Later, and perhaps as a consequence of the ancient sacred sites, the summit had a reputation as an akelarre or ritual meeting place for witches.

Up until the 18th century, local villages paid for a monk to live as a hermit at the top of the mountain to keep witches away and ensure good winds.

Smuggling was of such importance that a local tale tells that the mountain was covered by gold until evil men came to take it away.

The mountain started to become a popular destination for tourists following Eugenie de Montijo's holidays in Biarritz since 1864, and her outings to its summit.

A rack railway, the Petit train de la Rhune, takes visitors to the top of the mountain from the French side.