Campsite near Hendaye
Just 10 kilometers from our Saint-Jean-de-Luz campsite, Hendaye is the last town on the Basque coast before Spain. Situated in an exceptional setting between the Atlantic Ocean and the first Pyrenean mountains, Hendaye captivates visitors with its long sandy beach, its remarkable heritage and its immediate proximity to the Spanish Basque Country.
To visit Hendaye is to discover a family seaside resort par excellence, where the gentle way of life combines with the natural and cultural riches of the Franco-Spanish border. To prepare your visit, visit the officialHendaye Tourist Office website.
on foot or by bike
Hendaye, a family seaside resort
With its 3 kilometers of fine sandy beach, Hendaye is a family favorite on the Basque Coast. The water reaches 23°C at the height of summer, and the protected bay offers ideal swimming conditions for children. The beach, bordered by a long promenade, is one of the largest and safest on the Basque coast. Supervised in season, it boastsfamily-friendly facilities: lifeguard posts, playgrounds, restaurants and shops nearby.Tourism in Hendaye is not limited to the beach.
The town has preserved its natural environment and has been awarded the ” Ville sensible à l’environnement ” label. The sinuous curves of the Bidassoa, the border river between France and Spain, offer a peaceful setting for walks and bike rides. Ile des Faisans, located on the Bidassoa, has witnessed the passage of great men and major historical events, including the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.
The Abbadia estate and the château-observatory
The Domaine d’Abbadia is one of the natural and heritage gems of the Basque Coast. Its spectacular cliffs overlook the ocean and offer breathtaking panoramas of the Basque coastline. Classed as a protected natural site, the estate is criss-crossed by hiking trails accessible to all, perfect for a family stroll or a nature outing.
At the heart of the estate stands the Abbadia chateau-observatory, 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 Académie des Sciences, the château is open to the public and reveals a fascinating interior, with period furniture, orientalist frescoes, a chapel and an astronomical observatory still in operation. A must-see for lovers of heritage and curiosities!
Fun activities guaranteed
Activities in Hendaye and at the gateway to Spain
Activities in Hendaye are many and varied. On the ocean side, surf and paddle schools welcome beginners and advanced surfers to the beach spots. Hiking enthusiasts can follow the coastal path along the Basque coast to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, offering breathtaking views of the cliffs and ocean.
Cyclists can take advantage of the Vélodyssée and the cycle paths linking Hendaye to neighboring towns, while the proximity ofSpain is of particular interest to the curious. The towns ofIrun andHondarribia (Fontarrabia) can be reached in just a few minutes, on foot, by boat or by car.
Hondarribia, with its colorful houses, medieval alleyways and pintxos, is an escapade not to be missed. Cross-border exchanges are facilitated by the Consorcio Bidasoa-Txingudi, which unites the three communes around common projects.
france or spain side
What to see and do in Hendaye
Here are the must-see sites for your visit to Hendaye:
- Hendaye beach: 3 kilometers of fine sand, supervised swimming, ideal for families.
- Abbadia castle-observatory : neo-Gothic residence, guided tour, exceptional panorama.
- Domaine d’Abbadia : cliffs, hiking trails, protected natural site.
- The Basque corniche: coastal path between Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, remarkable cliffs.
- L’ile des Faisans : a historic site on the Bidassoa River, symbolizing the Franco-Spanish border.
- Hondarribia: Spanish Basque village, accessible by boat, medieval streets and gastronomy.Hendaye is also twinned with Peebles in Scotland and Viana do Castelo in Portugal, demonstrating its openness to the world.
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