Bayonne Travel Guide

Bayonne, the capital of the french basque country, at the junction of the rivers Adour (Aturri) and Nive (Errobi), is a busy commercial town, with a long history. At every turn of the narrow lanes with their distinctive colombage houses that make up the town centre, you will come upon vestiges of the rich past that contributed to the growth of Bayonne. From the beginnings of the town fortifications in Roman times, of which certain elements are still visible, to the magnificent 14th century gothic Cathedral Sainte-Marie in the town centre and the ramparts and forts constructed by Vauban under Louis XIV, the rich historical and commercial past of Bayonne will enchant any visitor.

Bayonne is famous, amongst other things, for it's chocolate, for the excellent Basque museum, the Bonnat museum of art, the summer festival (the Fêtes de Bayonne/Baionako pestak) and for the invention of the bayonet. There is so much to see and discover in Bayonne that it is well worth taking one of the guided tours organised by the Tourist Office.

Bayonne is also a very good base to visit the rest of basque Country.