Bayonne

Travel Guide
Bayonne
Just a few miles from the busy tourist city of Biarritz, the French Basque Country’s beautifully preserved capital offers an authentic taste of Basque culture.

Come to Bayonne and see the traditional red-roofed houses covering the hillsides, shop for cheese and meats in busy markets and watch locals playing pelote or boules in tree-lined squares. 

Bayonne’s location 3 miles (5 kilometers) inland from the beach has meant that the town retains an authentic feel. Most of the city’s old town is preserved so that most of Bayonne’s original architecture remains as it has been for hundreds of years. A walk along its streets takes you past tall, timbered houses with white walls, red roofs and splashes of green paint, the colors of the Basque flag.

Learn about the area’s history with a visit to the Musée Basque et de l’Histoire de Bayonne. This museum on the banks of the narrow River Nive features a reconstructed farm and a typical Basque home. Nearby on a hill of the old town, find the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie de Bayonne. Admire the fine Gothic façade and towering spires that have overlooked the city since the 16th century. Inside you’ll find the Chapelle Saint-Jérome and its superb stained-glass window. 

Stop at one of the cafés along the banks of the Adour River to try traditional Basque food such as fresh fish dishes and stewed lamb. For dessert, head to L’Atelier du Chocolat. Watch chocolate being made, taste samples and find out why there were more chocolatiers in Bayonne in 1870 than there were in all of Switzerland. 

Bayonne is a small city and can be easily navigated on foot. Try the interesting route that takes you along the old fortifications. These walls are now green and covered in small parks. 

Winters in Bayonne are mild but can be wet. The rest of the year has a good amount of sunshine. Summers are not as busy here as they are in the coastal towns, and Bayonne will always be quieter in spring and autumn.

Hôtel Côte Basque
Hôtel Côte Basque
2 out of 5
2, rue Maubec, Bayonne, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
The price is NT$2,493 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
NT$2,493
per night
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Stay at this hotel in Bayonne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cote des Basques and Bayonne Citadel are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (474 reviews)
"Loved this little hotel and would definitely stay again . Cute, bus right outside if you want to get to Bayonne or other towns. Not in the middle of town but still really well situated."

Reviewed on 2024/6/4

Hôtel Côte Basque
OKKO Hotels Bayonne Centre
OKKO Hotels Bayonne Centre
4 out of 5
Boulevard du Bab, Bayonne, Aquitaine
The price is NT$2,896 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
NT$2,896
per night
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bayonne. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Cote des Basques and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (817 reviews)
"Great hotel in a lovely location, with great transport links nearby. The room was modern and clean. Would highly recommend for a trip to Bayonne."

Reviewed on 2024/6/8

OKKO Hotels Bayonne Centre
Hôtel Loreak
Hôtel Loreak
3 out of 5
Chemin de Hayet, Bayonne, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
The price is NT$2,578 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
NT$2,578
per night
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Bayonne. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cote des Basques and L’Atelier ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (413 reviews)
"Basic room, a bit on the small side, good for overnighting, restricted internet, especially with capturing videos, value for money."

Reviewed on 2024/5/16

Hôtel Loreak
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Résidence Mer & Golf
Résidence Mer & Golf
4 out of 5
47 Boulevard de la Mer, Anglet, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Anglet. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.6/10 (1,967 reviews)
"We had a seaview was fantastic"

Reviewed on 2023/9/25

Résidence Mer & Golf
Temporesidence Cathedrale
Temporesidence Cathedrale
4 out of 5
9 Place Montaut, Bayonne, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
Stay at this 4-star residence in Bayonne. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and premium bedding. Popular attractions Cote des Basques and Les Remparts de ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (279 reviews)
"Quiet and convenient"

Reviewed on 2023/9/13

Temporesidence Cathedrale
Résidence Vacances Bleues Le Grand Large
Résidence Vacances Bleues Le Grand Large
3 out of 5
1 Rue Dalbarade, Biarritz, Pyrenees-Atlantiques
Stay at this 3-star residence in Biarritz. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (648 reviews)
Beautiful views, excellent stay
"We loved everything about our stay, especially the sea views! The apartment was roomy and had everything we needed. The only problem I encountered was getting to and from the ( excellent, heated) pool. The handle to get through the gate needs a lot of strenght to be pushed in, which I, and I assume, ..."

Reviewed on 2024/6/13

Résidence Vacances Bleues Le Grand Large
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bayonne

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11
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4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 15.384615384615385%
3 - Okay
0
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is the first place where chocolate was made in Europe. Definately, enjoy chocolate in any forms.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Hermosa ciudad

4/5 - Good

Susana

While there, visit Biarrutz.