Hendaye

Subdivision ·🇫🇷 France

Population 18,102

Area 10 km²

Time zone Europe/Paris, Europe/Madrid

Official website www.hendaye.com

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Explore Hendaye

Hendaye Essentials

Hendaye sits at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, marking the border between France and Spain. This coastal town features the 19th-century neogothic Château d'Abbadia, designed by Viollet-le-Duc, and the expansive three-kilometer Ondarraitz beach. A regular ferry connects the French port to the medieval Spanish town of Hondarribia, home to the 10th-century Charles V Castle and well-preserved defensive walls. The town center showcases traditional Basque architecture, including the 16th-century Église Saint-Vincent and the former residence of writer Pierre Loti.

10 places

Coastal Attractions

This selection features the cross-border coastal landscape of Hendaye and Hondarribia. It includes the three-kilometer Ondarraitz beach, known for its gentle slope, and the distinctive Deux Jumeaux rock formations. The list covers the marinas of Sokoburu and Txingudi, which serve as hubs for sailing and maritime transport across the Bidasoa estuary. For active visitors, it highlights specialized centers for surfing and canoeing, alongside secluded coves like Loia Bay situated beneath the Abbadia estate cliffs.

9 places

Regional Heritage Sites

Spanning the border between Hendaye and Hondarribia, this collection highlights the architectural evolution of the Basque coast. It features the neogothic Château d'Abbadia with its integrated observatory, the 10th-century Charles V Castle, and the 16th-century Church of Santa María del Manzano. From medieval city gates and Baroque palaces to Moorish-style villas, these sites reflect centuries of strategic military history and aristocratic influence in the region.

12 places

Parks & Gardens

This collection spans the cross-border landscape of Hendaye and Hondarribia, featuring diverse green spaces from the 65-hectare Domaine d'Abbadia nature reserve to intimate urban squares. The list includes coastal paths along the Bidasoa estuary, historic cobblestone plazas in Hondarribia's old town, and specialized sites like the marine hospital gardens. These locations range from recreational parks with sports facilities to quiet botanical retreats and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic coastline.

10 places