Bayonne is renowned as the cultural and economic capital of the French Basque Country. The city’s vibrant markets, such as the Halles de Bayonne, showcase the best of Basque cuisine. Be sure to sample local delicacies like Bayonne ham, pintxos (Basque tapas), and the famous Basque chocolate, which has been a specialty here since the 17th century.
Bayonne’s history stretches back over 2,000 years, and its streets tell a story of resilience and cultural fusion. The medieval Old Town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses painted in the region’s signature colors of red, green, and white.