Col d’Ibardin: a unique place between France and Spain
You are staying for a while at our Basque Country campsitein Saint-Jean-de-Luz? If so, include a visit to the Col d’Ibardin in Urrugne, just 16 km from our campsite. You’ll be won over by the stunning panoramas and the ventas overflowing with local produce!
Col d’Ibardin: a charming spot on the Spanish border
The Col d’Ibardin is located in the Basque country, in the commune of Urrugne, not far from our campsite. Its distinctive feature is that it marks the border between France and Spain. It separates the Pyrénées-Atlantiques from Navarre.
This Pyrenean pass is popular with locals for its ventas, supermarkets and small low-cost stores. For hiking enthusiasts, the Col d’Ibardin offers breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. This pass rises to an altitude of 300 metres. When the weather is clear, it offers breathtaking views of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Basque coastline.
Stock up on local produce at attractive prices
If the Col d’Ibardin is so popular with the inhabitants of the Basque Country, it’s because it’s home to a whole range of ventas. In these Franco-Spanish stores, stock up on local produce at very reasonable prices: olive oil, Espelette pepper, Ossau-Iraty sheep’s cheese, high-quality Basque charcuterie… Locals also go to the ventas for tobacco, alcohol and petrol.
Le Col d’Ibardin is the place to go for bargains in the Basque Country! Not subject to French taxation, these products are available at very attractive prices.
After shopping, don’t leave just yet! This corner of Urrugne is famous for its cafés and restaurants. Treat yourself to an aperitif or a cool drink before enjoying a rib of beef, porcini omelette, Basque chicken or Basque cake!
A bucolic stroll in the Basque mountains
The Col d’Ibardin is an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts! This mountain pass is home to many quiet, bucolic hiking trails. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the Col d’Ibardin is suitable for all levels. Contact the Urrugne tourist office to find out more about the various hiking routes.
One of the trails will take you to Lake Xoldokogaina and its dam. Take a break here and enjoy the splendid views of the Pyrenees.
And if you’re a mountain biker, don’t forget to plan a mountain bike tour– the Col d’Ibardin is perfect for this sport. In the opinion of mountain bikers, don’t miss the “crazy descent”!
Your hike on this mountain in Urrugne will also be an opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you may spot pottoks, eagles or vultures !
How do I get to Col d’Ibardin from our Saint-Jean-de-Luz campsite?
From our campsite, take route nationale 10. At the traffic circle marking the entrance to Saint-Jean-de-Luz town center, turn left towards Ascain. Follow the signs to Urrugne, and soon after, signs will indicate the Col d’Ibardin.
You’ll then have to take a mountain road up to the Col.
Ample parking is available upstairs.
During your vacations in Saint-Jean-de-Luzdon’t miss a visit to the Col d’Ibardin, a peaceful yet lively spot in the heart of the Pyrenees and nature!
