This coastal border town between France and Spain sits at the Bidasoa River mouth, with a sandy beach and views of the Pyrenees mountains.
Hendaye marks France's southwesternmost point where the Bidasoa River meets the Atlantic Ocean. You can surf or swim at the 3-kilometer sandy beach, explore the neo-gothic Château Abbadia with its Ethiopian-inspired rooms, walk through the old port of Caneta, or admire the 16th-century Church of Saint-Vincent's distinctive red shutters and white walls.
Exploring the Beach Quarter
The wide sandy beach of Ondarraitz extends for 3 kilometers along the Atlantic coast. Its gentle slope and moderate waves make it safe for beginning surfers and families with children. Walk along the Boulevard de la Mer to find cafes and ice cream shops. In the middle of the promenade, you'll see the neo-byzantine former casino building from the 19th century.
Discovering Château Abbadia
Antoine d'Abbadie, a 19th-century explorer and scientist, built this castle between 1864 and 1879. The neo-gothic exterior leads to rooms decorated with Ethiopian motifs, reflecting d'Abbadie's travels to East Africa. Walk through the Domaine d'Abbadia nature park's 64 hectares of protected coastline to reach viewpoints overlooking the Twin Rocks (Les Deux Jumeaux).
Walking Through the Old Town
The historic center near the train station was largely rebuilt after 1793, but you'll still find traditional Basque buildings with white walls and colored shutters. Visit Place de la RĂ©publique on Wednesdays for the weekly market. Inside the Church of Saint-Vincent (1598), look up to see three tiers of wooden balconies typical of Basque churches. At the Gaztelu Zahar fronton from 1899, you can watch traditional Basque pelota games.
Exploring the Bay Area
Follow the Bay Path (Chemin de la Baie) around Txingudi Bay to see across to the Spanish town of Hondarribia. In the old fishing port of Caneta, you'll find small boats in the harbor and local restaurants serving fresh seafood and Basque dishes.
Getting Around
The train station connects France and Spain's different gauge railway systems. Direct trains run to Paris (5 hours) and other major French cities. A ferry crosses the Bidasoa River to Hondarribia throughout the day, making it easy to visit both sides of the border.
