Bayonne

Bayonne, the cultural center of the French Basque Country, sits at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers. This city is known for its Old Town with 16th and 17th-century half-timbered houses, the Gothic Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, and a centuries-old chocolate-making tradition. As you explore Bayonne, you'll experience French and Basque influences in the architecture, cuisine, and local culture.

Exploring Bayonne's Old Town

Bayonne's historic center is divided into Grand Bayonne and Petit Bayonne by the Nive River. The narrow streets are lined with colorful half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Many of these buildings now house shops, cafes, and restaurants. Rue d'Espagne is one of the main shopping streets, with boutiques and chocolate shops. Walk along the riverfront promenades by the Nive to see the traditional architecture reflected in the water.

Bayonne Cathedral

The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie dominates Bayonne's skyline. This Gothic structure, built between the 13th and 16th centuries, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, you'll find vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. The adjacent cloister, one of the largest in France, dates back to 1240 and features stone carvings. Climb the cathedral towers for views over Bayonne and the surrounding Basque countryside.

Chocolate Tradition

Bayonne has been making chocolate since the early 17th century when Jewish refugees from Spain and Portugal introduced chocolate-making techniques to the city. Several historic chocolatiers operate along Rue Port Neuf, often called "Chocolate Street." At Cazenave, established in 1854, you can try their signature thick hot chocolate with whipped cream. Visit L'Atelier du Chocolat to learn about the chocolate-making process and taste their creations.

Basque Culture and Museums

The Musée Basque et de l'histoire de Bayonne, housed in a 16th-century mansion, displays over 2,000 artifacts related to Basque traditions, crafts, and daily life. The Bonnat-Helleu Museum, currently closed for renovation, houses a collection of European paintings and drawings, including works by El Greco, Rembrandt, and Degas.

Local Cuisine

Bayonne ham has been produced in the region since the Middle Ages. The official Jambon de Bayonne label guarantees the ham's quality and traditional production methods. You can find this delicacy at local markets and in tapas bars. Try gâteau basque, a traditional pastry filled with black cherry jam or vanilla cream, for dessert.

Festivals and Events

The Fêtes de Bayonne, one of the largest festivals in France, takes place in late July. For five days, the city hosts parades, concerts, and bullfights, with locals and visitors dressed in traditional red and white. In April, the Bayonne Ham Fair celebrates the region's culinary traditions with tastings, demonstrations, and competitions.

Getting to Bayonne

Trains connect Bayonne to Paris (about 4 hours) and Bordeaux (2 hours). The nearest airport is Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne, about 8 km from the city center, with flights to major European cities. You can easily walk around the compact city center, and a local bus network serves longer distances.