Bay of Txingudi, Protected bay near Hendaye, France.
Bahía de Txingudi is a protected bay at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, forming a natural boundary between France and Spain with both saltwater and freshwater zones. The area contains extensive mudflats, sheltered coves, and habitat areas that support diverse wildlife and vegetation.
For centuries, this zone served as a meeting point for trade and exchange between French and Spanish territories across the water. The bay became officially recognized as a border region, shaping how people on both sides developed their connections with each other.
The bay connects Basque communities across the border, where fishing traditions remain part of daily life along the shores. Local people still practice methods that have been used for centuries, keeping these customs alive.
The bay can be reached through marked trails with several viewpoints along the shore for observation and exploration. Water levels change dramatically with the tides, so timing your visit helps reveal different landscapes and habitats throughout the day.
The bay transforms dramatically twice each day as tides shift, exposing vast mudflats at low tide and creating a sheltered lagoon when waters rise. This natural rhythm means the landscape you see depends entirely on when you arrive.
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