The island changes ownership every 6 months

The Bidasoa River forms a natural boundary separating Spain and France. This border separates the city of Irun in the Basque Country (Spain) and the city of Hendaye under French management. Located between two river banks, Pheasant (Pheasant) Island, more than 200 meters long, is banned from most visitors all year round.

Pheasant Island has no inhabitants or famous structures. It is special because it is the smallest co-sovereign region in the world. Since the mid-19th century, island management has been divided according to the formula: February to July of Spain; August to January in France.

On the island there are only a few birch trees growing among the weeds. The only trace of humanity is a stone monument, a reminder of shared sovereignty. One side of the stone facing Spain is engraved in Spanish, the other side facing France is engraved in French.

In the mid-17th century, the 30-year war in Europe ended. This is a conflict between the Habsburg family and France, with the participation of a number of other countries such as Denmark and Sweden. Spain sided with the Habsburgs and confronted France. After the war ended with the signing of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, the Spanish and French royal houses continued to hostilities.

By 1659, both countries suffered huge human and financial losses. To end the war, the two sides conducted negotiations. Due to security concerns, neither side agreed to enter the other’s territory. They chose Pheasant Island – a strip of land between the two countries – as a neutral location.

Here, the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed to end the war. According to this document, the regions of Roussillon, parts of Flanders and the Pyrenees region were handed over to France. The Peace of the Pyrenees was later ratified by the marriage between King Louis 14 of France and Princess Maria Theresa.

Pheasant Island was chosen as the place to welcome the princess back to France. Previously, in 1615, the marriage between King Louis 13 of France and Princess Anne of Austria was also arranged here. Similarly, the wedding of Isabella of Bourbon and King Philip 4 also took place on this island. Therefore, Pheasant Island is also called “Princess Island”.

By the 19th century, the Treaty of Bayonne was signed to end the ongoing disputes of Spanish and French fishermen regarding the island. This treaty officially divided sovereignty over Pheasant Island and this law remains valid to this day. Accordingly, in the first half of the year, San Sebastian Naval Command (Spain) is responsible for management. On August 1, this authority was transferred to the Bayonne Naval Command (France).

In fact, the municipalities of Irun and Hendaye directly manage the island. The work here does not have many notable points, mostly preventing strangers from entering, illegally camping and clearing grass. Because it is not possible to set foot on the island, visitors can only view it from both sides.

In 1843, writer Victor Hugo visited Pheasant Island and expressed disappointment at its name. There are absolutely no pheasants on the island.

“At most there was only one cow and three ducks,” the writer wrote.