Hendaye

Visit Hendaye, Aquitaine

Hendaye is the last town that you come to before reaching Spain when travelling along the coast of south-west France, known as the Cote d'Argent. The town stands on the right bank of the Bidassoa river that marks the frontier with Spain.

The small island in the river, the Ile des Faisans, was an important border location for several centuries, culminating in Treaty of the Pyrenees being signed on the island in 1659. The Treaty finally brought to an end the centuries of conflict between France and Spain in the border regions. One curious result - the island itself (which is uninhabited) alternates every six months between being French territory and Spanish territory.

Exploring Hendaye

Hendaye has been a historically important frontier town for many centuries  and is more of a year-round town than many along the coast.

The 'resort' part of Hendaye has a long sandy beach that is popular with sunbathers and windsurfers alike. There are perhaps rather more high-rise apartments behind parts of the beach in Hendaye than in some of the more recently developed resorts further north up the coast, but there are also a good number of belle-epoque villas to be seen.

There are also some features of historical interest in Hendaye such as the Great Cross of Hendaye in the main square. The church of Saint-Vincent, built in the 16th century, is the centre of the town. The unusual moorish style of the building that was originally Hendaye Casino is also interesting.

The pleasure and fishing port is also a pleasant place to explore.

The most interesting part of the town itself is on the hill behind the seafront, with views across the sea and also to the Pyrenees that start just inland.

Attractions nearby

To the north, the road along the coast towards Collioure is very scenic. To the south, the easy access to Spain and the chances for cheap shopping and cheaper petrol are another attraction of the border region.

Chateau d'Abbadia

A popular attraction close to Hendaye is the Chateau d'Abbadia. The castle was constructed in the 19th century by renowned architect Viollet-le-Duc in a 'neo-gothic' style to look medieval, and furnished throughout in an oriental style. The castle also incorporates a large observatory, that can still be seen and used, and astronomy related tours and events are often available.

Tourist classifications for Hendaye: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*;

Suggested places to visit near Hendaye, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Sare 16km; Biarritz 22km; Ainhoa 23km; Anglet 25km; Espelette 27km; Bayonne 28km; Cambo-les-Bains 30km; Itxassou 30km; Capbreton 42km; La Bastide-Clairence 43km; Hossegor 44km; Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 49km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Hendaye

Hendaye tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins de la villa Arnaga - remarkable garden (30km) : Vallée des Aldudes - site of natural beauty (40km) : Marais d'Orx - site of natural beauty (41km) :

French version: see Hendaye (Francais)