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...
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 Train | Address | Telephone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Petit Train de La Rhune | Col de Saint-Ignace - 64310 Sare | 05 59 54 20 26 | Le Petit Train de la Rhune |
