A Day of Discovery: The Perfect Day in Bayonne: Food, Sights, and Stories

A week before we left for France, a photo popped up on our social media feed with an impossibly beautiful street full of little shops and half-timbered houses that we swore we were going to track down.

Not to retrace other travellers’ footsteps, not in the slightest, but to bask in the stillness only a small city can provide.

Don’t let the main photo fool you; our journey to France and Bayonne was far from perfect, but it was ours. An accurate depiction of the trip – listening to the winds wailing on most nights, and running around with a half-broken umbrella and drenched shoes.

In Dublin, the sun was shining all day, while in France, as soon as we arrived and settled, heavy rain pelted the ground.

Despite the rain, we discovered that Bayonne is a great French getaway and makes for a fantastic day trip. Although less famous than its neighbour, Biarritz, she’s equally beautiful and has a few lovely surprises up her sleeve.

We initially planned a short day trip from Biarritz to Bayonne – a certified Town of Art and History by the French government since 2011 – yet we loved its narrow cobblestone streets and colourful architecture so much that we returned multiple times.

Read More: Discover Wonderful Biarritz: The Top 9 Must-See Tourist Activities In The City

Colourful facades in Bayonne, France

Must-do experiences in beautiful Bayonne, France – your insider checklist

Bayonne, once under the domination of the English, isn’t a place that springs to mind when someone is looking for holiday suggestions in France.

But, from our personal experience, a stop to explore Bayonne’s historical kernel is an easy and noteworthy detour if you are travelling along the beautiful Basque Coast like we did last spring.

It is a wonderful city with a rich heritage and a vibrant cultural scene, with a charming old town and medieval architecture.

The cobbled streets of the Grand Rue and the Place Sainte-Marie are home to a variety of shops, traditional Basque houses, and lively cafés, making it a great place to take a leisurely stroll and soak up the local atmosphere.

Read More: How To Spend a Brilliant Weekend in Beautiful Killarney, Ireland

Inside the Bayonne Museum

A few highlights of Bayonne include a walk through the old town’s charming streets, admiring its beautiful cathedral, sampling local delicacies, visiting the Botanic Garden and exploring riverfrontage – all compactly located within walking distance from one another.

The city is also known for its culinary delights, including Bayonne ham and Basque cuisine, which you can easily sample all over the city.

So, whether you would like to visit the historic Bayonne Cathedral, explore the lively markets, or simply enjoy the views of the Nive and Adour rivers, you are guaranteed to have a memorable time.

In this blog post, we share the top things to see and do to make your visit to Bayonne more eventful.

Read More: The Perfect French Basque Country Road Trip Along Its Beautiful Coast

Distinctive spires of Bayonne Cathedral

Where is Bayonne, and How To Get There: Easier Than You Think

To fully describe where Bayonne is located adds up to quite a mouthful – it’s a city of the Department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the Aquitaine region of south-western France.

  • Nearest Airport | The nearest cities with airports are San Sebastian Airport (EAS / LESO), located in Spain, 44 km away, and Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Airport (BIQ / LFBZ), just 6 km from the city centre of Bayonne.
  • From Biarritz | We arrived from Biarritz by the line 5 bus. The ticket was 2€ and took us around 40 minutes to travel one way.
  • By train | The Best way to travel to Biarritz is by then as you arrive right in the city. It takes about 4h from Paris, 3h30 from Toulouse, 2h from Bordeaux, and 1h from Pau.

*Pro Tip – If you travel by train from Paris, you can opt for a night train.  It saves you a night in a hotel and allows you to arrive in the early morning 

Read More: Your Guide To Mont Saint-Michel: France’s Picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bayonne train station

#1. Visit the Basque Museum

If you are eager to learn a little bit about the Basque Country, your best option would be to visit the Basque Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the colourful history of the region.

The Basque and History of Bayonne Museum are located in a 17th-century merchants’ house right next to the river Nive.

The building itself is one of the town’s oldest buildings

The museum is spread over three levels and has well over 2,000 objects and paintings on display.

The educational exhibits include information about farm implements, boat building, typical furniture, woodworking and the sporting history of the  French Basque people.

Allow yourself a couple of hours to soak it all up. The museum, which first opened in 1924, hosts the biggest collection dedicated to the Basque people and their culture.

  • Address: 37 Quai des Corsaires, 64100, Bayonne, France
  • Opening Hours: The museum is open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday; it is closed on Mondays.

Read More: France Travel Guide: Best Things To See And Do In Beautiful Nice

Basque Museum of Bayonne

#2. Check out Atelier du Chocolat

When you walk around Bayonne, lingering around quiet corners and slowly combing through its tiny streets, there seems to be a chocolate shop on every corner.

