The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bayonne, France

Bayonne, France is a small coastal French city, the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day conveniences. The city is also known as “the town of three languages” because there are Basque, French and Spanish speakers sharing this beautiful city.

Bayonne is a lesser-known city compared to some of France’s most popular landmarks, but it’s still worth visiting if you find yourself in the area.

If you are looking for a place that is full of culture, history, and delicious food then Bayonne France might be the perfect trip for you!

Whether it’s admiring historical monuments, shopping on the streets, or sampling delicious, traditional cuisine at one of the many local restaurants- there are endless sights to see in Bayonne.

Travelers beware: this guide just might fully convince you that this quaint French city is even better than where you live now 😉

 

Where is Bayonne?

Bayonne is a city in southwest France, on the Bay of Biscay. It is the capital of the “Pays Basque”, in the province of “Labourd, in the region of “Nouvelle-Aquitaine”.

It is located in the Northern Basque Country, only 42km away from the Spanish border, and is situated at the point where the Pyrenees mountains meet the Atlantic ocean.

What is Bayonne known for?

Foods – Basque cuisine is a regional French cuisine originating from the Basque Country that has been cooked for thousands of years.

Historic places – Bayonne is filled with historic monuments, castles, and vast churches that date back as early as the 1300s!

Bayonne also has a long-established fishing industry, which started back in the 14th century. There are still plenty of fishermen on the beach today selling what they catch for a good price. 

The waters are filled with fish that have been caught in Europe’s most prominent fishing area, so bring your taste for some seafood!

⚡ Related read: 46 Most Delicious French Foods to Try in France

How do I get to Bayonne?

There are 3 ways you can get to Bayonne, France:

1. By bus or car
2. From Paris by train
3. Fly into Biarritz airport

The easiest way to get to Bayonne, France is to fly into the Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Airport, which is located only 35 kilometers from Bayonne. 

Flights from other major cities such as Paris, London, and Amsterdam can take anywhere from 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on what city you are flying out of.

Once you arrive at the airport, make sure to check what bus route you need to take. There usually isn’t a shuttle or taxi that takes you directly to Bayonne but the bus schedule runs every 15 minutes and it should only take around 30 minutes for you to get into town.

💡 Tip: If taking public transport is not your thing, then I would recommend renting a car and driving straight towards Bayonne, France. 

You can choose what route you want to take, but just make sure that you aren’t driving during the morning and evening rush hours of 8:30-9:30 and 16:00-18:00 because it will take much longer for you to get there.

When to visit Bayonne

The first step in your journey should be deciding on when you’d like to visit Bayonne, France. 

If it’s during the winter months (November-February) then some attractions might be closed due to colder temperatures and shorter days. 

On the other hand if it’s during spring or summer (March-October), then come prepared because it will be hot and humid with lots of traffic and crowds.

When is the best time to visit Bayonne?

The best time to visit Bayonne is during the months of June, July, August, and September. 

This is because not only are these months during what’s considered to be “summer” in France, but the weather is also at its best. It won’t be too hot or humid yet, but you’ll definitely want to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and good walking shoes!

The end of July also marks the start of the city’s famous “Fête de Bayonne“, or Bayonne festival.

During this week, everyone dresses in the city’s colors of red and white and gathers in the street to eat, drink, and cheer together.

Where to stay in Bayonne

The best part of the city to stay in is definitely the city center of Bayonne.

Although there aren’t too many hotels located in the city center, what they do have is a great location!

You can expect to pay around €80 – €120 per night for a room at the hotels that are located right near the local historical attractions.

What makes staying near where all of the action is so nice is that you can walk everywhere! If you want to go out for a drink, there are bars and restaurants all around. All kinds of shops and grocery stores are also close by for what you might need on a daily basis.

For those preferring a hotel with a little more space, there are some hotels located outside of what I like to call the hustle and bustle of downtown, but still close enough for it not to be too far away.

Typically, you can expect to pay around €65 per night for what they offer at these hotels.

What makes them nice is that there are great locations just a short drive away from downtown Bayonne, but offer a bit more peace and quiet than some other hotel locations closer to the city center.

However, what makes this area not as ideal for a first-time tourist to Bayonne is that it’s a little more spread out.

If you are visiting from another country, I wouldn’t recommend staying here because what you will probably want to do the most is visit the city center and all of its historical sites.

There are many places to stay in Bayonne and where you choose to stay just depends on what it is that you want to do during your trip!

How to get around in Bayonne?

There are many transportation options for getting around the city in Bayonne.  You can get around by car, bike, bus or foot.

If you are staying in the city center of Bayonne, a car will definitely be your best option for getting around. Parking spaces are available and public transportation is not very good.

