| Larrun | |
|---|---|
| La Rhune | |
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 905 m (2,969 ft) |
| Prominence | 670 m (2,200 ft) |
| Coordinates | 43°18′33″N1°38′08″W / 43.30917°N 1.63556°W /43.30917; -1.63556 |
| Geography | |
| Parent range | Pyrenees |
Larrun (Basque:Larhun,Larrun;French:La Rhune[laʁyn];Spanish:Larrún[laˈrun]; - 'good pasture', possibly afolk etymology, in French until the 20th century:Larhune) is a mountain (905 m) at the western end of thePyrenees. It is located on the border ofFrance andSpain, where the traditionalBasque provinces ofLabourd andNavarra meet. Itsprominence is 670 m.
Larrun holds an iconic place inBasque culture. It is covered indolmens,stone circles and otherneolithic monuments and was held to be a sacred place inBasque mythology. It was said to be the home ofLehensugea, the first serpent. Later, and perhaps as a consequence of the ancient sacred sites, the summit had a reputation as anakelarre or ritual meeting place forwitches. Up until the 18th century, local villages paid for amonk to live as ahermit at the top of the mountain to keep witches away and ensure good winds.
The mountain was used by French troops as a defensive position towards the end of thePeninsular War, butWellington's forces drove those ofMarshal Soult off the mountain during theBattle of Nivelle on November 10, 1813, this action leaving France open for Wellington's successful march north toParis. The ruins ofmilitary fortifications built from this era are still there today.
Larrun and the local area were notable smuggling routes used for centuries, including forrefugees during theSpanish Civil War andWorld War II. Smuggling was of such importance that a local tale tells that the mountain was covered bygold until evil men came to take it away. They burned the trees on the mountain to reach the gold, but the metal melted and flowed away.
The mountain started to become a popular destination for tourists followingEugenie de Montijo's holidays in Biarritz since 1864, and her outings to its summit.
Larrun is now a popular site for walks and hikes and is the first peak encountered on the coast-to-coastHaute Randonnée Pyrénéenne (HRP) walking route. Arack railway, thePetit train de la Rhune, takes visitors to the top of the mountain from the French side. Cows, a fewpottok ponies andmanech sheep wander the slopes.
Many inns and restaurants bear its name and its distinctive shape adorn many souvenirs and logos.
