The Rhune Train offers a magnificent 360° panorama from the most mythical peak in the Basque Country, the sacred mountain of the Basque Country.
In the Basque Country, it is customary to climb La Rhune on foot. The climb generally takes 1 or 2 hours, depending on your pace. The marked paths make the climb easier. But you can also get to the top thanks to the famous Train de La Rhune.
In the commune of Sare, about 10 kms from Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz, this authentic rack railway dating from 1924 takes you to an altitude of 905 metres in 35 minutes. It is in operation from February to November. The panorama is sumptuous. You can admire the entire coastline, from the Landes to San Sebastian, as well as the Pyrenees chain.
Discover a mosaic of environments and animal and plant species. These environments and species are fragile. Respect them so that future generations will also be happy to discover them.
The plateau of the three fountains is a wetland with particularly acidic water. It is the ideal biotope for sphagnum mosses, archaic mosses with exceptional absorbing power, whose lower, dead parts do not decompose, thus forming a thick spongy layer.
On the spongy carpet of sphagnum mosses, Drosera grows in reddish clumps barely a few centimetres high, often gathered in colonies by thin underground stems. Take care not to damage the bog, as it is a relict area. Once a bog is destroyed, it is irreparable. The collection of dros will be strictly forbidden.
Meet the Pottok, the emblematic pony of the Basque Country
The Pottok is a breed of hardy pony that lives mainly in the west of the Basque country.
They live freely in herds of about twenty mares accompanied by their stallion on the slopes of the Rhune mountains where they help to maintain the mountain.
In 1859 the Rhune made history with the ascent of Empress Eugénie de Montijo to the summit. A granite obelisk was erected to commemorate this event. And in 1924, the line to the summit was inaugurated.
While becoming the most popular tourist attraction in the Basque Country over the last 40 years with the project of preserving the environment through tourism, La Rhune has obtained the label of “Natura 2000” classified site
The summit is 905 metres above sea level and the weather conditions are often different from those on the Basque Coast, so remember to take something to protect yourself from the cold, rain or wind. In addition, closed walking shoes are highly recommended.
Recently, during the summer season, yoga sessions and “sunset evenings” are planned.
Where to eat in La Rhune?
Open throughout the season: hot and cold drinks, ice creams, hot and cold sandwiches with fresh products.
All are open during the season, all independently of the Train except for the snack bar, plus an independent souvenir shop in the departure station.
There are car parks in the immediate vicinity of the departure station. However, in case of heavy traffic, they may not be enough, which is another reason to arrive early!
The La Rhune Train path, marked in yellow (difficult route – level 4/5), takes you back down to the Col de Saint-Ignace station on foot. Be sure to follow the Train de La Rhune trail and not the La Rhune trail down to Ascain. Approximately 2h30 of walking for the ascent.
To start the hike, you can park in the car park of the municipal swimming pool. First follow the yellow marked “pass to pass” path. Along the railway line, leave this signposted path to start the ascent towards the mountain Rhune.
At the top, a path allows you to come back down by making a loop. This is a medium level hike that will take you an average of 3.5 hours. It will offer you beautiful panoramic views, and will put on your way the old chapel of Olhain.
To start the hike, you can park in the car park of the municipal swimming pool. First follow the yellow marked “pass to pass” path.
Along the railway line, leave this signposted path to start the ascent towards the Rhune.
At the top, a path allows you to come back down by making a loop. This is a medium level hike that will take you an average of 3.5 hours. It will offer you beautiful panoramic views, and will put on your way the old chapel of Olhain.
From the cogwheel train station, many hikers set off on the climb to the top of the peak of La Rhune.
The steep gradient is the main difficulty of this beautiful hike with, on the final part, stones along the way which add spice to the climb.
A section in the undergrowth is an opportunity to come across pottocks. Allow about 3 hours for the ascent, and 2 to 2.5 hours for the descent.
Park in the Carrières car park, just past the town hall as you drive towards Sare.
The hike will take you more than two hours on the way up, and about 1h30 on the way down. The gradient, on a stony road, is quite rough.
You can also reach the summit of the Rhune from the south side of the Lizuniaga pass near Sare.
The scenery is just as spectacular, but the route is longer and more technical (at least 3 hours of walking for the ascent).
For the more courageous equipped with good sports shoes, a two-hour walk down a marked path to the station is possible, allowing you to discover the flora and fauna, all enhanced by a splendid view.
Often animated by festive events of all kinds (Bayonne festivals, markets, Basque festivals, naval festivals, etc.). When we think of the Basque Country, we inevitably think of its coastline, renowned beyond the borders, of its culture and land steeped in history, or of its very special language.
However, the Basque Country has much more to offer than its coast and its very touristy towns.
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The Basque Country is a jewel, a jewel box that the whole world envies us.
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