Bayonne is the capital of the French Basque country. It is a dynamic subprefecture with 45,000 inhabitants and an economy based on port activities (trading in maize, sulphur, cement and petroleum), aeronautics and electronics. Bayonne also offers a computing institute and a software and systems institute.

Between the Adour river and the Atlantic		The town was built where two rivers converge and is divided into three main districts. Saint-Esprit lies on the right bank of the Adour, at the foot of the citadel built by Vauban. Petit Bayonne lies between the right bank of the Adour and the Nive. It is a medieval district which also hosts the Bonnat Museum of Art and the Basque Museum. The third district, Grand Bayonne, developed on the previously marshy left bank of the river Nive.

			Traditional half-timbered houses
		Basque yet Gascon, Bayonne offers visitors its particularly fine chocolate, previously imported from the West Indies, and the Izarra liqueur whose secret recipe includes Pyrenean spices and plants. The famous Bayonne ham comes from pigs reared in the Adour basin. You can find the most famous hams during the ham fair: "Bayonne" ham, with Espelette red chili, the very tasty Aldudes ham, and the Spanish "pata negra".

				Pelota has been played in the area since the XVth century,
			Bayonne also enjoys festivities: for over 60 years, the 5 days of festivals in early August include releasing heifers, processions with fanfares and giants, Basque songs and more. Bayonne's arenas are the oldest in France. Famous bullfights take place there every summer. Rugby and pelota are a part of its very identity.

 

Historical highlights

Antiquity: A fortified town was built in Gallic times at the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers. Then known as Lapurdum, Bayonne was an important meeting place. Middle ages: For 300 years, Bayonne was dominated by the English. It became a leading town for both trade and craftsmanship, with a large naval industry. Renaissance period: The town completely changed in appearance with the construction of fortifications and the channeling of the Adour river. Modern times: XIXth century: New fortifications were added. The advent of the railway gave new impetus to naval ship-building. After World War II, the port of Bayonne saw new industrial and technological developments. It is the only port in France to export hydrocarbons.

	Practical tips