Bayonne (France) Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
commune in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
About Bayonne (France)
The town grew up at a point where the valley of the river Adour is pinched, and dominated by a hill. As the chief town of the Basque province of Labourd, it came under English rule from 1152 when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II; France only regained it in 1451. Whaling and later cod-fishing were important industries, forging the Basque connection with Newfoundland and maritime Canada. Around 1500, many Jews arrived here from Spain, fleeing the Spanish Inquisition - they brought with them the art of chocolate-making, and this too became a major industry. Around 1700, Vauban enclosed Bayonne within sturdy ramparts. The town was battered and besieged in 1814 as Wellington's forces advanced out of Spain against Napeolon's France. In the 19th and early 20th century, Biarritz was a fashion
Top Attractions in Bayonne (France)
Explore the best things to see and do in Bayonne (France):
- ★Cathédrale Sainte-Marie
- ★DIDAM
- ★Église Saint-André
- ★Hermione
- ★Jardin Botanique
- ★L'Atelier du Chocolat
- ★Musée Basque
- ★Musee Bonnat-Helleu
Where to Eat in Bayonne (France)
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Au Bouchon Basque
- 🍴Bajadita
- 🍴Bar Dacquois
- 🍴Bistrot Sainte-Cluque
- 🍴Cheval Blanc
- 🍴Chez Gilles
Where to Stay in Bayonne (France)
- 🏨Hostel 20
- 🏨Hotel Campanile
- 🏨Hotel des Arceaux
- 🏨Hotel Ibis Budget
- 🏨Hotel Ibis Styles
- 🏨Hôtel Le Bayonne
Bayonne (France) Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: