La Rhune

Photo of La Rhune in Aquitaine France

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Visit La Rhune, Aquitaine

The La Rhune 'mountain' is in the western Pyrenees, near the villages of Sare and Ainhoa and just inland from St Jean de Luz. It falls in Basque country, on the border between France and Spain.

Various dolmens, menhirs and prehistoric sites are found on the mountain, indicating that it has also been important to the locals for many thousands of years, while more recently it has become an important site for the local Basque population.

Although a relatively low 'mountain' (905 metres altitude) La Rhune is a popular destination and local attraction, in part because it is the highest summit in the immediate region and in part because of its ease of access. From the top of La Rhune there are exceptional views in all directions, across to the Pyrenees and out to the Atlantic - and very far reaching in all directions.

The top of the mountain itself also has a large triangulation point, a cafe, giftshops and a prominent transmission mast but no problem because you will be looking out across the surrounding mountains!

It is now possible to take a small train that climbs its way up the mountain through the pretty countryside. Opened in 1924 and called 'La Petit Train de la Rhune' the train leaves from Col de saint-Ignace and is a very pleasant way to see the landscape of the western Pyrenees, and perhaps the sheep and wild horses that also live in the mountains. You can then descend the mountain on the train or on foot.

Alternatively there are many walks / hikes that lead around and up the mountain.

Note: Until a couple of hundred years ago it was believed that witches would congregate at the top of the Rhune mountain - so the local villagers paid for a monk to live their in an effort to deter their nocturnal gatherings.

Suggested places to visit near La Rhune, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

visit Sare, France
Sare
4km
visit Ainhoa, France
Ainhoa
11km

More suggestions: Hendaye 13km; Hondarribia 14km; Espelette 16km; Itxassou 19km; Cambo-les-Bains 20km; Biarritz 20km; Anglet 22km; Bayonne 24km; La Bastide-Clairence 33km; Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 36km; Capbreton 41km; Hossegor 42km; Sauveterre-de-Bearn 58km;

See these places and more on a map at places near La Rhune

La Rhune tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins de la villa Arnaga - remarkable garden (20km) : Vallée des Aldudes - site of natural beauty (29km) : Marais d'Orx - site of natural beauty (38km) :

French version: see La Rhune (Francais)

La Rhune holidays and travel

Hotels: book now, pay at the hotel, 'best price promise':
Ainhoa Hotels

Family fun:
Holiday villages in Aquitaine

Holiday rentals:
Pyrenees-Atlantiques gites and villas

Map of La Rhune

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