phone-svg

05 59 56 21 51

Book now

facebook-svg
    • wpml-ls-flag
    • wpml-ls-flag
    • wpml-ls-flag
    • wpml-ls-flag

Visit Bayonne and its historic quarter

Bayonne is home to many of the Basque country’s major tourist attractions.

As you stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, past the timber-framed houses, stop to admire the majestic Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

cathedrale bayonne
bayonne tourism

Don’t miss a visit to the medieval fortress of Château-Vieux, a symbol of the town’s military history.

Stroll along the quays of the River Nive, between artisanal stores and picturesque cafés. The Musée Basque et de l’Histoire de Bayonne is a must-see if you want to immerse yourself in local culture.

Bayonne festivals

For 5 days at the end of July, the city of Bayonne transforms itself every year into a place of celebration. The Fêtes de Bayonne are one of France’s biggest and most famous festivities, and their reputation extends far beyond its borders. Along with those of Dax, Mont-de-Marsan and Pamplona, they have become simply unmissable.

Every year, some 1,000,000 festayres dressed in red and white take part in this celebration of Basque culture. Festivities include parades, concerts, bullfighting and spectacular fireworks displays. Basque traditions take center stage, with dances, songs and local sports such as pelota. The streets come alive with bodegas serving tapas and local specialities.

A not-to-be-missed event combining conviviality, culture and joie de vivre, the Bayonne Féria attracts visitors from all over the world.

fetes bayonne
jambon bayonne gastronomy

Gastronomic specialities
to discover in Bayonne

Bayonne, the cultural symbol of the Basque Country, is the ideal place to discover local gastronomy.

The famous Bayonne ham, matured for several months, is a delight for charcuterie lovers. The French capital of chocolate, Bayonne invites you to sample this sweet delicacy in all its forms in local chocolate shops, especially when combined with Espelette chilli pepper.

Food lovers beware! During your stay at a campsite near Bayonne, don’t miss the Basque cake, a delicacy filled with crème pâtissière or black cherry. You can sample it at the Musée du Gâteau Basque in Sare. Fish lovers will appreciate chipirons or hake a la plancha.

Discover

the basque country, beaches and things to do