Bayonne (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) mini guide

Guide point Details
Department: South West France > Aquitaine > Pyrénées-Atlantiques >
Location: Bayonne is located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in southwest France where the Nive and Adour rivers join.
Public Transport:

Rail: train connection to several destinations in Europe.

Local trains to Biarritz, Bidart, Guethary, St. Jean de Luz, Hendaye, Pau & Tarbes, Dax & Bordeaux, St. Jean Pied de Port and other towns in France.

TGV from Paris to Bordeaux & Dax and then one part of the train goes to Bayonne.

Airport:

Bayonne has Aéroport de Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne airport 6 km away from the city towards Anglet. Its just opposite of N10 road. It is a joint airport with Biarritz and Anglet offering domestic flights and to destinations across Europe.

Car:

There are two autoroutes leading to Bayonne:

  • Motorway A 63 : Paris - Madrid
  • Motorway A 64 : Mediterranean coast, Toulouse

Bus:

There are bus services with Biarritz, Anglet and surrounding villages. The city is near the intersection between the A63 autoroute between Bordeaux and the Spanish border and the A64 from Bayonne to Toulouse.
Tourist information website: http://www.bayonne-tourisme.com/
Tourist information contact email: bayonne.tourisme@wanadoo.fr
Tourist information switch board number: +33 (0)8 20 42 64 64
Tourist information address: Turism Office, Place des Basques - BP 819, 64108 Bayonne cedex, France
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Entertainment

Bayonne has earned its reputation as a party town due to the summer festival (the Fêtes de Bayonne) in August. Other events include the craft fairs and markets, the "chocolate days", important festivals of Jazz (July), Bayonne ham (Easter time), theatre and summer pelote matches (the Basque sport).

Lovers of Bull Fighting will have great time in Bayonne. Bayonne Arena is the largest in the whole of France for Spanish style Bull Fighting "Corrida". The season runs from July till September.

The Aviron Bayonnais Rugby Club, founded in 1904 and French champions three times, is one of the 2 clubs on the Cote Basque in the Top 14 of the French Premier League.

The bayonet was invented by the armourers of Bayonne as its name indicates.

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.

Moreover, Bayonne is known for its fine chocolates, produced in the town for 500 years, and Bayonne ham, a cured ham seasoned with peppers from nearby Espelette. Izarra, the liqueur made in bright green or yellow colours, is distilled locally.

There is quite a lot to discover in Bayonne.

Places of Interest

  • The Cathedral Sainte-Marie constructed during the 13th to 15th centuries is a beautiful example of the Gothic architecture. There 14th century cloisters adjacent to the Cathedral as well.
  • Bayonne Fortifications & Ramparts are there to enjoy, there are a series of peaceful squares parks and play areas for children, including basket ball courts and small football pitches, or just to walk around and relax. Various basque festivals take place in the moat and on the ramparts.
  • The Musée Bonnat in rue Jacques Laffitte with a rich art collection. Léon Bonnat, the painter, collected pictures including works by Botticelli, Van Dyck, Rubens, Hals, El Greco and Turner.
  • The Church of St. Andre

Bayonne is now the centre of certain craft industries that were once widespread, including the manufacture of makilas, traditional Basque walking-sticks. The Fabrique Alza just outside the city is known for its palas, bats used in pelota, the traditional Basque sport.

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