There’s an old Basque saying that goes ‘In Sare, time stands still’. Perhaps it is because the historical archives of Sare were destroyed by fire during the French Revolution that the origins of this town, located at the foot of the mythical Mont La Rhune (905m) where the salty waft of the Cantabrian Sea still reaches, are shrouded in mystery.
Classified as one of ‘the most beautiful towns in France’, artists and writers have been going there for centuries. Some notable figures who have stayed there include Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugénie de Montijo, Winston Churchill, and tenor Luis Mariano. Other fondly remembered, lesser-known figures include the renowned Basque ethnographer Father José Miguel Barandiarán, who was involved in recovering the town’s history, and clergyman-writer Axular.
Sare has been successful in preserving the town’s charm, traditional hospitality, and natural heritage. Local attractions, such as the trails through the magnificent oak forest, the mythical caves with multimedia interpretation centre, and the funicular railway that goes to the top of Mont La Rhune – offering an unparalleled view of the Basque coast – make Sare a must for anyone visiting the region.
The Town
Thanks to the excellent condition of its beautiful traditional Basque architecture, the main street in Sare is an official Heritage Site. Near the fronton, there are several buildings of interest, many of which bear commemorative plaques in honour of some of the town’s illustrious inhabitants. Architectural highlights include the town hall, with its splendid archways, and the Church of St. Martin. Visitors will also find a good selection of shops and restaurants.
La Rhune funicular railway
Following years of planning and execution, this quaint, attractive tourist train went into operation in 1923. It is one of the three remaining funiculars in France. Although the railway has been updated over the years, the trains still look and feel authentically old-fashioned. Over 350,000 people use it to get to the top of Mt. La Rhune to admire the outstanding view of the Cantabrian Sea and Basque mountains. The journey up the mountain takes 30 minutes by train, but some people prefer to do it on foot. There is a range of different facilities at the top making it an ideal spot for a day out.
