France is full of wonderful places to visit, and Bayonne is one of them! An ideal summer destination, the town nestles in the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region. The festive yet authentic atmosphere of the Basque country is revealed at every step, making for a charming visit. Steeped in Basque culture, the town promises a wide range of exciting activities and visits. From Bayonne's festivities to its historic buildings and museums, let's discover together the 15 must-do activities in Bayonne!
1. Bayonne's historic center, a blend of charm and history
The best way to start visiting a city is to simply stroll through the narrow streets of its historic center. And just as well, they're absolutely charming in Bayonne! Rue du Pont-Neuf is one of the best-known thoroughfares, brimming with stores and restaurants in a warm Basque atmosphere. Your stroll will then take you to Rue des Faures, where visitors will be enchanted by the craftsmen's and designers' boutiques. Then head for the Plachotte, where you'll find a tiny street: rue des Augustins.
Good to know theTourist Office offers a number of guided tours ("d'une cave à l'autre", "Histoire et Patrimoine Juif", "Bayonne en 60 minutes", etc.). We recommend this guided tour of Bayonne, which includes a meal and a drink to help you discover the city and its culinary specialties.
2. The Basque Museum, revealing local culture
What better way to discover local culture than at a Basque Museum? Head for the Maison Dagourette, dating from the XVIᵉ century, to discover the history of Bayonne and the region. From everyday life to Basque traditions, you'll explore local life through a rich ethnographic collection. Take your time to explore this 3-storey museum at your own pace, featuring some twenty themed rooms. From the Basque language to funeral rites, rural life and architecture, the region will hold no secrets for you! The museum also features paintings by Ramiro Arrue, Gustave Colin and Léon Bonnat.
3. Bayonne Botanical Garden, an escape in the heart of the city
Nestled between the historic ramparts and Sainte-Marie Cathedral, take a breath of fresh air at the Bayonne Botanical Garden. As you stroll among the colorful, original perennial flowers, you gradually get the impression of being in a Japanese-style garden. A water feature occupies part of this superb garden, while small bridges allow you to straddle it. Add to this a pretty footbridge and a waterfall, and you've got the very definition of a botanical garden with a change of scene. Looking for a romantic place to declare your love? This is the ideal address!
4. Fêtes de Bayonne, a must-see event in the Basque Country
Visiting the Basque Country in July? Take part in one of Europe's top 10 must-see events: the Fêtes de Bayonne! Like a red-and-white tidal wave, Bayonnais and férias fans flock to the city, creating one of the most eagerly awaited festivals of the year in the southwest. For 5 days, the festivities are in full swing, with local music and traditions centered around King Léon. All in a magnificent joie de vivre typical of south-west France, of course! Every year, the extensive program is sure to please:
- traditional cow races in Place Saint-André,
- the luminous Corso parade,
- orchestras,
- musical parades and more.
Add to this a pinch, not of Espelette pepper, but of Basque pelota, and you've got it. And don't forget to wear a red scarf and red sash during the Bayonne festivities, to fit in 100% with the local tradition!
5. Stroll along Bayonne's ramparts
Visiting Bayonne also means discovering its history, and this is reflected in its ramparts, originally built by the Romans. These fortifications, reinforced between 1680 and 1685 under the supervision of Vauban sent by Louis XIV, are emblematic of the city. During a leisurely stroll, you'll follow in the footsteps of the Bayonnais of yesteryear, whose role was to protect the town from potential invaders. Your stroll continues through the Jardin de la Poterne, before entering the old town via the Porte d'Espagne. Now you're ready to follow Boulevard Lachepaillet along the ramparts.
Did you know? Guided tours, including access to the internal casemates of the ramparts, are available to the public.
6. A trip on the river Adour to discover the surrounding area
There are two ways to discover Bayonne by water. Aboard a panoramic motorboat like the Coursic, you can cruise along the Adour, discovering the riverbanks, the town, the fauna, flora and natural landscapes.
Good to know: a bar and toilets are usually available on the boat.
Looking for a more unusual way to make this crossing? Climb aboard a Hawaiian pirogue! It's an original and environmentally-friendly way to discover Bayonne and its points of interest from the Adour. Little by little, urban landscapes are transformed into natural ones, offering a wonderful glimpse of the beauty of the Basque Country.
