying the Abbadia castle, sea and land come together in Domaine d’Abbadia.

Abbadia Castle Estate, Bizkiak, Hendaye, Hendaye

Port of Hendaye: Smelling the salty aroma of the sea, contemplating the huge beach at sunset and observing Hondarribia on the other side of the mouth of the Bidasoa River (there is the option of going in a small boat from one town to the other) are some of the things one can enjoy from the port of Hendaye.

Beach of the casino of Hendaye with Hondarribi behind it

Bizkiak (Twins): At the end of the beach of Hendaye are the immense stone masses called Bizkiak (twins in Basque). Initially, the rocks were attached to the coast but due to different geological phenomena, today only the 2 formations known as Bizkiak have resisted the attacks of the sea and the wind.

Bizkiak of Hendaye from the coast

Hendaia Beach: This beach is more than 3 kilometers long and the calm waters and fine sand make it one of the most welcoming beaches on the Basque coast. It has a wide range of services, there are areas especially recommended for surfers and has a service for people with reduced mobility (free service).

Bizkiak, Hendaia beach

Island of Hendaye: In our tour of the castle domains we have the opportunity to look out over the small balcony that the route proposes and from which you can see (at low tide) a small island, a nice place from which to appreciate the coast of Hendaye.

Island off the coast of Hendaye

Coastal path from Hendaye: This route from Hendaye to Bidart covers 25 kilometers of coastline that make it really interesting to follow. The walking path is in good condition, the signposting is clear, you can enjoy a mixed landscape combining charming villages of the French Basque Country with rustic areas and the sea. It is usual to start from Hendaye and pass through Cibourne, San Juan de Luz, Getaria and end in Bidart, having the option to take a bus in Bidart to return to Hendaye. The sea views of this route are beautiful and during the crossing you can see the castle of Abbadie, the twins, the bunkers and all the villages mentioned above, a real treat for the eyes.

Hendaye Coastal Route

This route is accessible to all audiences and can be traveled in its entirety (7 hours of travel) or in stages. We think it is very important to dedicate a large part of the trip to the incredible architectural and natural heritage of the coastal villages that make up this route.