• The Belharra wave is a relatively rare phenomenon, which forms 3 km from the Basque coast, when certain weather conditions are met.

  • Rising above a rocky bottom, the wave can reach fifteen or even twenty meters in some years, and is a delight for the most experienced surfers.

  • The phenomenon also attracts many curious on the road to the corniche, but it is weakened and there are serious risks of landslide, alerts the prefecture of Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

The famous Belharra wave "could be triggered on Thursday", announced the Pyrénées-Atlantiques prefecture on Wednesday.

From the top of the cliffs of the Basque Corniche, thanks to a clear horizon, the view is impregnable to observe the phenomenon which only occurs on rare occasions.

Fearing an influx of curious people, the prefect “calls for the greatest vigilance with regard to the risks generated by the observation of this wave.

"The prefecture reminds those who would like to observe this phenomenon as closely as possible along the Basque coast, that the Corniche road, between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, "is particularly sensitive to erosion, with real risks of collapse".



A wave that can reach fifteen or even twenty meters

The Corniche path has also been closed to traffic by prefectural decree since November 2021. who do not comply with this prohibition therefore run a significant risk to their safety.

This is why it is also forbidden to park along the Corniche road.

The giant wave Belharra, which can reach fifteen or even twenty meters, forms 3 km off the Basque coast at Urrugne, above an underwater relief, a rocky bottom located about twelve to fifteen meters deep, the Belharra Perdun (green grass in Basque).

But it must also be certain that particular meteorological conditions are met for it to come to life.

This is what makes it rare, and what arouses curiosity.

The most seasoned surfers, who can only apprehend it with a particular technique, await their arrival with impatience.

This giant wave was first surfed twenty years ago.

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