Pheasant Island

Pheasant Island is a small river island in the Bidasoa that sits directly on the border between Irun in Spain and Hendaye in France. The piece of land stretches roughly 200 meters long and 40 meters across, with a stone monument placed at its center to mark past meetings between French and Spanish diplomats.

In 1659 Cardinal Mazarin representing France and Luis de Haro representing Spain met here to sign the Treaty of the Pyrenees, ending years of conflict between their kingdoms. Decades later members of the French and Spanish royal families crossed this same ground to exchange brides and cement their alliance through marriage.

Visitors can see the island from both riverbanks and notice how its name shifts with the country: Île des Faisans on the French side and Isla de los Faisanes on the Spanish shore. The small monument placed here marks the spot where representatives from two kingdoms once gathered to settle their differences face to face.

Boat tours along the river offer the closest look at the island from the water, while footpaths on both riverbanks provide clear views from land. Entry to the island itself happens only during special heritage events and requires permission from both countries.

Control of the island changes hands every six months between the French and Spanish navies, alternating on February 1 and August 1 each year. This arrangement makes it the smallest piece of shared territory anywhere in the world, with formal handover ceremonies held on the riverbank.

Location: Irun

Location: Hendaye

GPS coordinates: 43.34278,-1.76550

Latest update: December 21, 2025 16:05