Since there isn’t really a subway system or public transportation that covers everywhere you would want to go in Bayonne, a bike is probably your next best option. With bike lanes already set up, there shouldn’t be too much trouble finding your way around the city on two wheels.

However, if you do want to stick with bus or foot as your primary means of transportation, then that’s also an option for Bayonne visitors.

The bus system does not cover all of the city, but it is a great way to get around outside of downtown. And if you are staying downtown, walking will definitely be your best option because parking spaces can be hard to find.

If you are out shopping, food touring, or visiting any other areas outside of what’s included in the Bayonne city center, walking is your best option!

Things to know before going to Bayonne 

What should I pack for my trip to Bayonne?

If you are traveling to Bayonne, France, you will need to know what to pack! 

Here are some essentials that every traveler should bring with them on their trip:

• Be prepared for the weather by bringing shorts or pants for summer; be sure to also pack a coat and sweater in case it gets chilly!

• You can never go wrong with packing comfortable shoes. 

• Don’t forget your swimsuit if you are looking for a day at the beach!

• You will want to bring along an umbrella in case it rains or to use as sun protection, as there is limited shade on some of Bayonne’s beaches.

⚡ Related read: Check out my guide to the 16 must-have travel accessories that every traveler needs for any kind of trip

The most important thing you should pack is your appetite! I know what you are thinking, what does eating have to do with what I need to pack before my trip?

Well, Bayonne is home to some of the best and most traditional French foods.

What to eat in Bayonne

If you’re a first-time visitor to Bayonne, the best way to learn about this beautiful historic city is by tasting it. 

Bayonne is well known for its traditional Basque cuisine. 

Whether you prefer savory or sweet food, there’s something for everyone in Bayonne.

You can’t leave France (or Bayonne) without trying these delicious dishes!

Jambon de Bayonne or French ham

“Bayonne Ham” is what people usually think of when they hear about Bayonne France or the town of Bayonne. This cured ham has been made in the South West region of France for centuries, dating back to Roman times! The pigs are fed well and often cured in saltwater before being smoked over aromatic wood.

There are 3 official ways to eat Jambon de Bayonne ham, but what they all have in common is that they are delicious!

Jambon Beurre: where fresh crusty bread is smothered with butter and topped with slices of French ham .

Jambon cru: this is slices of cold ham served with thin pieces of apple.

Jambon fume: slices of cold smoked ham which you eat along with boiled eggs and fried potatoes or chips. This region in France is also home to what people in Bayonne believe to be the best cheese in the world!

Petit Basque is what they claim to be the tastiest, most exquisite cheese that France has to offer.

This soft, fresh cheese comes from the Pyrenees Mountains which border Spain. It is made from pasteurized sheep’s milk and full-cream milk. The mix of these two milks give this stunning cheese a unique and bold flavor.

Famous foods to try in Bayonne

Ttoro: Ttoro is a traditional Basque food that is made out of chorizo, vegetables and seafood. This dish has similarities with the French cassoulet.

Axoa: This is a traditional stew from this region in France. It is made with veal or beef, onion, garlic and red wine.

Pintxos: All along Bayonne, there are street bars and pintxos to eat. It consists of a small snack that you can pick up with your fingers. Some of the most traditional pintxos include anchovies or sardines, chorizo (spicy sausage), cheese, and ham.

Soupe de poisson: This is a French dish which consists of a fish soup. It’s usually made with monkfish, saffron and what we call “green beans”.

Marmitako: It’s a traditional Basque stew made with tuna, potatoes, green pepper and tomatoes. This is one of the most famous dishes in Bayonne, what used to be cooked by the women while they took care of their children or did some house chores.

Suckling pig: This is a roasted baby pig which can be eaten on its own or with its broth. It is considered to be the national dish of Basque people and it’s what they eat every year during the San Fermín festival.

Boudin: This is what the French call white pudding, but it’s actually made with the blood of lambs or pigs! It’s very popular in Bayonne and most people even eat it for breakfast.

Famous drinks to try in Bayonne

Cider: Cider is what the Basque people normally drink. They also make calvados, a strong apple brandy that has become popular outside of this region in France.

Red wine: Bayonne is known for its red wines. The reason why it’s unique compared to other regions is because they are very acidic.

White wine: Bayonne white wines are made from what is called “peau de balle” which means balls skin in French. It’s what they call the grapes that don’t get a lot of sun exposure, what makes them turn pink and more acidic.

