Hendaye is situated in the south-west corner of France in the Aquitaine region, close to the Spanish border. It is a great destination for those looking to explore the historical and architectural sites in the Basque Country. Here are the 7 best places to visit in Hendaye and what to eat.
The Fort of Socoa is a 16th century fortress which was restored in the 19th century. Located on the banks of the Adour River, visitors have a great view of the bay of Socoa. Take time to explore the brick and mortar masonry, passages, and canons of the fort. The entrance fee is 10 euros and it is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily. Insider tips: take a picnic with you and get ready to climb the steep stairs up to the fort.
The Church of Notre-Dame de L'Assomption is a Neo-Gothic style church built in 1878. Look for the lovely stone carvings, stained glass windows, and spiral towers during your visit. Admission is free and it is open from 9 am to 7 pm every day. Insider tips: take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the church.
The Vauban Marinas are a series of fortified ports built in the 17th century by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the renowned military engineer of Louis XIV. Here, you can explore the defensive walls, observation points, and docks. Entrance is free and it's open from 7 am to 7 pm daily. Insider tips: take a walk along the dock to observe the boats or take a kayak tour to explore the harbour.
The Hendaye Train Station is a stunning building built in the Basque style. Look for the red and white façade, the grand wrought iron gates, and the unique carvings. Admission is free and it's open from 7 am to 9 pm daily. Insider tips: visit the art gallery inside the station.
When it comes to food in Hendaye, be sure to try the pintxo's, txakoli (a Basque white wine), and piperade Basque. For dessert, have the Gâteau Basque, a local cake made with pastry cream and usually decorated with cherries.
From forts to churches, train stations to marinas, there is plenty to see in Hendaye. And, don't forget to sample the local cuisine to get a true taste of the city!

Toulouse is a city in southwestern France, from the Garonne river to the cobbled streets and ancient architecture, offering visitors a unique mix of culture and history. With its rich culture, amazing food, and historical monuments, it is no wonder why Toulouse is one of the most visited cities by tourists from around the world. Whether you’re looking for historical sites, architectural structures, or just some great food, Toulouse has something for everyone! Here is a list of seven historical and architectural sites that you should not miss while in Toulouse.
The Basilica of St. Sernin: An iconic monument of Toulouse, the Basilica of St. Sernin is the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited monument in Toulouse. Located in the heart of the city, it is home to many artifacts and frescoes that are sure to captivate visitors. Hours: April– September 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, October– March 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Entrance fee: Free
Place du Capitole: This stunning square is famous for its 18th-century architecture and is home to the Town Hall of Toulouse. A great spot to people watch, the square is also the site of many cultural and musical events throughout the year. Hours: 24 hours
Canal du Midi: This stunning canal, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular spot for boat rides in the summer months. It stretches from the Garonne river in the west to the Etang de Thau in the east and is great for relaxing strolls and exploring nature. Hours: 24 hours
Saint Etienne Cathedral: This Gothic-style cathedral offers stunning views of the surrounding city and the Garonne river. It is also home to numerous works of art, ranging from Byzantine-style mosaics to Baroque sculptures. Hours: April– September 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, October– March 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Entrance fee: Free
Pont Neuf: This iconic bridge in Toulouse is one of the oldest in Europe. Built in the 16th century, it is a great spot for some stunning photos of the Garonne river and the surrounding cityscape. Hours: 24 hours
The Jacobins Cloister: Built in the 13th century, the Jacobins Cloister is a complex of religious buildings that is now a museum and home to the remains of some of the city’s most important figures. Hours: April– September 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, October– March 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Entrance fee: Free
Food and Drink: Toulouse is known for its unique culinary traditions, and there are plenty of traditional restaurants to explore. Sample some of the local specialties, including cassoulet, gésiers, garbure, and foie gras.
Toulouse is a stunning city to explore and experience. From the rich cultural heritage to the stunning architecture, Toulouse has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing boat ride in the Canal du Midi or a bite to eat at a local restaurant, you are sure to find something to love in Toulouse.

The Hendaye main train station, one of the oldest in France, is an important hub for travelers. Many regional and international trains arrive and leave from this station. There are also other smaller train stations in the city, such as Ondarroa and Urrugne, which are helpful for travelers wishing to explore the local area.
The Hendaye train station is located in the center of the city, and is open 24/7. There are many services available here, such as a ticket office, toilets, vending machines, a cafe, and a luggage storage room. For more information, you can contact them directly through their telephone number (+33 05 59 51 23 72), or by sending an email to hendaye@sncf.com.
Toulouse in France boasts of its main train station, Gare de Toulouse Matabiau. It has multiple connections to Paris and other French cities. There are also other important train stations, such as Toulouse-Blagnac Airport and Toulouse Marche.
Gare de Toulouse Matabiau has a lot to offer to the travellers, with its helpful services like luggage storage, ATMs, restaurants, train information counter, toilets, etc. The address of this busy train station is Place du Capitole, 31000 Toulouse, France and it is open from 4:30 am to 11:30 pm. For more information or contact the station directly, call +33 8 92 35 35 35.
Book in Advance:
Just like with airfares, train ticket prices tend to rise as the departure date gets closer. Booking weeks or even months in advance can save you a significant amount.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours:
Avoid traveling during peak times such as weekday mornings and evenings. Opt for midday, late evening, or mid-week rides when there's less demand.
Consider Slower Trains or non direct routes:
Express or high-speed trains might save time, but they're often pricier. Opting for regional or slower services can reduce your fare.
Look for Special Deals and Promotions:
Train operators occasionally have promotions or special deals, especially during off-peak seasons. It's worth signing up for newsletters. Additionally, there are sometimes group or return ticket discounts, so consider these options if they fit your travel plans.