As it approaches the Atlantic Ocean, the Bidassoa River settles in the bay of Chingoudy (Txingudi) and mixes its fresh waters coming down the Navarrese mountains with the salted tides. Since the 1659 treaty, the riverbed has been a natural border between France and Spain. On the right bank are the French cities of Urrugne and Hendaye and on the left bank are the Iberian one, Irun and Hondarribia. This bike tour proposes to visit both banks of the Bidassoa estuary and to ride around the unique Chingoudi bay, a place where borders have been crossed since the dawn of time and which people dreams of. A cross-border itinerary facilitated by a maritime shuttle in the port of Hendaye, accepting bicycles on board: a few minutes floating transition for an original journey from one country to another.
The maritime shuttle allows you to cross the Bidassoa River and drops you off at the Spanish dock of Hondarribia (7,3km): follow the dock on the left, bypassing very quickly the cove of the port of Zarra (blue boat). Take the promenade on the Spanish bank of the Bidassoa River. At the end, the bike path goes up the Mola canal. At the small port, reach a double roundabout with a statue (optional access to the old town): go over the bridge on the left and then, at the traffic light, cross the avenue to continue on a paved path on the left side of a canal. At the next crossroads (9,2km), take the second street on the left and ride along a bike path on the left side of the road. After 1km, turn left onto Kosta Kalea Street and follow the N638 along the bike path (Amute Bridge).
Ride past the lively Plaza del Ensanche (12,5km) and continue for 300m along the main avenue until you reach a kiosk-bookshop and a playground. Near the kiosk, set foot on the ground and cross the avenue to reach the opposite sidewalk on the right. Quickly turn into a paved street that slopes down to the church of Juncal (13km). Pass to the right of the building to reach a park: stairs to be followed on the left, lead down to the street below the church. From there, follow Santiago Street lined with bars. At the end of the street, turn right over the bridge and immediately continue on the left onto a bike path (Chemin de la Baie). Follow the path along a wetland area (Osinbiribil) on the banks of the Bidassoa River. The walk returns in a straight line, along a canal, to the GI-636 (14,3km): ride along the avenue to the left, on the sidewalk. There is a bike path along the Bidassoa River to take you to the bridge at Béhobie. Take the international bridge to the left to return to the parking lot, on the French side.
With its direct access to Chingoudy Bay, the port of Caneta was once a strategic location for sardine fishing, which is still celebrated during the traditional festive “sardinades”. A district facing Spain, fortified by Vauban as shown by the vestige of cannons turn towards Hondarribia.
The naval officer and writer Pierre Loti, author of the novel Ramuntcho, inspired by the traditions and customs of the Basque Country used to live next to the Moorish house, in a house with a hanging garden overlooking the Chingoudy Bay. His life ended in this house, which he called Bakar Etxe, the house of the loner.
Before continuing the ride, it may be worth making a detour to the historic centre of Hondarribia. To this end, enter the fortifications through the south gate. Go up Nagusia street to access the square d’Armes, its parador, its view over the bay and to look at the beautiful Basque houses.
The Bidassoa marshes (Iru-Kanale and Plaiaundi) enclosed between human constructions and urbanization are areas of great ecological wealth at the entrance of cities. Major rehabilitation and preservation efforts are being undertaken to maintain these areas of tranquillity for poultry (fauna).
Aucun marquage
Loop
1 to 2 hours
Power Point (supermarket, restaurants)
Picnic area
Water point
Power Point (supermarket, restaurants)
Natural