{"id":7196,"date":"2026-04-13T14:58:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T12:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itsas-mendi.com\/tourisme-pays-basque\/tourisme-hendaye\/"},"modified":"2026-09-10T11:48:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T09:48:19","slug":"tourism-hendaye","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.itsas-mendi.com\/en\/tourism-basque-country\/tourism-hendaye\/","title":{"rendered":"Hendaye"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\"Basque Campsite near Hendaye<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Just 10 kilometers from our campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz<\/a>, Hendaye is the last town on the Basque Coast before Spain. Set in an exceptional location<\/strong> between the Atlantic Ocean and the first Pyrenean mountains<\/strong>, it captivates with its long fine sandy beach, remarkable heritage and immediate proximity to the Spanish Basque Country. Visiting Hendaye means discovering a family seaside resort<\/strong> par excellence, where the gentle pace of life blends with the natural and cultural riches of the Franco-Spanish border. To plan your visit, consult the official website of the Hendaye tourist office<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Basque Hendaye<\/strong>, family seaside resort<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

With its 3 kilometers of fine sandy beach, Hendaye is a family favorite on the Basque Coast. The water reaches 23\u00b0C at the height of summer, and the protected bay offers ideal swimming conditions<\/strong> for children. The beach, bordered by a long promenade, is one of the largest and safest on the Basque coast. Supervised in season, it boasts family-friendly facilities<\/strong>: lifeguard posts, playgrounds, restaurants and shops nearby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Basque Visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A visit to Saint-Jean-de-Luz means discovering a rich and accessible heritage<\/strong>, concentrated in a compact downtown area that’s easy to explore on foot. Here are the must-see sites not to be missed during your stay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tourism in Hendaye is not limited to the beach. The town has preserved its natural environment and benefits from the “Environmentally Sensitive Town<\/strong>” label. The winding curves of the Bidassoa, the border river between France and Spain, offer a peaceful setting for walks on foot or by bike<\/strong>. Pheasant Island<\/a>, located on the Bidassoa, witnessed the passage of great figures and major historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Basque The Abbadia estate<\/strong> and the ch\u00e2teau-observatory<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Abbadia estate<\/a> is one of the natural<\/strong> and heritage gems<\/strong> of the Basque Coast. Its spectacular cliffs overlook the ocean and offer breathtaking panoramas of the Basque corniche. Classed as a protected natural site<\/strong>, the estate is criss-crossed by hiking trails accessible to all, perfect for a family stroll or a nature outing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the heart of the estate stands the Abbadia ch\u00e2teau-observatory<\/strong>, a richly decorated neo-Gothic residence built in the 19th century for Antoine d’Abbadie, explorer and scientist with a passion for astronomy. Owned by the Acad\u00e9mie des Sciences<\/strong>, the ch\u00e2teau is open to the public and reveals a fascinating interior: period furniture, orientalist frescoes, a chapel and an astronomical observatory still in operation. A must-see for lovers of heritage<\/strong> and curiosities<\/strong>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Basque Activities in Hendaye<\/strong> and at the gateway to Spain<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Activities in Hendaye are many and varied. On the ocean side, surf<\/strong> and paddle<\/strong> schools welcome beginners and advanced surfers to the beach spots. Hiking<\/strong> enthusiasts can follow the coastal path along the Basque corniche to Saint-Jean-de-Luz<\/a>, offering breathtaking views of the cliffs and ocean. Cyclists will enjoy the V\u00e9lodyss\u00e9e<\/strong> and the cycle paths<\/strong> linking Hendaye to neighboring towns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proximity of Spain<\/a> adds particular interest for the curious. The towns of Irun<\/strong> and Hondarribia<\/strong> (Fuenterrab\u00eda) are accessible in just a few minutes, on foot, by boat or by car. Hondarribia, with its colorful houses, medieval streets and pintxos, is a captivating escape<\/strong> not to be missed. Cross-border exchanges are facilitated by the Consorcio Bidasoa-Txingudi, which brings together the three municipalities around shared projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Basque What to see<\/strong> and do in Hendaye?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Here are the must-see sites for your visit to Hendaye:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hendaye beach<\/strong>: 3 kilometers of fine sand, supervised swimming, ideal for families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abbadia ch\u00e2teau-observatory<\/strong>: neo-Gothic residence, guided tour, exceptional panorama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abbadia estate<\/strong>: cliffs, hiking trails, protected natural site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Basque corniche: coastal path between Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, remarkable cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pheasant Island<\/strong>: historic site on the Bidassoa, symbol of the Franco-Spanish border.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hondarribia<\/strong>: Spanish Basque village, accessible by boat, medieval streets and gastronomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hendaye is also twinned with Peebles<\/strong> in Scotland and Viana do Castelo<\/strong> in Portugal, reflecting its openness to the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Discover also<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n