The Corniche - Socoa to Hendaye Some of you have read my previous posts about the Sentier Littoral (Sentier Littoral North through Bidart and No Surf - Time for the Sentier Littoral) , the trail that runs from Bidart, just south of Biarritz, to Hendaye on the Spanish Border. But I haven't written about the last part, called the Corniche that begins in Socoa, just beyond Saint Jean de Luz.
While Karen and I have walked it several times, we've driven it more often. In fact, the road that parallels the cliff is one of my favorite drives in the region. It's wide, has spectacular vistas, has very little traffic and is bordered by open fields and stands of trees on the inland side, and cliffs on the ocean side. For you surfers out there, the famous big wave break of Belharra is visible offshore.
While Karen and I have walked it several times, we've driven it more often. In fact, the road that parallels the cliff is one of my favorite drives in the region. It's wide, has spectacular vistas, has very little traffic and is bordered by open fields and stands of trees on the inland side, and cliffs on the ocean side. For you surfers out there, the famous big wave break of Belharra is visible offshore.
Karen on the trail heading towards Hendaye The only problem with this part of the Sentier Littoral is the ever-present road which is only a few yards away throughout the walk. So as I mentioned, I prefer to drive it. And don't tell the locals but in addition to offering better vistas, I find this rarely travelled route much faster than the N10 if I need to get to Hendaye or Irun (in Spain). Of course, I haven't driven it during the summer when I suspect it's insane.
Fete de la Corniche Karen and I have been visiting the region in late September for 8 years. Somehow, we never heard about the Fete de la Corniche. This celebration takes place every year on the Corniche. In fact, they close the road from Socoa to Hendaye. Parking can be a challenge but as part of the festivities, the town of Socoa provides people to help manage parking and direct you to the Corniche from points a bit inland. But if you go, do be prepared to walk.
Crowds walking on the Corniche roadway Of course walking is the best reason to come. The entire 8km (5 miles) of the Corniche is closed to traffic, so you can walk the whole distance without seeing a car. You will need to avoid bikes, skateboards, and thousands of other pedestrians, but it's worth it.
Basque folk dancing on the Corniche There are open areas with tents and stands set up offering ecological information about the Corniche as well as local farm products. For the kids, there are games, jewelry to be made and stencils to draw on the roadway. In some of the open areas you can listen to Basque music. If you're feeling brave, join in the folk dancing.
And it's hard to complain if you can meet up with friends to enjoy a picnic on the edge of the cliff overlooking the crashing waves and twisted rock formations while watching the crowds go by on the carless roadway.
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