Olhette to La Rhune

This beautiful hike provides access to one of the best-known mountains in the Basque Country: the Rhune. Culminating just above 900 meters, this peak reigns over the Basque coast. Bordering, it offers spectacular panoramas over a large part of the Basque Country. Note that it is possible to make the round trip via its little train from the Col de Saint-Ignace. All the information is here: https://www.rhune.com/fr/.

The start of the route is at the parking lot located at the end of Chemin Xurien Borda, in the Olhette district. The route begins by following the tracks of the GR 10. It gradually climbs towards the Col des Trois Fontaines. After a short passage under the woods, the view quickly clears and you can already see your objective for the day.

The passage to the pass and the crossing of its small wood announce the final ascent towards the Rhune. This is the steepest portion. Numerous switchbacks allow you to quickly gain height before reaching the esplanade at the top. From there, a spectacular view extends to the Landes coastline on one side and the Basque mountains on the other.

Savor the panoramas, while enjoying the refreshments provided by the inn at the summit. Then, you begin the long descent phase to return to the starting point. This begins on a relatively wide track which plunges below the foothills of the summit. Then, you take a small path which goes off to the right. This path goes around Larrun Txiki for a little less than two kilometers until reaching Venta Yasola, ideal for taking a short break. After the venta, you continue the descent until you reach the GR 10 path, which brings you back to your starting point and concludes this superb loop.