Top 6 things to do in Bayonne

Bayonne… A small town in the Basque Country in south-west France. It’s a great place to live, with temperatures that are considered warm, moderate and far from stifling, unlike some other places in the southern hemisphere. A particularly good place for outdoor activities, walks, discovering the city and much more. Part Basque, part Gascony, it is described as welcoming by many tourists.

If you decide to spend some time in Bayonne with your family, or with your backpack as a solo traveller, you’ve made the right choice. There are plenty of activities and attractions to choose from. Let us guide you to find out more…

What to do in Bayonne

1. Visit the Biarritz Historical Museum

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Let’s start with a classic whose name is sure to ring a bell. The Biarritz museum is famous throughout France, and much further afield, for holding treasures that the people of Biarritz, who are passionate about preserving their heritage, have chosen to display here. A little foretaste? After climbing the 248 steps (bring water, it’s better), discover the cosmopolitan influences that permeate the city through the paintings, precious objects, video projections, photos… All these things tell the story of Biarritz.

Good to know: Located on Rue Broquedis near Saint Andrew’s Church, guided tours are essential to better understand each object on display. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6:30pm.

2. Take a workshop with Little Anana

Category: €€/Insolite

Description: Discover a fascinating world of fossils and shells with “Little Anana”, who specialise in creating jesmonite objects! What is jesmonite? Jesmonite is an easy-to-use natural product, considered by many to be an ecological alternative. When mixed with other materials such as ink and metallic fillers, it becomes solid. For its workshops, the Little Anana brand offers its techniques and know-how in a joyful and good-humoured atmosphere to teach you how to make your own creative objects that you can keep and hang up in your living room once you’re back from holiday. What an original souvenir!

Good to know: On rue du Prince Impérial, Little Anana is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5.30pm. It’s a fun activity for young and old that lets you share a sweet moment as a family.

3. Explore Sainte-Marie Cathedral

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: This imposing cathedral is one of the jewels in Bayonne’s crown. It’s located at the gateway to the Basque Country, so it’s one of the top cultural attractions to visit. It is particularly rich in architecture, with decorations from the medieval era, fortifications that are still going strong, and monuments that resemble castles… It’s fair to say that it deserves its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, doesn’t it? Proud and majestic, its sovereignty commands respect. Many mysteries and legends revolve around it, and we’ll let you discover them during your visit!

Good to know: At 15 Rue des Prébendes, Sainte-Marie Cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6.30pm, and on Sundays from 8am to 7pm.

4. Bayonne Botanical Garden, between stroll and discovery

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Escape for a while! After your historic escapade in Sainte-Marie cathedral, come and take a breath of fresh air in Bayonne’s botanical garden, not far from the cathedral. It’s a sparkling haven of peace, overflowing with greenery. No matter what is said or done, no artist can match Mother Nature in terms of artistic creations. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to do a yoga session, read a romance novel or play your special relaxation playlist. And all while strolling along the deck… In perfect harmony with nature.

Good to know: Bayonne’s Botanical Garden near Les Tarrides is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. You’ll feel like you’re thriving here!

5. Stroll around the traditional market

Category: €€/Gastronomy/Cultural

Description: Bayonne is known as a pleasant and welcoming town. The neighbourhoods come alive and the shopkeepers are happy to display their finest finds and products. In the heart of the town, grab your little shopping basket (you’ll need it), and take to the streets in the shy, pleasant sunshine. You’ll find around twenty vendors specialising in foodstuffs such as cheese, charcuterie, regional products, coffee, etc. It’s a great way to fill up on the goodies that families always enjoy. You’ll be able to eat and take a stroll at the same time as you explore each stall.

Good to know: The market opens every day early in the morning at around 6am-7am and closes mid-afternoon at around 2.30pm. Enjoy the tasting and the walk!

6. Spend the day at Dunes beach

Category: Free/Insolite/Sporty

Description: Honestly, who doesn’t love going to the beach and basking in the sun while sipping a delicious cocktail on a deckchair? Plage des Dunes is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bayonne. Its fine sand tickles your feet and the water, neither too warm nor too cold, envelops you in a layer of serenity and tranquillity. The view is also magnificent, especially at sunset! You’ll have plenty of time to take a dip in the water, play a game of snowshoes, and indulge in a variety of aquatic activities. The beach has a reputation for being spacious and giving you the feeling of being alone in the world.

Good to know: This is a beach with a reputation for being less crowded than the other beaches in town, due to the small, slightly tiring but not overly complicated path that leads to it. If you’re brave enough, you’ll be well rewarded!