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Hondarribia

Hondarribia is a town just across the border from St-Jean-de-Luz into Spain. It is reached by an attractive coastal road via Hendaye (see 'Other' for Hendaye).

The city that has grown up around the medieval city of Hondirribia is less exciting, but the 'walled city' itself is an amazing place. I have added quite a few pictures below - it is hard to describe Hondarribia in words, but essentially it is a walled city that contains street after cobbled street of beautifully preserved and restored houses, all at the foot of an impressive church. Many of the buildings have elaborate wooden or iron balconies, and carved eaves.

In fact, Hondarribia has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The fortifications that can now be seen, and many of the buildings, were built during the Renaissance.

Hondarribia entrance gate

Hondarribia street

The city has been under siege many times (and always held out), the worst being in 1638. That siege was finished on 8 September, and to this day the date is celebrated in the town by a parade. The city was known for many years as Fuenterrabia, but reverted to its basque name, Honderribia, in the 1980's.

Hondarribia street (again)

Hondarribia church

After walking around admiring the city you can walk around the outside of the walls, now partly laid out as attractive gardens.

Hondarribia - entrance

Hondarribia church between 2 buildings

The Parador in the centre of the town looked very attractive, if you are wanting to spend the night in Hondarribia.

After you have completed your tour, continue to drive along the coast for a further 15km or so - the scenery is even better than the approach from St-Jean-de-Luz.

We were pleased to stay at this St-Jean-de-Luz apartment during our visit.

Hondarribia: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

Walls around Hondarribia

PLAN A VISIT TO HONDARRIBIA, FRANCE Hotels Hondarribia See Hotels in France Holiday rentals / travel Search Aquitaine gites Search for Hondarribia gites Car hire Property for sale Hondarribia Aquitaine property for sale PLACES TO VISIT NEAR HONDARRIBIA Explore places near Hondarribia

Places to visit - Hondarribia

Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Hondarribia.

Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Hondarribia are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)

• Ciboure Atlantic town and resort at 14 km
• La Rhune Basque mountain at 18 km
• Sare Most beautiful village at 24 km
• Saint Jean de Luz Coastal town and resort at 15 km
• Biarritz Atlantic resort and surf capital at 29 km
• Hendaye Atlantic resort at 2 km

 

Information and photos

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