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There are an array of things to do in France, with Bayonne sharing quite a few of those!
Bayonne, a bustling city on the banks of the Adour River, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to unfold.
From the winding lanes of its charming Old Town to the vibrant energy of its markets and festivals, Bayonne offers a tempting array of delights that are sure to captivate and inspire.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or culture vulture, there’s something for everyone in this alluring city, so why not take a stroll and see what Bayonne has to offer?
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Bayonne:
1. Bayonne Cathedral
Bayonne Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saints Mary and John, is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the heart of Bayonne, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the grandiose exterior of the cathedral with its towering spires and intricate stone carvings. Inside, the cathedral features high vaulted ceilings, beautiful stained glass windows, and numerous chapels.
Don’t miss the impressive organ, which is considered one of the best in France and is still used today for concerts and religious ceremonies.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a stroll around the old town of Bayonne, which is known for its charming narrow streets, historic buildings, and excellent restaurants.
Also, don’t miss the famous Basque Country Museum, where you can learn about the unique culture and history of this fascinating region.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the cathedral early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
2. Chateau Vieux
A beautiful historical castle located just outside the city center of Bayonne.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the castle and its impressive architecture, including ancient walls and underground wine cellars. Learn about the rich history of the region and enjoy the stunning views from the castle walls.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to taste some of the local wines produced from the castle’s vineyards.
Insider travel tips: Check the schedule for special events and concerts hosted at the castle throughout the year. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs to climb during the tour.
And be sure to take a camera to capture the picturesque views of Bayonne from the castle’s highest tower.
3. Basque Museum
Basque Museum is a cultural and historical museum located in Bayonne, France, dedicated to preserving the heritage of Basque people.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s various exhibits, including traditional Basque clothing, ceramics, sculptures, artifacts, and local history. The museum also has a library and a research center.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the impressive collection of old Basque fishing boats and the recreated Basque kitchen, showcasing the traditional way of cooking and life.
Insider travel tips: – Guided tours are available in both French and Spanish.
4. Musee Bonnat-Helleu
The Musee Bonnat-Helleu is a fine arts museum located in Bayonne, France.
What to see or do: The museum houses an impressive collection of artworks from the 16th century to the 21st century, with a focus on the European schools of painting.
Visitors can admire works by artists such as El Greco, Rubens, Goya, Delacroix, and Degas, as well as contemporary artists such as Zao Wou-Ki and Pierre Soulages.
Don’t miss: The museum’s collection of Spanish paintings, which includes major works by El Greco, Goya, and Zurbaran. Also, don’t miss the portrait of Napoleon by Ingres and the landscape paintings by Corot.
Insider travel tips:
5. Bayonne Chocolate Museum
The Bayonne Chocolate Museum is a charming museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate, located in Bayonne, France.
What to see or do: Visitors to the Bayonne Chocolate Museum can explore the museum’s collection of artifacts, which includes historic chocolate-making tools and machinery.
The museum also features interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about the different stages of chocolate production, from growing the cocoa beans to making the finished product.
In addition, there are plenty of chocolate tastings and opportunities to sample different varieties of chocolate.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the Bayonne Chocolate Museum is the chance to see chocolatiers in action as they create delicious chocolate treats right in front of you.
Make sure to also check out the gift shop, where you can purchase a variety of chocolate products, including classic Bayonne chocolate bars.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get quite busy on weekends and during peak tourist season, so plan to visit during the week or arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
6. Sainte-Marie Cathedral
Sainte-Marie Cathedral is a stunning Gothic-style cathedral located in the heart of the charming town of Bayonne, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the intricate architectural details, including the beautiful stained glass windows and the impressive main portal, which features sculptures of biblical figures.
Inside the cathedral, be sure to take in the soaring columns and vaulted ceilings.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb up to the bell tower for breathtaking views over Bayonne and the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit during one of the frequent concerts or organ recitals held within the cathedral for an unforgettable musical experience.
And make sure to explore the surrounding old town of Bayonne, known for its charming Basque architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene.
7. Cours de Verdun
Cours de Verdun is a wide avenue located in the heart of Bayonne, France.
What to see or do: Enjoy strolling along the tree-lined streets and taking in the local architecture. Stop for a drink or snack at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the way.
Don’t miss: The weekly market held in the middle of the Cours de Verdun every Saturday morning. It’s a great opportunity to buy fresh produce and local specialties.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best selection at the market. Look for traditional Basque cuisine like pintxos and espelette pepper.
