Izpegi Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Izpegi Pass |
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Car-park at the top of the Izpegi Pass
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| Elevation | 672 m (2,205 ft) |
| Traversed by | road |
| Location | France–Spain border |
| Range | Pyrenees |
| Coordinates | 43°10′32″N 1°24′8″W / 43.17556°N 1.40222°W |
 Izpegi Pass
Location in France
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The Izpegi Pass is a mountain pass in the Pyrenees mountains. It is 672 meters (about 2,205 feet) high. This pass sits right on the border between Spain and France. It connects two valleys in the Basque Country. These are the Baztan valley and the Baigorri valley.
A river called the Bidasoa starts near the pass. It is known as the Baztan river in its upper part. The name Izpegi also belongs to a small stream. This stream flows down the eastern side of the pass.
The closest villages are Erratzu in the west and Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry in the east. A winding road goes down to Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. This road has been part of the famous Tour de France bicycle race. It goes through beautiful, open grassy areas.
Exploring Izpegi Pass
The Izpegi Pass is a popular spot for hikers. From here, people can reach nearby mountains. These include Hautza (1,306 m or 4,285 ft) and Mount Iparla. Paths are clearly marked to help hikers find their way.
Since the mid-2000s, a special music festival happens here. It is a modest festival for the txalaparta instrument. This event takes place on the first Sunday of September. It brings together many txalaparta players, especially those from the local area. In 2009, money raised from a food stall helped a Basque language school in the town of Baigorri.
A Look at History
A battle took place at Izpegi Pass on June 3, 1794. This was during the War of the Pyrenees. A French army brigade attacked Spanish and French royalist troops. The French soldiers were led by General Lavictoire. They had about 2,300 fighters.
The Spanish and royalist troops had about 1,000 soldiers. They were driven away from the pass. The defenders lost 94 soldiers who were killed or wounded. Another 307 were captured. The French brigade was part of the Army of the Western Pyrenees. Their losses are not known.
See also
In Spanish: Puerto de Izpegi para niños
