Take a hike to discover La Rhune
La Rhune is a mountain close to our campsite in the Basque Country. With its 905-metre-high summit and several itineraries, it’s the perfect destination for a hike. What’s more, hikers can enjoy exceptional scenery with a view of the sea.
Choose between a hike or a ride on a cogwheel train
Hiking La Rhune is an activity for anyone who enjoys discovering the great outdoors and practicing outdoor sports. It’s a must-see destination in the historic Basque Country, especially for those who love hiking.
Like any nature walk, ahike in La Rhune requires first and foremost a choice of starting point. In this area, you can choose between Olhette, Ascain or Sare. These are the best-known. If you prefer, you can take the little La Rhune train from the Gare du Col de Saint-Ignace. This station is 169 meters above sea level. This means of transport enables you to climb the pass. The descent can then be made on foot. Hikers can also do the reverse.
The Basque Country’s best-known mountain
Whichever route you take to discover La Rhune on a hike, you’ll always have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the surroundings and immerse yourself in a magnificent forest. At the heart of your itinerary is the forest, where you’ll get a close-up view of the rich flora and fauna.
You’ll have the chance to see vultures, pottoks and horses. For a panoramic view of the sea and the entire coastline, you need to reach an altitude of 905 meters.
Nearby, there are a number of ventas where you can buy a variety of souvenirs. You can also stop off for a bite to eat.
Hiking trails in La Rhune
Departure from Sare
This route starts at the swimming pool parking lot. La Rhune is opposite, a few metres downhill. From here, follow the “de col en col” signpost along the railroad line. Further on, leave the marked path and climb to the summit. To complete the loop, you’ll need to pass over the Urkilepoa pass on the way down to junction 4. This itinerary isn’t particularly difficult, yet it offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Journey from Olhette
Leaving from the Gîte d’Olhette at an altitude of 95 metres marks the start of this itinerary. The difference in altitude is 900 metres for 10.3 kilometers. It takes a total of 2 hours 30 minutes for the ascent and 1 hour 30 minutes for the descent. Admittedly, this route is longer than the others. However, it is less difficult. As it offers several circuits, many hikers opt for this starting point.
Tour from Ascain
Located just a few minutes from Saint-Jean de Luz, the village of Ascain is also a perfect starting point for a hike to La Rhune. Follow the road in front of Ascain town hall and head towards Sare. A few metres further on, take the first turning on the right and park at the Carrières parking lot. The hike takes 2 hours up and 1.5 hours down. This is a relatively difficult section. The gradient is made up of a few boulders and is 870 meters for 10.7 kilometers.