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.
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