Advice

We'd like to take a moment to briefly introduce you to other points of interest that we weren't able to squeeze into our itinerary. A bit outside the city center but within walking distance, Bayonne's arena is a must-see. It hosts countless events each year, with a seating capacity of up to 10,000 people.

Whether you take a guided tour or explore on your own, you'll get to discover the city's history and its deep-rooted tradition of bullfighting. If you're up for a swim after a day of sightseeing, you're spoilt for choice. The closest beaches are in Anglet, just a few kilometers from Bayonne.

Yes, you heard that right – it's not just one, but many! If you're looking for greenery and nature, head to the Plain of Ansot, just a 10-minute drive from the city. This natural park promises scenic, peaceful walks and it's known for its incredible biodiversity that has earned it a place in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas.

It is also home to the Natural History Museum, with exhibitions on zoology, botany, geology and ethnology. Also located in Anglet, the Chiberta forest offers an array of scenic trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Plus, it's just a few minutes' drive from Bayonne.

If you're staying in the area for a while, be sure to visit Biarritz, one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. You can stroll around the city, explore its beaches (which are just perfect for surfing) and climb up to the lighthouse for amazing views. Bayonne and its surroundings are a cyclist's dream.

You can pedal your way through the area no matter your skill level. The Vélodyssée cycling route, for example, passes through here, connecting Hendaye to Roscoff. You can take it and ride up the coast to Capbreton or Biarritz.

If you're in town for a while longer, you can explore Labourd, one of the three provinces of the French Basque Country. You can drive down the coast to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and then to Hendaye, and discover two more of the region's famous cities. Alternatively, you can venture inland and visit Espelette, famous for its chili peppers, and home to some beautiful traditional Basque houses.

You can also head further downhill to Ainhoa, one of France's most beautiful villages, right on the Spanish border. Larressore is also worth a visit. Here, you can learn about the making of the makhila, the traditional Basque walking cane.

Nature enthusiasts should take the Rhune train from Sare for panoramic views of the Pyrenees. Last but not least, there's the village of La Bastide-Clairence – yet another must-see just a 25-minute drive from Bayonne. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do, if you feel like staying in the area for a while.