Cognac: Here you can find some of the best cognacs in France. But what makes Cognac so special is not only what they drink but what they produce!  Cognac is made in the Cognac region, located between Poitou Charentes and Charente. It is what they call “protected geographical status”. What it means is that this drink can only be produced in Cognac, which makes it one of the most distinguished French drinks.

Armagnac: This is the second beverage that the people in Bayonne and the surrounding regions produce. Armagnac is what they call French brandy.

I hope these food recommendations have you hungry for what the locals in Bayonne recommend to travelers!

What are the best things to do in Bayonne?

Now that your tummy is full of all the delicious traditional Basque foods you’ve tried, it’s time to explore the city! 

Bayonne is a city full of culture and history, and there’s something interesting to see here for any type of traveler. 

So, what do you do when in Bayonne? 

Sightseeing in Bayonne

The city itself has a lot to offer in regards to things to do in Bayonne. 

It sits on both sides of the Adour river which divides it into two parts: Saint-Esprit and Saint-Jean.

Bayonne’s Vieille Ville is a beautiful walled city with charming, medieval alleys that seem to pop straight out of a fairytale! 

The old town has been recently renovated from the ground up by the World Monuments Fund which helped maintain all of Bayonne’s historical value. It was inscribed in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

I recommend exploring both parts of the city (Old City and New City) when visiting. You will find that each part has different things to offer. 

Fortunately, Bayonne is one of those cities that are easily explored on foot! The city center also has a lot of great places to grab food and/or drinks.

As I mentioned above, Bayonne, France is the capital of the “Pays Basque”. So what exactly does this mean? Well, what it means is that Bayonne is a great place to experience Basque, French and Spanish culture all wrapped into one city. 

If you are looking for what to do in Bayonne then I recommend checking out some of the cultural highlights like:

• Basilica du Sacré Cœur (Religion)
• Le Musée Basque (Culture)
• Église Saint-Esprit (Religion)
• Cathédrale Sainte-Marie (Religion)

And don’t forget to walk around the beautiful walled city with its rich history-

This is what makes Bayonne what it is!

Other things to do in Bayonne

Explore the Pyrenean foothills – Visit natural parks and mountain passes, or even go canoeing!

Go to the beach – The best beaches are at Biarritz, but Bayonne has a nice little stretch of beach as well, if you like it less crowded!

Bayonne and its surrounding beaches are also some of the best places to go surfing in France!

Explore the vineyards – There are over 28,000 hectares of land dedicated to grapevines near Bayonne. It’s one of the largest wine-producing regions in France, so stop by a local vineyard and see what you can find!

Try Basque cuisine – This regional cuisine is known for its use of wild game and unique sauces. It’s often the kind of meal you would only find in a fine restaurant, so don’t miss out!

Watch the Giants – Every year, there is a parade and festival dedicated to these huge human-sized puppets feature stories from Basque mythology. Remember to bring your camera!

Take a tour of the city – There are so many great walking tours that you can book ahead of time online to avoid long lines, or at the local Bayonne tourism office once you arrive. What makes Bayonne special is the unique sights found only in the city center. Explore both!

Visit Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral – A beautiful example of what you can find in this region, the cathedral was built in the gothic style and features several exquisite carvings.

Eat dinner at one of the local restaurants – There are many great options for dining out here, so be sure to try several! Local specialties include Basque cuisine, seafood, and duck.

Visit the Citadel – This historic fort was built in 1620 under Louis XIII, to help protect against any potential attack by what was seen as a hostile neighbor at the time, Spain. Nowadays it’s often used for great views of the city.

Easy day trips from Bayonne

There are many fun day trips near Bayonne that you can take.  

If you are more of a nature person, you can go to the Pyrenees Mountains.

From Bayonne, it is only about an hour and ten minute drive away! A day trip like this would provide beautiful views of alpine lakes that are surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

If there was ever a place in France that reminded me of what I think heaven would look like, it has to be the Pyrenees Mountains!

Another great day trip from Bayonne is a trip to Biarritz, France.

Located about 2 1/2 hours away from Bayonne by car, you can take a day trip to have some fun on the beautiful beaches of Biarritz. You can also visit the Place Louis XIV, which is what makes this city so special to tourists all over the world!

As far as being a day trip goes, it’s pretty easy to get there by just walking out your front door and getting in your car.

Bayonne is a beautiful historic city with lots to do. Whether you are looking for nature, history, beach life or cuisine, there is something in the region of 160 miles that is sure to please everyone. There are so many great foods to taste, and the historical monuments and gorgeous gothic architecture feel like something straight out of a history book.

And if all these reasons to visit haven’t convinced you yet then I’ll just leave it at this; The best cheese on earth can be found here!

So, what’s your first stop on your trip to Bayonne?