La Rhune walk
Head for the Rhune!
From Camping l'International Erromardie, take the road towards the Col de Saint-Ignace, still lulled by the silence of the morning. As soon as you arrive, you'll have a choice: climb the Rhune on foot, or board the little cog railway. Two very different ways of experiencing the mountains... but only one promise: that of a grandiose spectacle.
The ascent on foot, between nature and freedom...
If you opt to walk up, prepare for a 2-hour hike (allow 4 hours for the return journey) along a panoramic path, where every bend reveals a little more of the Basque countryside. You'll experience a feeling of absolute freedom. This route over the Col de Saint-Ignace is ideal for families: the path, signposted in yellow, gently follows the railway line on a gentle, even slope.
💡For a more sporting experience, take the classic trail from Ascain. More demanding, this must-do trail offers a deeper immersion in the mountains: a breathtaking panorama of the Basque Coast, an encounter with pottoks, small wild horses, and an unobstructed view from the very top.
The route starts from the Carrières car park in Ascain. However, beware of the last section, which is steeper and rockier.
Or the charm of the little cogwheel train
For a gentler, more contemplative climb, take the Train de la Rhune, a veritable Basque institution. Each excursion lasts 2 hours 30 minutes (35 minutes ascent, 1 hour 20 minutes at the summit, then 35 minutes descent). Don't forget to check the timetable on the official website to plan your excursion.
An even more immersive experience is possible by choosing the Voyage Privilège, with a passionate local guide. You'll have the chance to discover the secrets of the mountain, from its history to its wildlife.
💡Rates
Once you reach the summit, time seems to stand still. At an altitude of 905 metres, La Rhune offers you an imposing view: on one side, the Pyrenees stretching to the horizon; on the other, the sparkling Atlantic.
Gourmet break at the summit... or at the foot of the mountain
You can choose to extend this moment of contemplation by enjoying your delicious picnic: sitting between two rocks, your eyes wide open to this picture-postcard setting. Or enjoy a plate of tapas or a sandwich in one of the "ventas" on the summit.
If you prefer a quick descent without having to pack a picnic, don't worry: everything is taken care of when you get down. The Auberge Les 3 Fontaines and the Snack Pullman welcome you with their generous cuisine.
Afternoon in Espelette, the beating heart of the Basque Country
In the early afternoon, take the 25-minute drive back to Espelette. As you approach the village, the red shutters and white facades adorned with garlands of chilli peppers will immediately immerse you in a typically Basque atmosphere. Here, chillies are a source of pride.
Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the Maison du Piment to understand its history and know-how, then stock up on flavours in the shops: sweet chilli jelly, veal axoa, ewe's milk cheese...
Before setting off again, take a break on the terrace. An artisanal ice cream, a cold drink and the mountains in the background. Go to the small shop "Les Glaces à Nous", a local address renowned for its original and generous flavours.
On the way back, the legs are a little heavy but the heart is light. La Rhune and Espelette will have provided an interlude between land and sky, where the Basque country reveals all its splendour.
