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Bayonne Attractions

The old town of Bayonne (pop. 41,778) lies near the Atlantic coast at the point where the river Nive flows into the broad Adour. Controlling access to the passes in the western Pyrenees, Bayonne was once strongly fortified, and is now surrounded by the attractive promenades which have replaced its walls. Here Basque and Gascon characteristics meet and mingle. As its name indicates, the bayonet was invented by the armourers of Bayonne, and the town also claims credit for the introduction into France of chocolate, brought by Jews expelled from Spain.

The Pont St-Esprit leads from the outer district of that name (citadel built by Vauban, 1674-1679; 15th C church) into the Place de la Liberté, the hub of the town's life. On its west side are the Theater and the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall).

The Musée Bonnat displays the collection of pictures assembled by the painter Léon Bonnat, including works by Botticelli, Van Dyck, Rubens, Hals, El Greco and Turner and a rich collection of graphic art.
Cathedral of Ste Marie
The Cathedral of Ste-Marie (1213-1544) is one of the handsomest churches in southwestern France. The facade and the two towers date from the 19th century, the cloister from the 14th. Fine stained glass (1531). To the north of the cathedral is the Château-Vieux, a medieval stronghold built on Roman foundations.
Address
Bayonne - Cathedral of Ste-Marie
F-64100 Bayonne
France
Hours
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Tips
Pass is for access to the cloitre only.
Musée Basque
The Musée Basque, housed in a 15th C building, illustrates the history of the town and the Basque country.
Address
Musée Basque
37 quai des Corsaires
F-64100 Bayonne
France
Hours
May 2 to October 31
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OpenClosed10:0010:0010:0010:0010:0010:00
Close 18:3018:3018:3018:3018:3018:30
November 1 to April 30
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OpenClosed10:3010:3010:3010:3010:3010:30
Close 12:3012:3012:3012:3012:3012:30
Open 14:0014:0014:0014:0014:0014:00
Close 18:0018:0018:0018:0018:0018:00
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