Did you know that it was actually here, in this quiet corner of southwest France, that chocolate was first made as we know it today, all thanks to fleeing Jews who settled in Bayonne and brought cocoa beans with them.

Bayonne isn’t called the Historic Capital of Chocolate for nothing.

In fact, at its zenith, the city boasted a whopping 30 master chocolatiers. While today most of them are long gone, there are still plenty of chocolate-related shops, tours and festivals worth looking up.

If you love chocolate, then visiting Bayonne during its chocolate festival, where you can see a craftsman at work and learn to make your own chocolate, could be a very good idea.

You can stop at L’Atelier du Chocolat, located on Rue Port Neuf, which is part museum, part workshop, where you can see chocolate makers in the chocolate-making process or visit a place where chocolate has been made since 154 – Chocolat Cazenave.

Read More: A Wee Guide to Some of The Best Things to See and Do in Brittany, France

There’s no shortage of chocolate in Bayonne

#3. Visit Bayonne Cathedral

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cathédrale Ste-Marie is an important monument in the city.

Located in Grand Bayonne, this Gothic cathedral with its twin spires can be seen from every corner of the city.

We wandered in first thing in the morning and were surprised to be the only visitors.

As it was raining outside, we took our time to appreciate stained glass decorations, beautifully painted chapels and amazing wall paintings;  all of which are good reasons to take advantage of free entry.

Alongside the cathedral, you’ll find the cloister dating back to 1240, which is said to be the largest in all of France.

Although it warrants a separate entry, make sure you walk inside the tranquil cloister, as it provides a wonderful visual experience.

  • Address: 15 Rue des Prebendes, 64100, Bayonne, France

Read More: Biarritz Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know For a Memorable Vacation

Bayonne Cathedral is quite stunning

#4. Stroll through Grand Bayonne

Grand Bayonne, located on the west bank of Naive, is the city’s commercial area, and it’s where all the shops are located.

It’s also the oldest part of the city where most of the tourists tend to spend their time, as the beautiful Bayonne Cathedral with its adjoining cloister and Château Vieux, a castle dating back to the late 11th century, is located here.

Go for a walk down the long pedestrianised Rue d’Espagne and take your time to admire one of Bayonne’s greatest features – the tall, slender buildings adorned with red and green shutters.

The half-timbered houses and multicoloured shutters make the city even more attractive and are a great subject to photograph.

Read More: Must-See Attractions in Malcesine, Lake Garda: A Comprehensive Visitor’s Guide

Grand Bayonne is the vibrant core of the city

#5. Browse its Bookstores

Bayonne is a city of ramparts, and Bayonne is also a treasure trove of bookshops.

Those kinds of bookshops where you can immerse yourself for an hour, forgetting everything about your daily travel schedule.

Those kinds of bookshops where the view from inside is as pretty as the shop front, and where every inch of free space is covered with beautiful reading materials bursting with various ideas and beliefs.

A true bookworm will love nothing more than entering a very well-stocked shop with slightly dusty corners and unusual books.

In today’s world, where independent bookstores are a rare find, stumbling upon a few of them while exploring the city will make any book lover’s day.

  • The Jakin Bookstore | A beautifully charming bookstore stocked with bestsellers, classics and a fantastic atmosphere.  Address: 8 Avenue Maréchal Foch, 64100 Bayonne, France.
  • Arragon Gibert | One of the best bookstores I have visited on my travels – once you walk through the doors and set your eyes on the shelves, you’ll never leave empty-handed. Address: 10 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 64100 Bayonne, France. 

Read More: 9 Incredible Things to do in Fuerteventura, The Oldest of the Canary Islands

One of Bayonne’s inviting bookstores

#6. Wander around Petite Bayonne

Situated on the right bank of the Naive, Petit Bayonne is a young and lovely district filled with typical half-timbered houses, lots of amazing street art and lively bars.

Petite Bayonne is where you’ll find the Basque Museum, and where the Bonnat Museum devoted to Fine Arts is supposed to open any time soon, too.

Here, you can walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets, admire the colourful houses, and discover the unique shops.

It’s a good idea to pick up a map of Bayonne from the Tourist Information Bureau and have fun tracking down its incredible street murals scattered through the neighbourhood. We sure did.

Read More: 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Porto, Portugal’s most up-and-coming destination

Streetscape of Petite Bayonne

#7. Venture Beyond City Limits

Whether you choose to use Bayonne as a base for exploring the city and its surroundings, or are just passing through, you are never far away from mountains and the ocean.

