Bayonne (Baiona)

Bayonne (Baiona) is a walled city in Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France, about 55 km north-east of San Sebastian, where the Adour and Nive rivers meet. The trip takes about 50 minutes by car or about 1 hour 15 minutes by train, using Euskotren Topo to Hendaye and then an SNCF TER train to Bayonne. The Passbask combined ticket covers travel from Lasarte-Oria to Baiona, and information is at euskotren.eus and ter.sncf.com. Flixbus and PESA coaches are an alternative, and drivers can park along the Nive riverfront. The city is divided into Grand Bayonne on the Adour side and Petit Bayonne across the Nive, with bridges and quays linking them. A suggested day starts with the Gothic Sainte-Marie cathedral in Grand Bayonne, a large 13th-century church with a cloister, then a walk along the arcaded streets. