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From the house of Ravel, continue along
the quaysides of Ciboure, past the community of Socoa (beach, windsurfing and
yacht club) to join the coast-road D 912 or “Corniche” to HENDAYE.
The Corniche is a spectacular coast road, following the cliff-tops of a
coastline which is protected and unspoilt by building development. The first
views of Spain and the last mountain in the Pyrenees chain, the “Jaizkibel (500
meters), are seen from the cornice. The road also passes by the chateau
observatory of Abbadia, the property of the Academy of Sciences and built by the
famous Viollet-le-Duc for Antoine d’Abbadie in the 19th century.
The cornice eventually arrives at the beautiful beach of the town HENDAYE.
Hendaye lies between the sea and mountains, built along the banks of the
frontier river, the Bidassoa, just opposite the historical and picturesque town
of Fontarrabie in Spain.
As well as the most important frontier crossing between France and Spain,
Hendaye is also a sea side resort with a magnificent, three kilometers long
sandy beach, the safest on the French Basque coast.
The bay of Chingudy, near the estuary of the Bidassoa, is a natural haven for
sailing, windsurfing and other water-sports. Hendaye is one of 30 official
sailing resorts in France and boasts a magnificent 720 berth, yacht harbor just
in front of Serge Blanco’s thalasso-therapic centre. The centre is part of the
remarkable “Sokoburu” complex which includes hotels, shopping galleries, pubs,
restaurants and a Casino (offering Black Jack, Boule, Roulette and slot
machines). This superb site, between the beach and the yacht harbor is also host
to various exhibitions and festivities.
Other important sport facilities cater for tennis, swimming, surf, fishing,
pelote and squash.
Hendaye is also an ideal area to make the most of a spectacular coastline and
sea air, particularly with the nearby domain”Abbadia”. This protected nature
reserve on the Corniche road is a 45 hectare property owned by the
“Conservatoire du Littoral” and includes a refuge for over 30 varieties of
birds. Guided tours are available as well as exhibition on the flora and fauna.
The domain is dominated by the majestic chateau d’Abbadia built by Viollet le
Duc for the explorer and scientist, Antoine d’Abbadie d’Arrast. The chateau,
built in the 19th century in Neo-Gothic style, is still used as an observatory
and may be visited all year except between Dec 15 and January 31.
Not far from the frontier crossing at Béhobie (RN 10), just outside of Hendaye
lies a special island in the Bidassoa river. The “ile des faisans” or “ile de la
conference” has been since the middle ages, a “no man’s land” where prisoners
were exchanged and peace treaties signed. It was on this island where Cardinal
Mazarin and the Spanish prime minister signed the treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659
after three months of negotiations. The island is visible downstream from the
exchange bank at Béhobie and is jointly owned by France and Spain. |
