Explore the gastronomic heart of the Basque Country in Bayonne, visiting the covered market for Bayonne ham, sampling pintxos in authentic bars, and discovering Bayonne's 500-year tradition of chocolate making.
The Bayonne Pintxos and Chocolate Tour is a two-and-a-half-hour walking tour through the gastronomic heart of the French Basque Country. Bayonne, located at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, holds two protected culinary distinctions: Jambon de Bayonne IGP and a 500-year tradition of chocolate making introduced by Sephardic Jewish merchants who arrived from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century.
The tour begins at the Halles de Bayonne covered market, where the guide introduces participants to Jambon de Bayonne — air-cured ham from the Adour basin, rubbed with Espelette pepper and aged for a minimum of seven months. Samples of the ham alongside Ossau-Iraty sheep's cheese and Espelette pepper condiments are served at the market stalls.
From the market, the group moves into the historic Grande Bayonne neighbourhood to visit a series of pintxos bars. Six pintxos tastings are included across different establishments, covering a mix of savoury options: salt cod croquettes, anchovy-topped bread, Basque sausage with peppers, and seasonal specials based on market availability. The guide explains how Basque pintxos differ from Spanish tapas in terms of counter culture etiquette and ingredient emphasis.
The final segment explores Bayonne's chocolate heritage along the Rue du Port-Neuf, historically known as the chocolate street. Bayonne was one of the first cities in France to produce chocolate, and artisan chocolate houses along this street still stone-grind cacao using traditional methods. Participants receive a curated tasting of four to five chocolates, including a piment d'Espelette-infused bar and a ganache made with local Izarra herbal liqueur.
The full €45 price includes six pintxos tastings, ham and cheese samples at the market, and the chocolate tasting. The local guide service is included throughout. Groups are kept to a maximum of 12 and the tour moves at a leisurely walking pace through pedestrianised streets and covered market aisles. Vegetarian alternatives are available at most pintxos stops with advance notice; vegan options are limited due to the prevalence of anchovies and cured meats in traditional Basque bar culture.
What is included
- 6 pintxos tastings
- chocolate tasting
- ham samples
- local guide
Highlights
- Bayonne covered market
- Pintxos bar crawl
- Bayonne chocolate history
- Espelette pepper tasting
Tips for visiting
- Arrive hungry — six pintxos stops plus ham, cheese, and chocolate sampling amounts to a substantial late morning.
- Some pintxos bars operate on a cash-only basis; bring small notes and coins to avoid any inconvenience.
- Espelette pepper appears throughout the tasting and adds mild heat; participants with capsaicin sensitivity should mention this at booking.
- The chocolate shops along Rue du Port-Neuf sell individual tablets and gift boxes; leave space in luggage if planning to shop after the tour.
- The tour runs in all weather — the pintxos bars and covered market provide shelter during rain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Basque pintxos and Spanish tapas?
Pintxos are typically small portions mounted on slices of bread and secured with a toothpick, priced individually and eaten standing at the bar. The guide explains the cultural and naming differences in detail during the tour.
Are vegetarian options available throughout the tour?
Vegetarian alternatives are available at most pintxos stops with advance notice. However, much of Basque bar cuisine features anchovies, cured meats, and seafood, so vegetarian options may be limited at certain stops.
Is the tour available in English?
The tour is conducted in English. French-language departures may be available on request depending on the season and group composition.
Can children participate in the tour?
Children aged 8 and older can participate. Non-alcoholic substitutes replace any wine or cider elements at bar stops. A reduced children's price is available on request.