locations de vacances à Vieux-Boucau
logo
La Rhune the smalltrain

La Rhune

Basque Country

logo

La Rhune the Famous Basque Mountain in the Basque Country

The Mountain of "La Rhune" is not very high in comparison with the "Pic du Midi de Bigorre" (2865m) in the Hautes Pyrenees, or "Mont Blanc" (4807m) in the Alps.

La Rhune is only 905m above sea level. But, there are 2 things which you can't do on the other two !

Ride up by Train on the "Petit Train de la Rhune" from Ascain up to the observatory on the top (with 360° viewing terraces)
and the other
is to see as far up the French coast (as far as the eye can see), across the Pyrenees Mountain range (French & Spanish) and also along the Spanish Northern coast.

It's higher than the "Eiffel Tower" in Paris, with nothing to obstruct the view : what more can you want from 3000ft...

  • Aerial view of La rhune/©/Ph Laplace/CDT64
  • Ainhoa and la rhune/copy/Ph Laplace/CDT64
  • La rhune under the snow/copy/CDT64
  • La rhune view of the Pyrénées/©/Ph Laplace/CDT64
  • La rhune view of the coast/©/CDT64

Le Petit Train de la Rhune

Built at the turn of the century in 1924 and perfectly maintained, the train is an authentic collector's piece

le petit train de la Rhune/©/CG64-JM

A small mountain train with wooden carriages take passengers from Sare to the summit in a slow climb 8km / h during 35 minutes. The whole visit takes about 2h.

You can admire the beautiful scenery and maybe see some sheep and pottocks (little horses of the Basque Country) and vultures.

The Rhune being located on the French-Spanish border, ventas (shops) on the panoramic terrace sell food, drink and souvenirs.

If you feel up to it, several hiking trails go up to the top. Allow about  2h30 for the climb and 2 hours for the descent.

Le Petit TrainAddressTelephoneWebsite
Le Petit Train de La RhuneCol de Saint-Ignace - 64310 Sare
05 59 54 20 26Le Petit Train de la Rhune
Places of Interest Basque Country and Landes Visit Ciboure Visit Hendaye Visit St Jean de Luz