A Good Blend of Cultures
Bayonne is the textbook sleepy little French town in south-western France and it is part of the historic Basque country. Situated on the confluence of two rivers, the Adour and the Nive, it gained considerable wealth in its past as an important post for overseas trade, and though small – the town has a population of only 40.000 – Bayonne has a relatively great number of sights which can all be easily discovered in your hired car.
Take Your Taste Buds on a Journey
The cultural diversity of the town is mirrored in various aspects of life, one of them being the much celebrated local cuisine, mixing French, Basque, and Spanish elements. The ingredients mostly come from the immediate vicinity of the town, the Atlantic Ocean being the major supplier of fresh fish. Anything from garlic soup to grilled figs and Cèpes à la Bordelaise, mushrooms baked in garlic, parsley, and grape juice, pleases locals and tourists alike. Traditionally, meals are served with wine from the surrounding vineyards of Salies-de-Béarn and St-Étienne-de-Baigorry, both of which also welcome visitors. These vineyards can also be explored in your rental car.
The most intense cultural experience is offered annually on the first Wednesday in August and the five following days when a colourful folk festival sweeps through the streets of Bayonne, yet again a happy mixture of French drinks, Spanish barbeques, and Basque bull races.
To complete your cultural education visit the Musée Basque, illustrating Basque history and culture with a number of displays revolving around music, art, crafts, and even traditional sports. You can easily get to these places in your rented car.
Exploring Bayonne does not generally take much effort. A walk is best started along the old Nive docks, a romantic concoction of quirky little craft shops, pubs, and old houses.
Exceptional Art
The town’s major landmark is Cathédrale Sainte-Marie de Bayonne, a Roman Catholic house of worship dominated by Gothic elements, though features of different time periods can be found since construction lasted almost 600 years and started in the 13th century.
Apart from the cathedral which obviously contains a considerable amount of sacral art, the Musée Bonnat holds the town’s best art collection comprising anything from ancient sculptures to the great masters of the Middle Ages to even contemporary art.
After having spending time in Bayonne, make use of your hired car exploring the surroundings. Biarritz is only a short drive away and has all the glitter and glamour of a high society holiday resort. The local history museum tells the town’s story and that of its famous and ordinary visitors who have stayed in the former fishing village, shaping it over time and turning it into the Atlantic version of Monte Carlo.
