War Memorial

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. On one side, you’ll see a farmer, wearing a Basque beret and standing beside his ox. On the other, a French soldier stands guard, as if watching out for enemy attacks. The two are bound together by the land – the farmer tills it to harvest his crops while the soldier digs trenches in it. Between them is a list of names of fallen soldiers, which has grown longer over the years and the onset of wars. This memorial is the work of sculptor Brasseur and architects Molinié, Nicod and Pouthier, working for the firm that won the competition to build it. Just behind it, you’ll find the botanical gardens. That’s where we’re headed next!