Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Tour · Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Nova Aquitânia
Petit Train de la Rhune
The 1924 rack railway that climbs from col de Saint-Ignace in Sare to the summit of La Rhune at 905 meters, on the border with Spain, with views of the Basque coast and the Pyrenees.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Petit Train de la Rhune
La Rhune is the mountain visible from almost all of the French Basque Country, at 905 metres, and its summit lies exactly on the border with Spain. The classic way up is the Petit Train de la Rhune, a rack railway inaugurated in 1924, with wooden carriages, which departs from the col de Saint-Ignace, in the commune of Sare, about 10 km from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
The train climbs 4.2 km in a little over half an hour, at a leisurely pace, along grassy slopes where sheep, pottok horses and, in the sky, vultures often appear. The whole line is on the French side. Up there, on a clear day, the view stretches from the Landes coast to the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and San Sebastián, and to the south across the peaks of the Pyrenees and the interior of Navarra.
The train usually runs from the end of March to the beginning of November, with regular departures throughout the day. Walkers can ascend or descend on marked trails, which take several hours. At the summit the weather changes quickly, and fog can hide the view even when it is sunny below.
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
Two to three hours, including the ascent, time at the summit and the descent.
Best time
On a clear day, in the morning, before the fog rolls in and before the midday queues. In summer and on weekends, book in advance. The train runs in season, from the end of March to the beginning of November; check the dates and timetables.
How to get there
The station is at the col de Saint-Ignace, in Sare, about 10 km from Saint-Jean-de-Luz and some 25 km from Biarritz, with parking. In season, regional buses link Saint-Jean-de-Luz to the col.
Tip
Buy your ticket on the official website and choose a departure time. Bring a jacket, even in summer: it’s windy and colder at the summit than on the coast. Before you go, check the weather forecast; in fog the view disappears.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Petit Train de la Rhune
When does the La Rhune train operate?
It normally operates from late March to early November, with departures throughout the day. Check the dates and book on the official website.
How long does the ascent on the La Rhune train take?
A little over half an hour for the 4.2 km to the summit at 905 metres. Allow two to three hours including time at the top and the descent.
Is the summit of La Rhune in Spain?
The summit lies exactly on the border between France and Spain. The train and the starting station are on the French side, in Sare.
Can you ascend La Rhune on foot?
Yes, via waymarked trails that start at the col de Saint-Ignace and from surrounding villages, taking several hours of walking. Many people go up by train and walk down, or vice versa; check the one-way ticket rules.