A route to Zuhalmendi from Sare

The starting point for this walk is the car park at Sare Cemetery. To get to this starting point by car, see the “Practical Information” section below.

(S/E) Go through the cemetery entrance gate and immediately take the first path on the left.
Go and see the replica of a dolmen, then follow the beautiful path with a stone surface, which is also lined with standing stones. These stones are called “lauzes” and are approximately 1.50 m high, 1 m wide and 10 cm thick. They are still frequently used to enclose fields and gardens. Pass by and admire the Oratory of Saint-Éloi. In the commune of Sare there are a total of 14 oratories built in the 17th century.
Continue along the path (north). You will then reach the Oratory of the Holy Cross, dating from 1688.

(1) Continue straight ahead along the road , taking care with the traffic. Admire a restored old wash house dating from 1820, featuring in particular a roof made of stone slabs from La Rhune, then at the junction continue straight on. Continue along a road, but from here there is practically no traffic. This road quickly turns into a dirt track. The path is then very pleasant and follows a stream. 

(2) Follow the yellow markings and you’ll come out onto a road next to a house. 

(3) Follow it to the left until you reach a fork.

(4) Continue straight on along the track, following the signs for “Zuhalmendi”. You’ll reach a farm with Black Pied or Kintoa pigs (if you carry on straight for a few more metres, you’ll see a second one).

(5) Turn immediately left to climb to the summit of Zuhalmendi (elevation 301 m), marked by a small cairn. 

(6) Note the ditches and earthworks covered in vegetation around the summit. These are the remains of a redoubt, i.e. a fortification from the Napoleonic Wars.
Then head down to the left along the small path. Head towards the woodland visible at the bottom of the descent and reach a crossroads. 

(7) Take the path furthest to the left and continue downhill. 

(8) You will notice a yellow and red mark on the trees on the left. Take this path on the left. From this point onwards, you will frequently encounter mud. You will reach a water reservoir and cross the road. Continue round the farm on the right and then follow a small stream.

(9) Cross the Ruisseau d'Helbarrun over large flagstones and immediately turn left. Follow a pretty path paved with large stones. When you reach the houses, turn right to join a road straight away. 

(10) Turn left and return to the Oratory of the Holy Cross.

(1) Turn right onto the path leading back the way you came until you reach the car park (S/E). 

Drive to the starting point of the hike.
From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, head to Ascain and climb up to the Col de Saint-Ignace (Rhune funicular railway) then descend towards Sare.

At the roundabout at the entrance to Sare, take the 3rd exit towards the Grottes de Sare. A short while later, turn left at the sign for "Cimetière - Hilerria" and park in the car park.

For your information, the journey by car from Saint-Jean-de-Luz is approximately 14 km and takes around 20 minutes.