Rent a car or catch a bus and explore the neighbouring towns, and get to know the history behind them.

Your choices are endless – jump in a car and make your way to Bordeaux, the famed wine-growing region, and let the hustle and bustle of big city chaos sweep you away.

  • Or, escape to nearby Biarritz or Hossegor to catch a glimpse of the ocean or find serenity in nearby mountain valleys.
  • You can also visit Sare, often ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France, to see its main square, which hosts many pelota games and features remarkably decorated 17th- and 18th-century Basque-style houses.

Read More: 11 Beautiful Hidden Gems in Edinburgh, Scotland Even Locals Don’t Know

The Villa Belza in Biarritz 

#8. Go For A Stroll Through The Bayonne Botanical Garden

The Bayonne Botanical Garden is situated in a picturesque location, surrounded by the meandering Nive and Adour rivers, seven meters above the city streets.

It’s a place where the sounds of the city fade away, replaced by the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds.

The botanical garden offers you to discover the city from another point of view. In addition to the magnificent flowers, shrubs, trees and plants found there, the views over the ramparts and Bayonne Cathedral are worth checking out.

There’s something to see in all seasons – the budding of the shrubs in spring is followed by the first flowers in April lead to beautiful, colourful sets that last all summer.

From late September, autumnal colours and hues arrive with Japanese maple blazing orange and bold crimson red.

Turtles are also present in the garden, and you can observe them during your visit, as well as large Chinese koi carp.

Read More: Discover Marrakech: The Top 8 Must-Do Activities in The Red City

Botanical Gardens is a wonderful place to go for a stroll

Stop by Les Hales Food Market

Made of beautiful glass, brick and iron, Les Hales Food Market is a truly stunning structure, located by the river.

It was originally built between 1860 and 1866 before it was damaged by a snowstorm and rebuilt a couple of times into the structure it is now.

More than a dozen wonderfully stacked stalls, abundant in quantity and of excellent quality, offer local produce.

Here you can find cheesemongers, fishmongers, bakers, wine merchants, butchers and many more.

One of the best times to visit is on Saturday, when, in addition to indoor stalls, some sixty stalls join the other traders, turning into a buzzing market.

If you are still hungry, you can find a few restaurants attached to Les Halles, and the whole area along the quayside and surrounding streets has a plethora of good cafes and bars.

Read More: How to visit Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal: The Ultimate Guide

The hall is relatively small but has enough food stalls 

About The Bulls

Bayonne is France’s oldest bullfighting town, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century.

For five days each July, close to a million people get together for a running of the bulls, an event borrowed from Pamplona over the border.

Everyone is dressed in red and white (as in Pamplona), but instead of bulls, Bayonne uses cows with horns.

Rather than chase people up narrow streets, the cows are released on the main square, which may be more humane, but not enough for me to attend this massive popular party.

As I have no photo of the bulls running around the city, I will leave you with the beautiful stained glass window from the Bayonne Cathedral

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Bayonne? Let us know in the comments below!

Please let us know if you are planning a visit to Bayonne and have any travel-related questions.

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60 thoughts on “A Day of Discovery: The Perfect Day in Bayonne: Food, Sights, and Stories

    1. During my visit to Bayonne, I was quite surprised to learn that bullfighting is still very much alive in the French Basque Country, particularly in Bayonne, France’s oldest bullfighting town. There’s even an event called Fêtes de Bayonne, a huge summer festival where bulls play a central role, alongside the famous running of the bulls (similar to Pamplona’s) and actual bullfights in the arena. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 Bayonne is a wonderful place worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in authentic Basque culture, history, and food, offering colourful half-timbered houses, riverside walks, impressive landmarks like its cathedral, and renowned chocolate shops. It is also a great base for exploring the wider French Basque Country. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I’m glad to find out that we share a mutual love for the Basque Country, dear Sheree. Bayonne is a truly wonderful place to visit where visitors can experience the heart of French Basque culture, with unique traditions, language, and atmosphere distinct from other French cities. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Bayonne is a wonderful place to include in an itinerary as it’s where you can explore pedestrian zones with colourful, half-timbered houses, ramparts, castles, and medieval buildings along the Nive and Adour rivers. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  1. What an absolutely beautiful city Aiva. It seems to have it all, gorgeous street scenes, markets, flowers, bookstores and chocolate … you had me at chocolate! Fabulous getaway. I hadn’t heard of Bayonne but it’s certainly one to add to the list. Magnifique!

