The Rhune

The Rhune

The highest Massif in the Basque Country with its 905 m altitude, the Rhune marks the border with Spain. The summit of the Rhune is also located at the crossroads of the traditional Basque territories of Navarre and Labourd. It offers an exceptional panorama, at 360 °, on the Atlantic Ocean, the Basque Country and the Landes.

From the Col de Saint-Ignace, in the commune of Sare, an authentic small rack train dating from 1924 to the top of the Rhune: magical, the 35 minutes of ascent in the wooden wagons of period give you time to discover Preserved landscapes of exception.

The hikes on the Massif de La Rhune, honoured in the 19th century by the Empress Eugénie, are also an opportunity to cross wild spaces, frequented by the Pottokak, the Griffon vultures and the Manech sheep. You can enjoy the ascent by train and get off on foot, by the path that returns to Col Saint-Ignace or by the one who joins Docain.

At the foot of the Rhune is the village of Sare, the former Basque capital of smuggling classified among the “most beautiful villages of France”. Original thematic visits are organised on the Massif de La Rhune: meetings with a breeder of Pottok ponies, imaginary meetings with Napoleon, or even Yoga sessions in the wilderness.

In September, you can enjoy “sunset” evenings. Family events also await you at the top: treasure hunts, bird-droppings, or Robinson workshops.

Campsite Berrua, 18 km from the Rhune train

The station of the Petit train de la Rhune, located at the Col de Saint-Ignace at an altitude of 169 m, is 18 km from your campsite Berrua. Passing through Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Docain, it will take you less than 30 minutes by car to reach the station. You can then start the ascent of the massif by a rack train or prefer a hike.

You can also stop at Docain to take the hiking trail leading to the top of the Rhune.

To see in the surroundings of the Rhune

Climb the Pyrenees while resting in the Basque Country.