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Bayonne

Visit Bayonne, Aquitaine

Bayonne is 6 km from the Atlantic Ocean just north of Biarritz. Indeed Biarritz and Bayonne and Anglet almost merge into each other.

Bayonne is a lovely city. Arriving form the north you cross over the river Adour and then straight away you cross over the river Nive. I always think towns are attractive when a river runs through them, but two rivers – double the pleasure.

Explore Bayonne

The rivers divide the town into discreet sections. The river Nive separates Grand Bayonne from Petit Bayonne and the River Adour separates Petit Bayonne from Saint Bayonne and these are linked by the Pont St Esprit.

The river Nive is a narrow river as it travels through Bayonne and five bridges link Grand and Petit Bayonne. All along the river are lovely half timbered town houses, home to lots of shops, cafes and bars.

Basque villages and towns are often very pretty with their white houses and shutters painted in deep red or dark green - Bayonne is also a Basque town and the tall town houses with their shutters and exposed timbers painted in these typical red and green Basque colours are very attractive.

The main thing to do in Bayonne is just to walk around through the old town’s narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere. The shops are lovely and there is an abundance of nice looking restaurants, bars and cafes.

The main historical sights are in Grand Bayonne. The gothic Cathedral of Sainte Marie, built on the site of a roman cathedral lost in a fire, was largely built in the 13^th century but later additions were added up until the 19^th century. It is a very ornate building though a lot of the detail has been lost to the elements. Behind the cathedral is a gothic cloister built in the 18^th century.

Nearby is the Chateau Vieux, where the governors of the city, including the Black Prince, were once based. This is now the property of the army and cannot be visited.

Don’t miss a stroll through the Botanic Gardens with more than 1000 species and a distinctly Japanese flavour. These are part of the reason for Bayonne holding the prestigious 4 flowers category of the ville et village fleurie competition, recognition for the planting that has been carried out in the town.

Near here in Bayonne you can also see remnants of the ramparts of the town. These date from three different eras: Roman ramparts, ramparts from the time of Francois I (16th C) and ramparts designed by the famous Vauban (17th C) who designed many of the defences of French towns during his lifetime.

Some of the streets near the cathedral such as Rue d’Espagne, which leads to the Port d’Espagne, are hung with bunting adding to the lively atmosphere of this part of town.

Cross over the river Nive to visit the Musée Basque. This is the biggest museum of Basque life and houses 2000 items and works of art commemorating Basque life. Also in this part of Bayonne is the Musee Bonnat which houses a large collection of paintings by Leon Bonnat as well as paintings by Rubens, le Greco, Goya and Degas.

Also in this quarter of Bayonne is the Eglise Saint Esprit, once an important stage on the Pilgrimage to Saint Jacques de Compostella.

Photos of Bayonne (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Bayonne: 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Bayonne, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Capbreton 17km; Itxassou 19km; Hossegor 19km; Saint Jean de Luz 19km; La Bastide-Clairence 19km; Ciboure 20km; Ainhoa 21km; Sare 22km; La Rhune 24km; Hendaye 28km; Hondarribia 29km; Moliets 41km; Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 41km; Dax 42km; Salies-de-Bearn 44km; Sauveterre-de-Bearn 45km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Bayonne

Bayonne tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Marais d'Orx - site of natural beauty (14km) : Jardins de la villa Arnaga - remarkable garden (16km) : Parc du Sarrat - remarkable garden (41km) : Vallée des Aldudes - site of natural beauty (44km) : Courant de Huchet - site of natural beauty (45km) :