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    1. It is indeed a beautiful city worth visiting, dear Miriam.  While nearby St-Jean-de-Luz or Biarritz are much more picturesque, Bayonne provides a genuine, less touristy feel, blending art, history, and vibrant Basque traditions. Plus, it is the French capital of chocolate, and you can’t go wrong with that. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Bayonne is definitely a must for food lovers, offering excellent Basque cuisine and local specialities. It is also a great place as a base from which you can explore other Basque gems like Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and even the Spanish border. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Bayonne is a truly wonderful place to visit where lovely timbered, colorful houses make up the traditional architecture of this part of France and are beautiful to see as you stroll around town. It is also a manageable small city, easy to explore on foot which is always a big bonus, especially for those traveling with little ones. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  2. A gorgeous place to visit and slow down a bit Aiva, without sacrificing the quality of your vacation. I am you with visiting the smaller, less popular places for a more special holiday. We did this on our recent trip to NZ and we were rewarded again and again. Happy Monday. Allan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello Allan, it is so nice to hear from you. I am glad to hear that we share the same views regarding  visiting less-popular places. They might lack the infrastructure of big cities, but they offer a refreshing break from typical tourist traps, allowing for genuine connections and discovering hidden gems, which I often find more rewarding and less stressful than fighting for views at famous landmark. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 I can’t wait to read all about your recent trip to New Zealand. Aiva xx

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    1. It is very close to the beach, situated just about 6 km from the Atlantic Ocean. You can Choose Biarritz for upscale beaches, surfing, glamour, and seaside vibes or pick Bayonne for historic charm, authentic Basque culture, river scenes, medieval streets, and a less touristy feel. Both are very close (under 15 mins apart) with easy transport, so you could base yourself in whichever atmosphere suits your trip best. We always stay in Biarritz as it offers dramatic ocean vistas, seaside walks, and a strong surfing culture. In addition, Biarritz Airport is only 4 km from the Biarritz city centre, so you can reach your destination in just a few minutes. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  3. I’ve heard of Bayonne, but I never made it over while in France. Looks absolutely gorgeous, though, and it’s interesting to learn that it also has a history of bullfighting! Given its proximity to Spain, it’s probably not a surprise. I hope to check out Bayonne whenever I head to that part of France again. Thanks for sharing, Aiva!

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    1. Bayonne is as charming as it is quaint and is a must-see while in this part of France. Yes, you are right about the Spanish influence regarding bullfighting, dear Rebecca. Given its location near the Spanish border in the Basque Country, Bayonne adopted and developed Spanish-style bullfighting. It is still seen as an ancestral art form despite growing controversy over animal welfare. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Given how beautiful and authentic Bayonne was, I was surprised why it isn’t more popular, too. I think Bayonne isn’t as touristy as nearby spots like Biarritz because it’s more of a working, residential city with a local Basque vibe, less focused on flashy beaches, and often overlooked for more glamorous French Riviera destinations. Yet, it offers authentic charm with its medieval centre, cathedral, markets, and relaxed riverfront culture, appealing more to those seeking genuine atmosphere than typical tourist attractions. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am so glad that we initially decided to visit Bayonne. It turned out to be a less touristy destination with a focus on local life. It sits near glitzy Biarritz, so many visitors head straight for the beaches and glamour, missing Bayonne’s historic core. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. You would love Bayonne. While charming, it retains a gritty, port-town feel with residential areas, quiet streets, and local cafes, giving it a peaceful, small-town vibe compared to more manicured resorts. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for letting me know, dear Jo. I have to stop by Shree’s blog to check it out. Many people pass through Bayonne to reach the Pyrenees or other Basque destinations, seeing it as a transit point rather than a final stop, but given how much there is to see and do, it can also be a travel destination. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  4. Sounds like you had a delightful time in Bayonne. It looks very charming. And I love how there are so many chocolate shops! I had no idea this is where chocolate was first made. Seems like it would be fun to visit during the chocolate festival.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We only had a day to explore Bayonne, but we ended up having a really great time seeing its many sights and eating way too many sweets. I loved how the city offers chocolate tastings, unique tours and heaps of green spaces to explore. With a vast ocean and two rivers on its doorstep, the city is a playground for families who love being by the water. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

