The Pheasant Island

The Island That Switches Countries Every Six Months

Sitting in the Bidasoa River

The tiny Pheasant Island is just over 200m long & 40m wide, sitting in the middle of Bidasoa River between the French town of Hendaye and Irun in Spain.

On this peaceful & inaccessible island stands an old monument that pays tribute to a remarkable historical event that happened here in 1659.

The Treaty of the Pyrenees

In 1659, wooden bridges were extended from both sides & the armies stood ready as France and Spain negotiated the end of their long war on the Pheasant Island for 3 months.

A peace agreement was signed and the deal was sealed with the royal wedding of French King Louis XIV with Spanish King Philip IV's daughter.

One of the Oldest Condominium

Pheasant Island was established as a condominium, a territory administered by multiple countries. With over 350 years of joint sovereignty, it's one of the oldest condominiums in the world.

As per the Treaty of Pyrenees, the island was to be shared between France and Spain, not simultaneously but alternatively, with control rotating from one to the other.

Sometimes in France, Sometimes in Spain

For 6 months, from Feb 1 to Jul 31, it's under Spanish rule, and for the following 6, from Aug 1 to Jan 31, it's French.

This means the territory area of each country fluctuates by over 6,820 sq m depending on the time of the year.

Changing Traditions

Reportedly, for centuries, the island was the traditional meeting place to hand off brides and grooms when important royal marriages were arranged. 

But recently, the Mayors of Irun and Hendaye meet about a dozen times a year to discuss issues like water quality and fishing rights, according to reports.

Till the Island is Alive

Pheasant Island is eroding as snowmelt rushes down from the Pyrenees and into the Bidosa river, leading to rising in the water level.

The island is looked after & maintained by either the French or Spanish government, depending on the time of the year.