Visit Bayonne

On your right, as you continue along the Nive River, you'll find the Place de la Liberté, the Liberty Square, and the striking Michel Portal Theatre. It serves both as a theater and as the town hall. Read more

You're now approaching Port Neuf Street, one of Bayonne's busiest shopping streets. You can spot the cathedral's spires in the distance, peeking out between the two rows of colorful Basque houses lining the street. Read more

Bayonne is best known for its annual festival, the Fêtes de Bayonne, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Read more

Welcome to the Léon Bonnat Public Garden, named after the local painter who created over 200 portraits of famous people like Victor Hugo, Louis Pasteur and Jules Ferry. Read more

Unlike its neighbor, the Jardin René Cassin is a beautiful English-style garden with flowerbeds winding along its paths. Read more

Let's make the most of our time here in Basque Square and talk a bit about the history of this magnificent region. Read more

Facing you, against the city walls, is Bayonne's war memorial. Built in 1924, it's a tribute to the 800 locals who died fighting for France during World War I. Read more

Here you are in front of the entrance to the Bayonne Botanical Gardens. This hilltop park actually sits atop the bastion of Vauban's fortifications, where cows once grazed in the moat. Read more

The gate before you was built into the ramparts in the 19th century. It came to replace an earlier one leading to the Château-Vieux, the Old Castle. Read more

Bayonne's story begins in the 1st century with a Roman fort built to protect the troops stationed here, in a town they called Lapurdum. Read more

Introducing the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier Romanesque church that was destroyed in a fire. Read more

We're looking at an important piece of the city's history! The Spanish Gate has been part of Bayonne's fortifications since the 18th century - well, at least in its current form, completely revamped by architect Vauban. Read more

You can't help but look up on this street - the buildings here are just stunning! It's truly a feast for the eyes, with all the half-timbered houses and their colorful shutters. It's a textbook example of Bayonne architecture! Read more

Bayonne’s covered market is an absolute must-visit. How can you resist? The city may be famous for its festival and rich history, but it's also a foodie’s paradise! Read more

We're now on the banks of the Nive, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the brightly-colored half-timbered houses. Read more

You are now on the right bank of the Nive, the longest river in the Basque Country. This part of town is known as Petit Bayonne, as opposed to the Grand Bayonne on the other side. Read more

This castle's history is closely linked to that of the city. In 1152, Aquitaine, the region encompassing Bayonne, came under English rule following the marriage of the Duchess of Aquitaine to King Henry II of Plantagenet. Read more

This beautiful church shaped like a Latin cross was built in the 19th century under Napoleon III. Read more

Every summer, Bayonne comes alive hosting one of France’s biggest and most beloved events: the Fêtes de Bayonne, or Baionako Bestak in Basque. Read more