Can't quite choose between a holiday in France or a vacation in Spain? Why not find a villa in Aquitaine and then you'll be able to check out incredible attractions in both countries relatively easily. One such attraction is the incredible Gothic Revival Castle of Abbadia.
Built between 1864 and 1879 by the 19th century Renaissance man, Antoine Thomson d’Abbadie d’Arrast, a nobleman and astronomer, linguist, explorer, anthropologist, and politician who was born to an Irish mother and a Basque father.
Built between 1864 and 1879 by the 19th century Renaissance man, Antoine Thomson d’Abbadie d’Arrast, a nobleman and astronomer, linguist, explorer, anthropologist, and politician who was born to an Irish mother and a Basque father.
Constructed according to the plans of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, an architect who was famous for his restoration of buildings such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, it is made up of three wings. Each of these three wings are dedicated to different pursuits in which d'Abbadie was interested and boasts a scientific library and observatory (with a unique meridian telescope), apartments for d’Abbadie and his wife, and a chapel for the use of the family and those who farmed the land.
Lush and elaborate, the building features a wonderful decorative scheme with gargoyles, animals, symbols, inscriptions in various languages, mosaics, and paintings and each room in the building has a different multicultural theme. An interest in Africa, Asia and the Middle East is apparent, and there are paintings in the hall to remind of his travels to Ethiopia and Asian decorative elements throughout the building.
Surrounded by an extensive park, with free parking and access, and boasting outstanding views of the Bay of Biscay, it is a wonderful place to visit. A national heritage site, it is now owned by the French Academy of Sciences, one can visit the interior of the castle during guided tours. Tours are only given in French, but written documents can be provided in English and Spanish. Only 500 people can visit per day so plan in advance!
Château Observatoire d'Antoine d'Abbadie
Route de la Corniche
64700 Hendaye
Tel : +33 5 59 20 04 51
Fax : +33 5 59 20 90 51
Lush and elaborate, the building features a wonderful decorative scheme with gargoyles, animals, symbols, inscriptions in various languages, mosaics, and paintings and each room in the building has a different multicultural theme. An interest in Africa, Asia and the Middle East is apparent, and there are paintings in the hall to remind of his travels to Ethiopia and Asian decorative elements throughout the building.
Surrounded by an extensive park, with free parking and access, and boasting outstanding views of the Bay of Biscay, it is a wonderful place to visit. A national heritage site, it is now owned by the French Academy of Sciences, one can visit the interior of the castle during guided tours. Tours are only given in French, but written documents can be provided in English and Spanish. Only 500 people can visit per day so plan in advance!
Château Observatoire d'Antoine d'Abbadie
Route de la Corniche
64700 Hendaye
Tel : +33 5 59 20 04 51
Fax : +33 5 59 20 90 51
Photo credit: Daniel Culsan / CC BY-SA 3.0
