The 6 most beautiful hikes to do at the Rhune

Looking for the ideal trail to discover the Rhune, the emblematic summit of the French Basque Country? They tell you everything in this article!

Imposing and mysterious, the Rhune attracts many hikers every year... But not only! Indeed, the small train of the Rhune makes it easy to ascent, making the site very frequent. In this article, you will find the 6 best hiking trails to do at the Rhune, from the most classic to the least crowded.

A unique journey among the shepherdies and the pottoks, which leads to a 360° panorama across the Basque Country and the Pyrenees-Atlantiques .

1. La Rhune from the pass of Saint-Ignace

Very crowded, the trail starts at the train station of the Rhune. To be quiet, it's better to leave early in the morning or off the season.

If the first 45 minutes are difficult, this hike in the Rhune is worth a lot! On the way, admire the Redoute de Mouiz, a Napoleonic fortification. Enjoy the view: on the one hand, it reaches the Landes beaches and on the other, the Ossau mountains.

Once at the top, you have the opportunity to take the small train to descend to your starting point.

2. The Rhune from Lizuniaga pass by the Venta Negra

Want to avoid the small cremail train and the crowd that accompanies it? This Rhune hike is a good alternative. If the climb is sporty, the game is worth the candle.

You will have understood it when reading this article: the reward, that is, the panorama at the top of the Rhune, is breathtaking. Which does not mean that the views on the course degrade!

And then you will have the opportunity to rest during the descent, very soft, among the Melezes.

3. The Rhune from Ascain

This Rhune hike is reserved for motivated hikers. Quite difficult, especially on the last kilometre, it offers the advantage of being quite uncommon. Still wait to cross the world at the top, especially when the small train is open.

Plan shoes suitable for rocky paths and a bottle of water: the trail is not shady. In addition to the superb panorama at the top, some surprises await you. We think about the encounters with the pottoks, the iconic Basque ponies!

4. The Rhune since Sare

The advantage of this hike at the Rhune is that it is very little frequented while presenting a moderate difficulty. Indigenous people are almost the only ones to borrow it. On the way, you will have the opportunity to admire a lush vegetation. Indeed, when spring arrives, a profusion of wild flowers color the landscape. The arrival on the breach of Athekaleun is then splendid.

Of course, you find the crowd at the top. But the view on the Basque Country is so beautiful that even the most lonely hikers will appreciate the experience!

5. The Rhune from Olhette

Go ahead. Spanish border to reach the top of the Rhune. The climb is not too difficult, the well indicated path and the less frequented path.

You have the opportunity to make a stop at Venta Yasola to restore you. Think about booking, especially in the middle of the season!

During this hike in the Rhune, you will have the opportunity to admire beautiful landscapes. Wildlife is also worth the detour: wild ponies, sheep herds, vultures... beautiful!

6. The Rhune from the plateau of Ihizelai

The advantage of this hike at the Rhune is that it draws a loop! The departure is in Ascain to enjoy the uncommon trails and landscapes. Then we cross the Ihizelai plateau and the Miramar peaks. Between the ocean, the shepherdies, the streams and the pottoks, it is a true dive in the Basque soul that is offered to you!

The hike does not have any particular difficulties, but remains reserved for good walkers. To find you there, we advise you to plan a map.