8. Ancienne abbaye Notre-Dame de Belloc
Ancienne abbaye Notre-Dame de Belloc is a former abbey located just outside of Bayonne, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can tour the abbey and learn about its rich history. The abbey still produces artisanal cheese, and visitors can try and purchase it on-site.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of a visit to the abbey is the opportunity to sample the cheese produced by Trappist monks who still live on the grounds.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to check the abbey’s hours of operation before planning your visit, as they can vary throughout the year. Also, consider bringing home some of the delicious cheese as a souvenir.
9. Planete Musée du chocolat
The Planete Musée du Chocolat is a museum dedicated to the history and production of chocolate.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which cover the origins of chocolate, its introduction to Europe, and the different techniques used in chocolate production.
The museum also includes interactive displays, workshops, and tastings.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to try some delicious chocolates on offer, including local specialties like the famous Basque chocolate.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit in advance as the museum can get busy, especially during peak tourist season.
Consider taking one of the chocolate-making workshops to learn more about the process and create your own sweet treats to take home.
Also, make sure to check out the gift shop for souvenirs and gourmet chocolate options.
10. Porte d’Espagne
A historical entrance gate to the old town of Bayonne, France.
What to see or do: The gate, Porte d’Espagne, itself is a beautiful structure that is worth admiring.
Besides Porte d’Espagne, there are many other historical buildings and attractions in the old town of Bayonne that visitors can explore on foot, such as the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, Chateau Vieux, and the Basque Museum.
Don’t miss: The view from the top of Porte d’Espagne is breathtaking. Visitors can climb up the gate to get a panoramic view of Bayonne and the surrounding area.
Insider travel tips: The gate is located at the end of the Pont Saint-Esprit, which is a popular spot for fishing. Visitors can rent a fishing rod from the nearby shop and enjoy a leisurely afternoon fishing at the river Nive.
Also, the old town of Bayonne can get quite crowded during peak tourist season, so it’s best to plan a visit during the off-season or early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
11. Bayonne City Hall
Bayonne City Hall is the administrative hub of the city of Bayonne, New Jersey.
What to see or do: Visitors can observe the classical architecture of the building, including its towering columns and grand entrance. Inside, the public can visit various city departments, including the mayor’s office and the city council chambers.
Don’t miss: The City Clerk’s office houses a collection of important Bayonne historical documents, including the original city charter.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should be sure to check the City Hall schedule before visiting, as some areas are closed to the public during certain times of the day or week.
Parking can also be a challenge, so it may be best to make use of public transportation or park in nearby lots.
12. Pointe Sainte-Barbe
Pointe Sainte-Barbe is a hilltop overlooking Bayonne, located in the Basque region of France.
What to see or do: From the top of the Pointe Sainte-Barbe, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bayonne and the surrounding area.
You can also visit the 16th-century Sainte-Barbe chapel, which has been restored, or explore the lush greenery and walking trails in the area.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the panorama of Bayonne with both the Adour River and the Atlantic Ocean in view.
The golden hour before sunset creates an atmosphere of warmth and calmness and is an ideal moment to enjoy the view.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowded tourism, plan your visit for a weekday. The hilltop is quite steep, so wear comfortable shoes and pack water.
There are plenty of wildlife to be spotted in the area, so bring a pair of binoculars if you’re interested.
13. Maison Dagourette
Maison Dagourette, a traditional Basque chocolate shop and factory located in Bayonne.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the factory and learn about the process of chocolate making from bean to bar. Sample the rich and creamy chocolate offerings, including truffles, bars, and other confections.
Don’t miss: Trying the specialty chocolate called “piment d’Espelette,” which incorporates the famous Basque pepper into the chocolate for a unique and spicy flavor.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to arrive early for the factory tour as it can fill up quickly. Consider purchasing some of the chocolate to take home as a delicious and unique souvenir.
14. Les Halles de Bayonne
A covered market in the heart of Bayonne, France.
What to see or do: Stroll through the aisles, admiring the colorful displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and other artisanal products. Sample local specialties, such as Bayonne ham, Basque cheese, and piment d’Espelette.
Don’t miss: The seafood vendors, who offer a variety of fresh fish and shellfish caught off the nearby Atlantic coast.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in learning more about the market’s history and products, consider taking a guided tour with a local foodie expert.
Be aware that Les Halles can get crowded on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.
For a true taste of the Basque Country, pair your market visit with a trip to a nearby cidrerie or pintxos bar.