Bayonne , France

Bayonne City Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the charm of southern France on a walking tour of Bayonne, the historic capital of the French Basque Country and one of Aquitaine’s most fascinating cities. The guided route begins in the city center and leads you through monuments spanning centuries of history, from the Roman-era Château Vieux and the imposing Memorial to the Dead to the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary.

Stroll along Rue Port Neuf, the famous “chocolate street,” where Sephardic Jews introduced cocoa in the 18th century, making Bayonne the birthplace of French artisan chocolate.

The itinerary also includes landmarks such as the neoclassical City Hall, the Church of Saint Andrew, the Saint Esprit Bridge overlooking the citadel, and the Château Neuf, now part of the university. The experience ends at Les Halles market, where Basque gastronomy shines in typical products.

Led by an expert local guide, this tour blends history, architecture, cuisine, and Basque culture in one unforgettable route.

Available options

Bayonne City Tour

What's included

Expert local guide

Visits to the most iconic landmarks of Bayonne

Bilingual tour. The guide will speak in Spanish first, then in English

Detailed itinerary

The guide will make a short presentation of the tour

We will introduce you to the city’s Roman past.

The majestic Bayonne Cathedral, famous for its stunning Gothic stained glass windows, hidden symbols, and peaceful cloister.

The guide will lead the group into the cloister, offering a wonderful opportunity to take photos and appreciate its unique architecture and atmosphere.

We will talk about the hundreds of caves hidden beneath some buildings in Bayonne and admire the remains of the ancient Roman wall.

We’ll stroll down Chocolate Street, where Bayonne’s sweet legacy began, and share some fun stories along the way.

(Chocolate Street)

The guide will show you this neoclassical building and talk about the old harbor that once stood here.

We will admire the exterior architecture of this church.

We’ll stop to admire the exterior of this historic castle and share its fascinating role in Bayonne’s past, including how it connects to the city's military heritage.

We’ll end the tour by talking about some of the region’s most iconic delicacies.

What's not included

Rain clothes and umbrellas

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is bilingual. The guide will provide all explanations in both Spanish and English.

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

A minimum of 3 adults is required to carry out the tour.

If the minimum group for carrying out the activity would not be reached, an alternative date or full refund would be offered.

If your booking doesn’t meet the minimum group size, we will contact you at least 3 days in advance to let you know. Feel free to reach out anytime to check the total number of bookings for your tour date.

If the minimum number of participants is not met by 16:00 on the day before the tour, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued to all guests.

Meeting point

The guide will carry a credential displaying the company name: Local Experts Tours.

About Bayonne

Bayonne is a charming coastal city in southwestern France, known for its rich history, vibrant festivals, and delicious chocolate. Nestled at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, Bayonne offers a unique blend of Basque culture, medieval architecture, and modern amenities. Its picturesque old town, bustling markets, and proximity to the Atlantic coast make it a delightful destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Bayonne Old Town

The Old Town of Bayonne is a charming area with medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings. It's a great place to wander, shop, and enjoy the local ambiance.

Historical 2-3 hours Free

Chocolate Museum

Bayonne is famous for its chocolate, and the Chocolate Museum offers a fascinating look into the city's chocolate-making history. Visitors can learn about the process and even sample some delicious chocolates.

Museum 1-2 hours €8

Bayonne Cathedral

This stunning cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. The cathedral's intricate details and rich history make it a standout attraction.

Religious 1 hour Free

Bayonne Beaches

Bayonne's beaches, such as Grande Plage and Petit Plage, offer beautiful sandy shores and clear waters. They are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half-day or full-day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Axoa

A traditional Basque stew made with beef, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, flavored with Espelette pepper.

Main course Contains beef and gluten

Piperade

A Basque dish made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and eggs, often served with ham or bacon.

Main course Contains eggs and can be made vegetarian

Gateau Basque

A traditional Basque cake filled with custard or cherry jam, often dusted with powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Visiting museums Exploring historic sites Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Bayonne, with warm weather and numerous festivals, including the famous Fêtes de Bayonne. The city is lively, and the beaches are at their best. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: Basque, English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Bayonne is generally a safe city for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Biarritz Pays Basque Airport • 30 km from Bayonne
San Sebastián Airport • 50 km from Bayonne

By train

Bayonne Train Station

By bus

Bayonne Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Chronoplus bus network is efficient and affordable. Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Bayonne.

Taxis

Available • Apps: G7, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Grand Bayonne Petit Bayonne Saint-Esprit

Day trips

Biarritz

30 km • Half-day or full-day

Biarritz is a glamorous seaside resort town known for its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and surfing culture. It's a great destination for a day trip from Bayonne.

San Sebastián

50 km • Full-day

San Sebastián is a beautiful coastal city in Spain, known for its stunning beaches, historic sites, and world-renowned cuisine. It's a must-visit destination for foodies and culture enthusiasts.

Hendaye

40 km • Half-day or full-day

Hendaye is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, lush parks, and scenic views. It's a great destination for a relaxing day trip from Bayonne.

Festivals

Fêtes de Bayonne • Early July Bayonne Chocolate Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the Chocolate Museum for a unique and delicious experience.
Explore the Old Town on foot to discover hidden gems and local shops.
Try local Basque dishes like Axoa and Piperade for an authentic culinary experience.
Attend the Fêtes de Bayonne festival for a vibrant and unforgettable cultural experience.
Take a day trip to nearby Biarritz or San Sebastián for stunning beaches and historic sites.