    1. The French Basque Country has a unique charm, unlike any other part of France and at its beating heart is Bayonne: a human-scale city, proud and authentic, often ranked among the best places to live in France. It’s a place well worth visiting. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  5. This post – and this beautiful French town – are screaming “The Travel Architect!” This has everything that’s appealing to me and nothing that isn’t (except, like you, the bull running, which I’d skip). The Basque Museum sounds interesting, and then there’s chocolate, narrow cobbled lanes, botanical gardens… Oui, s’il vous plait!
    I looked at a map and saw why people would probably naturally gravitate toward Biarritz more – being on the coast and all – but these two towns are so close they naturally fit together in one visit, just like you demonstrated. Thanks for the info!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The capital of the French Basque country is an intriguing place, part-French, part-Spanish, but with a distinctive atmosphere of its own. You would love visiting and exploring Bayonne as it’s a true Basque city, emphasising its own culture, history (City of Art and History), and local markets (like Les Halles), rather than just tourist attractions. While the two popular French Basque cities have two very different stories, they are easily connected via public transportation. Bayonne and Biarritz are only a short distance apart, with tickets are around €1.20 – €2 depending on the route and method. You know, one of the reasons why so many people end up in Biarritz is that Bayonne has no airport, nor does it technically have an official bus station. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  6. We didn’t visit Bayonne when we lived in France, but it looks lovely. As usual you’ve provided an excellent list of activities! I’m not a fan of bullfighting or running, but it seems to be popular in France. We saw a bull-running event in Saint-Rémy- de-Provence where several horses were injured. Not a pleasant sight.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am not a fan of bullfighting either. It’s quite barbaric to have the animals pushed to extreme mental and physical exhaustion before being stabbed to death. Nevertheless, Bayonne as a city is a wonderful place to visit. The city is very buoyant and vibrant, peppered with narrow cobbled medieval streets that characterise the old Grand Bayonne district. A walk in the botanical garden is a must. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  7. We have been twice, but each time only for a couple of days in Bayonne. The town has a cosy feeling, and we loved the bookshops there. We stayed at a nice Hotel (Bibicheri) in Biarritz and travelled daily to Bayonne. That was no problem as we were there both times by car. We preferred Bayonne to Biarritz.
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I am glad to hear that you have also been to Bayonne and, just like me, loved it. I find that the capital of the French Basque Country has a unique flavour; from Roman roads and colourful buildings to chocolate shops and tapas bars. There are certainly many reasons to visit this wonderful Basque City of Bayonne, and its classic half-timbered houses and historic landmarks are just some of them. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Bayonne is an excellent place for chocolate and chocolate lovers, especially as there are dedicated chocolate tours, traditional techniques (like frothy hot chocolate) and festivals. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Your enthusiastic description of Bayonne is very convincing. I also visited Bayonne from Biarritz. Two very different sides of the Basque coast. I also like its historic character, the distinctive style of the tall houses built due to lack of space in the old town, the university housed in the former Chateau Neuf, and the ramparts still ready for action.

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    1. I loved visiting Bayonne as it felt calm and compact, with colourful houses along the river, streets full of little details, beautiful viewpoints, and that unmistakable French atmosphere. It was quite amazing to experience Biarritz on a glitzy coast and then the historical town of Bayonne. I am glad you mentioned the university that has been housed in the former Château Neuf barracks in Petit Bayonne, giving it a very special cachet – it is also worth a visit, especially on Thursday evenings, the day of student parties – atmosphere guaranteed! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you kindly. When you visit Bayonne, it’s not just a town you’ll discover, but an atmosphere, a state of mind blending Basque and Gascon cultures. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It’s a wonderful place to explore for a day, dear Meg. If you’re ever visiting the Basque Country, you can’t miss Bayonne – the capital of the French side of this wonderful region. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the area, surrounded by the ocean and the Pyrenees mountain range, but it’s also a foodie destination of note. If you like chocolate (who doesn’t?!) and delicious, aged cured ham – jambon de Bayonne – you can’t miss this great city. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  9. I learn more about the French side of the Basque region from your posts, including this one on Bayonne. It looks and sounds like a very interesting place to explore, and the fact that it was where modern chocolate was first made only adds to the appeal.

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    1. Who can resist chocolate, Bama! The best way to discover Bayonne is through food – here you can sample some of the region’s finest delicacies – chocolate, seafood, cheese, Basque cake, house cider, cured meats, and other unique items. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Wow, from the Basque area of Spain, that’s so fascinating, dear Kerry. Have you ever tried to trace your roots properly? You could turn genealogy into a fascinating detective journey through time. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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      1. My relatives in the US are genealogy experts and I just absorb all their detective work! The Basque link came from DNA and Ortega is a common name there. Basque have more Neanderthal DNA than other Europeans, as have I. K x

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    1. How interesting to learn about Bayonne, near where you lived in New Jersey. The one in France is quite amazing – the city is geared towards tourism, and yet it does not feel overrun. Plus, there’s chocolate just about everywhere you look! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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