When to go? Each season has its own charm in Bayonne
In Bayonne, the weather is never an obstacle, but an invitation to discover. Spring and autumn are perfect for wandering through the narrow streets and savouring the city at a leisurely pace, far from the hustle and bustle of summer.
Summer is vibrant and sunny, making the heart of the city beat to the rhythm of colourful markets, lively terraces and Basque festivities that fill the streets with music and laughter.
In the warmer months of the year, Bayonne is a more intimate place, full of food and warmth, where you can take refuge in the cafés, stroll around the shop windows and celebrate the Basque art of living through its most convivial traditions.
Day 1 - Historic centre, delicacies and festivals in the Basque Country
Morning: Immersion in Greater Bayonne
Start the day with a stroll around Sainte-Marie Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece, with its soaring spires and peaceful cloister, seems to have watched over the city for centuries. Continue your walk along the Vauban ramparts: from these stone heights, you can see the rooftops of Bayonne, the meandering rivers Nive and Adour, and the hills in the background. And don't miss the charming Galerie des Corsaires, a place where local history meets art, with works by contemporary artists revealing Bayonne's maritime soul.
Lunch: Les Halles and Basque specialities
At lunchtime, head for Les Halles de Bayonne. This covered market, vibrant with scents and colours, invites you to discover the local flavours. Crunchy pintxos, local charcuterie, mature cheeses and the unmissable Basque cake are all on offer. The famous Espelette pepper subtly enhances the dishes, and a glass of local cider rounds off this gourmet interlude in a friendly atmosphere.
Afternoon: Petit Bayonne, street art and local biodiversity
Cross the Nive and enter the more bohemian, livelier Petit Bayonne. Its narrow streets, lined with colourful facades, lead to the Saint-André trinquet, an emblematic place where the shocks of Basque pelota still echo. Here, tradition rubs shoulders with the avant-garde: the murals of the Points de Vue festival, created by committed artists, dot the walls and celebrate the cultural wealth and local biodiversity of the Basque Country.
Evening: A friendly atmosphere and festivities in Bayonne
As night falls, let yourself be carried away by the warm atmosphere of Bayonne's bars. Tapas to share, cider to sip, laughter in the gentle air: Bayonne knows how to entertain. And if the party's calling you, follow it. Here, the night never quite sleeps, especially during the major Bayonne festivities when culture and joie de vivre are king.
Day 2 - Culture, relaxation and nature at the heart of the festivities in the Basque Country
Morning: Basque Museum and Botanical Garden
Start your morning by walking through the doors of an elegant 17thᵉ century town house, home to the Musée Basque et de l'histoire de Bayonne. This intimate and captivating venue aptly recounts the soul of the Basque Country, between pastoral traditions, everyday objects and local artistic expressions. After this cultural immersion, change atmosphere by joining the Botanical Garden. Nestling in the heart of the ancient ramparts, this haven of greenery suspends time. Bamboos, Japanese maples, ponds and wooden walkways invite you to meditate, in a surprisingly peaceful setting in the heart of the city and surrounded by remarkable local biodiversity.
Noon: Traditional lunch
At lunchtime, take a seat in an authentic cider house, with its rustic and friendly atmosphere. The ritual is simple but generous: cod omelette, char-grilled ribs, ewe's milk cheese... All washed down with sagarnoa, Basque cider, served straight from the barrel. An experience as tasty as it is typical.
Afternoon: A walk along the Adour and chocolate
In the afternoon, let yourself be tempted by a boat trip on the River Adour. As you glide peacefully along the water, Bayonne is revealed in a whole new light: its bustling quays, bridges and ancient facades are reflected in the river and take on a whole new look. To round off your trip in style, push open the door of one of Bayonne's iconic chocolate houses. At Cazenave, you can enjoy a frothy hot chocolate in a Belle Époque setting. A final moment of elegance and indulgence, to round off this stay between culture, nature... and flavour.
Where to dine and have a drink?
As night falls, Bayonne reveals another facet of its charm: that of a gourmet and convivial town, where the Basque art of living is expressed over a fine meal or a glass of wine shared on a terrace. In the lively lanes of the historic centre, the restaurants offer generous, deep-rooted cuisine: veal axoa, chipirons a la plancha, mature cheeses and the famous Bayonne ham, always accompanied by an Irouléguy wine or a glass of sagarnoa. For a more festive atmosphere, head for the banks of the River Nive, where tapas bars, wine cellars and cider bars are alive with conversation and laughter. Whether you opt for a gastronomic address or a lively bistro, Bayonne promises evenings where flavours and human warmth intertwine with simplicity and authenticity.
The Bayonne Festivals: summer in red and white
Every summer, Bayonne lights up for the Fêtes de Bayonne, a joyous and popular ritual during which the Basque city is decked out in red and white for five days. This year, from 9 to 13 July, the town will be alive with bandas, parades, cow races, bullfights, dances and fireworks. A real immersion in Basque traditions, this festive occasion attracts almost a million revellers: an intense, warm festival deeply rooted in the soul of Bayonne.
Why choose Bayonne?
Accessible by train or car from Bordeaux, Toulouse or Paris, Bayonne offers a perfect balance between medieval heritage, vibrant Basque culture and culinary delights. Ideally positioned between the coast and the mountains, it appeals to families, couples and travellers in search of authenticity. A weekend that combines culture, nature, good food and good humour, with unforgettable memories.
Which campsite to stay at?
To help you organise your stay as well as possible, take a look at the campsites near Bayonne