Villa Mauresque, Hendaye

Villa Mauresque is a three-wing villa built in pale stone in Hendaye on the French Basque Coast. The building features multiple stories and arcaded galleries arranged around a central courtyard that opens toward the Bidassoa river through five large arches.

The villa was built between 1866 and 1867 for Prince Jules de Polignac, son of a minister under King Charles X. Construction used stones from the dismantled fort of Hendaye, connecting the new building to the town's fortified heritage.

The villa blends Moorish arches and Spanish design elements that reflect the 19th-century fascination with oriental architecture. Visitors can see this mix in the decorative details and façade design throughout the building.

The villa opens to visitors during the annual Heritage Days celebration. For current visiting information and guided tour arrangements, contact the Hendaye tourist office directly.

A marine cannon positioned in the garden points toward the Spanish town of Fontarrabie across the river. This cannon fires ceremonial shots during local festivities such as the Hendaye Tamborrada celebration.

Location: Hendaye

Inception: 1866

Address: 2-4 rue des Pêcheurs

GPS coordinates: 43.35997,-1.77702

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07