Hendaye
Discover Hendaye
Bordering Spain, Hendaye is a must-see resort on the Basque coast for its exceptional setting, rich heritage and variety of activities. Its fine sandy beach is the longest on the Basque coast. It is bordered by the Boulevard de la Mer, a shared road popular with pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers and runners, and is the venue for numerous events. The seafront is also remarkable for the architecture of its neo-Basque villas, over 70 of which are listed. A visit to the Abbadia château-observatory is not to be missed on a trip to Hendaye during a stay in the Basque Country. This unique neo-Gothic edifice overlooking the Atlantic was designed by Viollet-le-Duc. Also facing the ocean is the Maison de la Corniche: its multimedia exhibition invites visitors to discover the rich flora and fauna of the coastline. From mid-April to the end of September, during your Hendaye camping vacations, guided tours of the Basque country town will take you around Hendaye’s remarkable sites and monuments: the port of Caneta on the Bidassoa, the forecourt of Saint-Vincent church and its cyclical cross, listed as a historic monument, the Villa Mauresque on the old town ramparts, the Orientalist-style casino, the Gaztelu Zahar pediment, or Pierre Loti’s villa, “Bakar Etxea”. A shuttle bus takes you to the Spanish side of the town, to discover Hondarribia. Last but not least, Hendaye is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts: sailing, boat trips, boat hire, diving, stand-up paddling, kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, fly fish and fly surfing.
Top 10 activities in Hendaye
Hendaye beach outing
Walk along the promenade of this 3 km long beach in the town center. Breathe in the fresh sea air and appreciate the architecture of the houses along the bay.
Les Deux Jumeaux
These are two limestone reefs separated from the coast to admire. According to legend, a mythological creature (Basajaun) threw a rock in an attempt to destroy Bayonne. He failed, the rock he was holding breaking into two pieces.
Escapade at the former Casino Croisière
Built in 1884 on the boulevard de la mer, it is the only building overlooking the beach. Its Arabic-style architecture makes it a unique building. Today, it houses a luxury hotel and a shopping mall.
Visit to Château d’Abbadia
Built in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. The exterior is inspired by medieval castles, while the interior is inspired by Art Nouveau, with a touch of the Orient.
Excursion to Domaine d’Abbadia
Separate from the château, the estate extends over 64 hectares. Allow 2 hours to stroll along one of its coastal paths, and enjoy breathtaking ocean views.
A little tour of the Hendaye Fronton
A fortification built by Vauban was destroyed during the Franco-Spanish battles. The pediment was erected on the same site in 1899. It hosts regional games such as pelota.
A trip to Hendaye station
The station witnessed the historic meeting between Franco and Hitler in a railway carriage during the Second World War.
Walk along the Chemin de la Baie
Stroll 14 km along the ocean’s edge and admire the exceptional panorama overlooking the bay of Txinguidi and Hondarribia. Along the way, you’ll come across the ruins of fortifications built by Vauban.
Visit Saint-Vincent church
Dating from the 16th century, its ivory walls and brick-colored shutters form a harmonious ensemble with the houses dotted around. Inside, discover a crucifix dating back to the Middle Ages.
Discover the Place de la République
Ideal for having a drink or eating out in the heart of the city, this square is located in a quiet neighborhood that comes alive with the market every Wednesday morning.
etween the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees mountains, the Pays Basque (/terre-basque/) and in particular the French part of it, offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from water sports to mountain hiking, the choice is yours. Here’s a brief geographical guide to the French Basque Country for your vacation at our campsite in Saint Jean de Luz.
