At the gateway to Spain, in the Basque Country between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, Urrugne is a charming village in the Labourd region that has preserved its traditions, intact culture and typical Basque architecture. What to see and do in Urrugne? Just follow the guide!
A typical Basque coastal village
Situated 30 km from Le Biper Gorri 4-star campsite, between Saint-Jean-De-Luz and Hendaye, not far from Ciboure, Ascain, Sare and Biriatou, Urrugne is a small Basque village of some 10,000 inhabitants, part of the province of Labourd. Along the Bidassoa River, it stretches from the famous Basque Corniche, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, to the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Under the Ancien Régime, Urrugne was one of the first relays of the Poste aux chevaux, created in 1584. The village was located on the shortest route from Paris to Madrid, thirteen days by horse from the French capital to the Spanish border. The Posta house, opposite the church, now houses the Tourist Office.
The fortified church of Urrugne
In the heart of the village, Urrugne’s Saint-Vincent church stands out with its imposing 45-meter high steeple. A gigantic church by village standards! Built in the 10th century and remodeled in the 16th century, the building resembles a fortress, complete with musket loopholes. Its sundial is famous for its motto “vulnerant omnes ultima necat” (all hours hurt, the last one kills). The interior of the church is typical of Basque churches, with three floors of carved oak galleries, traditionally reserved for men. The interior features a listed font and pulpit.
Château d’Urtubie, jewel of the Basque Country and pride of Urrugne
To visit Château d’Urtubie is to take a trip back in time and history. It’s one of the oldest fortified castles in the region. It has belonged to the same family since it was built in 1341. Throughout its 700-year history, Château d’Urtubie has seen personalities from all eras pass through its walls: Charles V, Louis XI, Louis XIV, as well as Marshal Soult and the Duke of Wellington during the Napoleonic Wars. After a visit to the château, stroll through the estate’s six-hectare park. The orangery features a unique exhibition on Basque plants and their medicinal properties. Further information: www.chateaudurtubie.net
The Chapel of Our Lady of Socorri
A number of chapels, oratories and crosses scattered around the mountains and foothills are worth a visit. Of particular note is the chapel of Notre-Dame de Socorri, built on the village heights in the 17th century by sailors from Henday. The chapel is surrounded by an old cemetery with discoidal stelae typical of the Basque country. From the hilltop, there’s a lovely, unobstructed view of Ciboure, Socoa, the Rhune mountain on one side and the ocean on the other.
The festivities of Urrugne
In Urrugne, the traditions of the Basque Country are still very much alive and well. The Urrugne festivals, known as “Bixintxo”, traditionally take place over 5 days, starting on the 1st weekend in September. On the program: pedestrian bullfights, pelota games in the trinquet, Basque strength games, fandango competitions, country meals, dances, concerts and fireworks.
The Urrugne corniche
A listed natural site, the Corniche Basque stretches for 8 km between the Socoa lighthouse in Ciboure and the town of Hendaye, passing through Urrugne. The coastal path, the Viviers Basques and the Belharra wave offer the Corniche Basque a unique showcase at the foot of the Rhune and Mont du Calvaire.
Ibardin pass
Situated on the French-Spanish border in the Urrugne area, the Col d’Ibardin is famous for its many stores, where holidaymakers generally score good bargains (particularly on tobacco and alcohol). It’s also a not-to-be-missed hike in the Basque country, with magnificent views over the Bay of Biarritz, Hendaye and the Rhune mountain range.
Hiking in Urrugne
The Soulac Way (also known as the Coastal Way or the English Way) is a secondary route of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, passing through Urrugne, where there is a pilgrim hostel, the “Xaharrenia”. The route passes through Bidart, St Jean de Luz, Ciboure and Urrugne. On the last high point before Hendaye, you can branch off onto the GR10, which makes an incursion into Urrugne. This Grande Randonnée itinerary takes you to the heart of the mythical Rhune massif in the company of free-roaming Basque horses.