7. Carreau des Halles, the must-see local market
The Halles de Bayonne, directly inspired by the Halles Baltard in Paris, dates back to 1866. Very quickly, they became a veritable center of social life, particularly since the removal of cars from the vicinity (what a joy!). Open every morning, the market is a must for Bayonnais and visitors alike, eager to find fresh, local produce.
In addition to the daily indoor market, we invite you to discover the producers outdoors every Saturday. Strolling from stall to stall, you'll enjoy a warm atmosphere, punctuated by a variety of entertainments, singers and more.
8. Bayonne's Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a treasure from the past
Sainte-Marie Cathedral is Bayonne's main religious building, with its spires pointing proudly into the heart of the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, it is the city's architectural landmark. The spires, added in the XIXᵉ century, are the work of Boeswillwald, a disciple of Viollet-le-Duc. While the cathedral itself is clearly worth a look, we literally fall under the spell of its cloister, built between the XIIIᵉ and XIVᵉ centuries. The cathedral also holds a reliquary of St. Leo, a bishop from the IXᵉ century. Today, this impressive edifice stands as a landmark on the route to Santiago de Compostela. A wonderful visit, which we recommend on your trip to Bayonne.
9. Take a gourmet tour of the city
Did you know that it was in Bayonne that chocolate was first made in France? Discover many more unusual, surprising and above all delicious facts about Bayonne's culinary delights on a gourmet tour you can book here. Your small-group escapade allows you to sample local wines (in moderation), Basque ciders(sagarnoa), and many other local delights:
- tapas,
- charcuterie
- cheeses, etc.
And don't forget the traditional Basque cake: plain or with cherries, it's a pure delight! The itinerary also allows you to discover authentic places reflecting Basque and Bayonnais culture, while learning anecdotes about the town. It's sure to be one of your most memorable experiences in Bayonne!
10. The Musée du Chocolat, a gourmet's rendezvous
Bayonne's Musée du Chocolat is housed in the workshops ofAtelier du Chocolat, a now-famous chocolatier established throughout France. From cocoa cultivation to the final stage of production, you'll spend around 1 h 30 learning about the entire process involved in making this gourmet delicacy. Videos, exhibits, vintage machines: nothing is left to chance, providing gourmets with comprehensive documentation on the subject. The visit, which is very reasonably priced, also includes a chocolate tasting. How can you resist?
11. Follow the Street Art trail in Petit Bayonne
Petit Bayonne reveals itself to you in an atmosphere... full of color! Since 2017, Bayonne has established itself as a benchmark for street art in France, thanks to the Points de Vue festival. This annual festival, held in October, transforms the city into a veritable open-air art gallery. Here and there, you can admire frescoes created by international artists. Prepare to be amazed! As you stroll along, you'll have the chance to visit the Saint-Esprit district, whose Rue Sainte-Catherine has become the heart of Bayonne's street art scene. Guided tours are available, offering an in-depth exploration of urban art through their circuits.
During your stroll through Petit Bayonne, we also invite you to discover the 19thᵉ century church of Saint-André.
12. The Musée Bonnat-Helleu, Bayonne's Museum of Fine Arts
Works of art take center stage at the Musée Bonnat-Helleu, which unveils an impressive collection of paintings, drawings and other sculptures. Founded by Léon Bonnat, it was originally intended to house his works, as well as those of the town. Today, the collection is much larger, and includes works by European masters such as Rubens, Goya and Degas. Meanwhile, the graphic arts cabinet boasts over 3,500 drawings by such greats as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo (no less!).
Please note: closed since 2011 for renovation, its reopening is scheduled for 2025.
13. La Plaine d'Ansot, biodiversity in the spotlight
Nature boldly invites itself into your visit to the Plaine d'Ansot, a haven of peace dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity. Situated on the banks of the River Nive, the Plaine is classified as a "sensitive natural area" and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Your visit will take you to the Maison des Barthes, home to temporary exhibitions by the Natural History Museum. The Natural History Museum, meanwhile, reveals its fascinating information in 3 cultural buildings. The icing on the cake is an observatory where you can get a bird's-eye view of the local flora and fauna.
