The best things to do on Sunday in Bayonne?

Wondering what to do this Sunday in Bayonne? Do you want a day of relaxation while discovering Basque culture? We have unearthed some ideas to please you alone, as a couple, with friends or family. We have concocted a program of activities for you to make the most of your weekend in Bayonne and the surrounding area.

Opening photo: © Saiko3P / Adobe Stock

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Take a walk in the historic city center

This typically Basque old fortress has very ancient roots. To understand the history of this country, from the Gallo-Roman era to the present day, Bayonne is the place to go. The tourist office offers very interesting discovery walks. You will pass by the ramparts, the castle, the cathedral… All the most emblematic sites of the city.

Let's visit Bayonne together, this city of art and history (fr).

Find local products in the markets of the Basque Country

The market is the ideal place to soak up the atmosphere of a country. You can taste local specialities. You can hear the regional accent. We meet producers who know how to highlight their land and their know-how. We toured the markets of Bayonne and here are our favorites:

The Bayonne market: The food market is set up every day in Les Halles. It is covered, which allows you to enjoy it in any season and in any weather. It is considered the most traditional in the region.
The Quintaou d'Anglet market: The largest in the Basque Country! It takes place on the long alleys of Quintaou. They are lined with trees, which makes the walk very pleasant during the summer.

The Quintaou Market in Anglet, Basque terroir and art of living.

The Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port market: This is the oldest market in the Basque Country. It is very picturesque! The merchants line up along the ramparts of the city and the setting is truly magnificent.

Our Top 5 markets in the Basque Country.

Photo credit: © Lesley Williamson

Enjoy a Sunday brunch

Sunday brunch is very trendy in all major cities. In Bayonne, you have no shortage of choices for brunch. There is something to satisfy all your desires, whatever your style... We suggest three good places for brunch in Bayonne:

Coffee Muxu: Near the botanical garden, this coffee-shop revisits traditional brunch recipes, in a Basque version, with organic products.
The square: Located not far from the Nive, you will find local cuisine and refined decoration, in a friendly atmosphere.
Eklat: Near the Halles de Bayonne, this tea room is the favorite address for lovers of small sweet treats. The plates are simply sublime. It is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Photo © Brooke Lark / Unsplash

Visit an unmissable monument: Bayonne Cathedral

The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie is one of the must-see visits in Bayonne. Dating back to the year 900, the long history of this former episcopal palace will be told to you during guided tours, organized by the tourist office. Its architecture is particularly remarkable and its interior decoration is absolutely beautiful. It is one of the major stages on the way to Santiago de Compostela.

We visited Bayonne Cathedral for you.

Photo credit: © Lesley Williamson

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Stroll through the botanical garden

The Bayonne Botanical Garden is a place that is both exotic and inspiring. This walk takes you from country to country, discovering a wide variety of plants. Decorated with water points, waterfalls, small bridges and footbridges, there is no doubt that you will fall in love with this outing, which will please the whole family.

We share with you our walk in the Botanical Garden of Bayonne.

Discover modern art in Bayonne

Art is omnipresent in Bayonne. It is a city where Basque culture and local artists are expressed everywhere. Whether in museums, in parks, and even in the streets… It's a bit like an artistic treasure hunt that is offered to you. Sometimes you have to keep your eyes open to spot some of them, while others will impress you with their size and shimmering colors. To guide you, we have selected events and sites for you to discover Street Art in Bayonne.

Celebrate in a Basque atmosphere

To end this day in style, do you want to party? So come and savor some Basque specialties. To begin with, you will appreciate the Basque tradition of tapas: The Pintxos. These are slices of bread, which are decorated with a typical Basque garnish: Espelette pepper, sheep's cheese and charcuterie to make your taste buds sing.

Fancy Pintxos and Tapas in Bayonne? Direction Ibaïa for a festive evening (fr).

And beforehand why not have a drink in a nice bar in Bayonne. Are you tempted? Here is our Top 5 of the best bars in Bayonne.