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Island · Irún, Basque Country
Isla de los Faisanes
Small island in the Bidasoa river with sovereignty divided between Spain and France, six months each, where the Paz dos Pireneus was signed in 1659; visible from the Behobia bank.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Isla de los Faisanes
The island dos Faisões is a small island on the Bidasoa River, near its mouth, about 6,800 square meters. It is the world's smallest territory with shared sovereignty: France administers it from August 1 to January 31, and Spain from February 1 to July 31. In practice, the municipalities of Irún and Hendaye take care of it.
The island entered history in 1659, when the ministers of the two crowns, Cardinal Mazarin for France and Luis de Haro for Spain, negotiated there for months the Peace of the Pyrenees, which ended a long war and defined much of the border. The treaty also arranged the marriage of King Luís XIV to the infanta Maria Teresa, daughter of Filipe IV of Spain, and the island received the two monarchs in 1660, in a pavilion decorated with participation from the painter Diego Velázquez.
A stone monument in the middle of the island commemorates the treaty. The island is tree-covered and not open for everyday visits: interior visits take place only on special dates, with guided groups.
The best way to see it is from the riverside promenade in the Behobia neighborhood, on the Spanish side.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15 to 30 minutes, including the walk along the riverbank.
Best time
During the day, in clear weather. Guided visits to the interior are only on special dates; check before you go.
How to get there
It is on the Bidasoa River, next to the Behobia neighborhood, about 3 km from Irún city center. There are city buses to Behobia.
Tip
Remember that the island changes country every six months: Spain takes over in February, France in August.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Isla de los Faisanes
Why does the island dos Faisões change country?
Because sovereignty is shared: France administers it from August to January and Spain from February to July.
What happened on the island dos Faisões?
The Peace of the Pyrenees was negotiated there in 1659, and in 1660 the kings of France and Spain met there for the marriage of Luís XIV to the infanta Maria Teresa.
Can you go onto the island?
Only on special dates with guided visits. On ordinary days the island is viewed from the shore in Behobia.