14. Take in a show at the Bayonne bullring
The Bayonne bullring is already a sight to behold on the outside, and you're invited to step inside. Numerous shows and festivities are organized there throughout the year. These are mainly concerts, but also more traditional bullfighting events. Keep an eye on the town's program! Normal" guided tours of the bullring are also available, for those interested in its history.
15. Taste Basque specialties
If Bayonne is one of the 10 towns renowned for their gourmet specialties, it's partly for its unmissable local specialty: the famous Bayonne ham. Here, it can be enjoyed in many different ways: on its own, in a salad, cooked, on toast, in a sandwich: it's all possible! And of course, there's no escaping the Espelette chilli pepper, another of the region's must-try delicacies. To discover all its secrets, we invite you to visit Espelette, one of France's 25 most beautiful villages, just 30 minutes from Bayonne. Gourmet friends, you're surely expecting it: the famous Ossau-Iraty sheep's milk cheese is also on the list. Very mild, it can be enjoyed just about anywhere in Bayonne and the surrounding area.
As for gourmet dishes, the region is famous for its piperade, delicious sun-dried vegetables cooked with taste. It's a perfect accompaniment to Basque chicken, whose sauce literally melts with pleasure.Axoa, a minced meat dish, is another must-try during your stay. The meal ends with a Basque cake, of course!
Where to stay in Bayonne?
To be ideally placed without suffering too much from noise, we advise you to stay in Old Bayonne. Petit Bayonne, although very welcoming, is better known for its festive atmosphere, which can be a nuisance to visitors who are not inclined to party.
- The warmest
At theHôtel des Arceaux, you'll feel right at home, with that little extra touch of attention we love so much. The owners are friendly and welcoming, and the place has a charm all of its own. We love it! Go here to make a reservation if you too fall in love with the atmosphere.
- The best location
Close to the main points of interest,Hôtel Villa KOEGUI invites you to set down your suitcases in elegant, refined surroundings. Each room features a reproduction of a painting from the city's Museum of Fine Arts. A significant detail for an establishment that plays the chic card in its rooms and suites. Book a room here.
- The best value for money
The Hôtel Côte Basque is well located, well appointed, modern and tastefully decorated. And all at an affordable price! What more could you ask for? And, if you're traveling without a car, it's close to the train station. A very good value hotel to book here in just one click.
What to do in Bayonne with your family?
It's no surprise that the Musée du Chocolat is one of the most interesting places to visit in Bayonne with children. Parents and children alike will marvel at the visit, which ends with a much-anticipated tasting session. The Botanical Garden offers families another interesting outing in a quiet setting, combining family strolls with beautiful discoveries. Children will also love walking on the nearby ramparts, imagining themselves in the shoes of a knight.
You'd like to visit the town in more depth, but the walk doesn't appeal to the kids? No problem: borrow a thai tuk-tuk ! From Vieux Bayonne to the Arènes district, you can take a leisurely 30-minute tour of the city. Not too long for the kids, and as unusual as you'd expect: they love it. In the same spirit, a boat trip is a great way to visit Bayonne and the surrounding area, without tiring our children's little legs. This way, they'll be much more interested in the visits you suggest.
Tip by Petit Futé: there's a free Tuk Tuk shuttle service linking the Parc de la Floride (including a children's play area) to the Plaine d'Ansot. This means you can visit the Maison des Barthes and the Museum at the same time, on the same day.
As you can see, it's possible to visit Bayonne in a fun way with children: make the most of it!
Between féria and culture, Bayonne never ceases to amaze. Want to go further afield? Discover Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, one of France's 15 most beautiful villages, less than an hour from Bayonne. Better still, our 15 most beautiful villages in the Basque Country will guide you on a memorable road trip along the Atlantic coast. A great way to complete your vacation itinerary in the Basque Country! If you're looking for a place to party, or even organize a festive EVJF? The nearby town of Biarritz is simply ideal.
Book in advance below for the hottest activities to enjoy during your stay in Bayonne:
If our selection has whetted your appetite for Bayonne, take a look at our train fares and book now!
