Le Train de La Rhune.
Traveling by train is a pleasure , the song already said. But more if you do it in one of the classics like The Train de la Rhune either the Larrun train , one of the oldest rack railways in our country with 95 years of life.
Since 1924 he has been touring the Basque mountains and climbing to one of their highest peaks at 905 meters altitude . The Larrún Train is located in the municipality of Sara, 15 km from Saint John of Luz and 2 km from Hendaye.
Napoleon III, Eugenia de Montijo, Winston Churchill or Pierre Loti have been some of the historical figures who have known these lands and their mythical train.
To get to know the Basque Country in spring.
The journey goes smoothly to reach the top of Larrún on a family trip, so don't be afraid of heights or their speed, then you will go up to 9km/hour.
The excursion can also be done on foot, although it is much more advisable to experience it by train due to its authenticity and history.
The journey to the top takes about 40 minutes to climb and another 40 minutes to descend. , and once up, you can enjoy the panoramic view and the gastronomy, because it has three restaurants and two bars.
The only catch is that opens at the end of March, although you can enjoy it until November , so you will have to plan your visit already for spring. For 2020, the opening dates are from March 26 to March 29 and of April 1 to November 1.
At 905 meters altitude.
THE BEST WAY TO KNOW THE NATIVE FAUNA
Without a doubt, it is recommended for the view of its landscapes, from it you can appreciate the Basque coast, its Pyrenean chain and all its fauna.
Have you ever seen a pottock ? In the Basque Country this word means "little foal", and some of the specimens of this rustic pony so emblematic of the French Basque Country can be found on the Larrún peak.
They live freely in a herd of 20 mares accompanied by their stallion around Larrún, l'Artzamendi, Baïgura and l'Ursuya where they play an important role in cleaning up the mountains. Others are raised in the field, destined for sports and leisure activities.
Today there are two types of pottokas: the mountain pottok, which is the one that lives for at least 9 months in mountainous areas, is very rustic and needs little care. And the small one that does not usually measure more than 1.32 meters and is intended for sports or tourist activities.
On the way up with the Larrún train you will also find the manech sheep , highly valued for their milk to make cheese; and with a lot of luck, you will be able to see the griffon vulture , a scavenger that ensures the balance of the mountain.
On this route to the peak you will find the occasional cayolar What are they traditional sheepfolds where the shepherds kept the cattle.
Would you like to plan your visit now? Here you can find information on how to get there from Biarritz or Saint Jean de Luz.
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