Bayonne, the capital of the region, at the junction of
the rivers Adour and Nive, is a busy commercial town, with a long history. At every turn
of the narrow lanes with their distinctive colombage houses that make up the town centre,
you will come upon vestiges of the rich past that contributed to the growth of Bayonne.
From the beginnings of the town fortifications in Roman times,
of which certain elements are still visible, to the magnificent 14th century gothic Cathedral Sainte-Marie in the town centre and the ramparts and
forts constructed by Vauban under Louis XIV, the rich historical and commercial past of
Bayonne will enchant any visitor. Bayonne is famous, amongst other things, for it's
chocolate, for the excellent Bonnat museum of art, the summer
festival (the Fêtes de Bayonne) and for the invention of the
bayonet. There is so much to see and discover in Bayonne that it is well worth taking one
of the guided tours organised by the Tourist Office. |