Presentation
La Rhune: An Iconic Summit of the Basque Country
La Rhune is an iconic summit of the Basque Country, reaching 905 meters in altitude, straddling the border between France and Spain. Located near Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Sare, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Atlantic coast, the Pyrenees, and the Spanish plains. Its Basque name, "Larrun," means "good pasture," referring to the vast meadows that cover its slopes, where flocks of Manx sheep, typical of the region, still graze today.
This summit is steeped in history and legends. It was once a site of pagan worship before being used as a military observation post during the Napoleonic wars. La Rhune is also associated with Basque witches, who, according to local tradition, once gathered there for their sabbaths.
Climbing La Rhune is a must-do experience for hikers. Several trails lead to the summit, notably from the villages of Sare, Ascain, or Olhette. The ascent, taking about two hours on average, passes through landscapes of forests, heathlands, and wind-sculpted rocks. Along the way, it’s not uncommon to spot pottoks, small wild horses that roam freely in the Basque mountains, as well as vultures soaring above the ridges.
For those who prefer a more leisurely ascent, the cogwheel train of La Rhune, inaugurated in 1924, offers a scenic journey to the summit in about 30 minutes. This historic train, with its wooden carriages, provides a picturesque ride through the mountain, with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
At the summit, the view stretches all the way to the ocean and the beaches of the Basque Country, while the Pyrenean mountains extend as far as the eye can see. Small ventas (typical Basque inns) allow visitors to taste local specialties such as sheep’s cheese and Iberian ham.
A place of nature and tradition, La Rhune perfectly embodies the Basque identity, with its grandiose landscapes, pastoral culture, and fascinating history. It remains a popular destination for lovers of the mountains and discovery.
