Island of the Faisões
The Island of the Fatisões, or Conference Island, is a unique case in the world of a territory that is divided by two countries – every six months, Spain and France exchange sovereignty over the territory.
This Saturday, February 1, is Spain that manages the Island of the Faisões, but only until July 31 this year. From August 1 to January 31, 2026 will become French, and so on.
Located between Hendaia, French commune in the Atlantic Pyrenees, and Irun, in the Spanish Basque Count The only territory in the world that changes country every six months.
The river island is near the mouth of the Bidasoa River and has only 130 meters long and 15 meters widebeing administered in condominium by France and Spain.
It all started with the Treaty two pirenéus Signed in 1659, after several meetings – hence the name island of conference – which ended the so -called “30 -year war” between Spain and France, and the conflict of decades between the and the bourbons, two of the most influential and powerful dynasties from Europe.
The agreement was completed with the marriage between the Infanta of Spain, Maria Teresa of Austria, and the French king Louis XIV.
But only with the Bayonne’s treatysigned in 1856, is that the joint sovereignty over the territory that remains to this day was defined.
O Access to the island is interdicted And only the municipal employees of Hendaia and Irun that ensure their maintenance, can enter there.
Official authorities visit the island every six months, under the ceremonies of sovereignty exchange with the presence of military and representatives from both countries.
Like every six months, the island of pheasants on Bidassoa between Hendaye and Irun, changes governance. It is France’s turn to manage this condominium shared with Spain for over 300 years
– Here Basque Country (@icipaysbasque)
It is also important to say that despite the name, There are no signs of sparing on the island. The name will have resulted from a bad translation.
Originally, the island was known as “Step“, Which means” passage “or” step “in Basque.
But over time, the name was translated into “Peasants“In French, which later became” Faisans, “ie spules.
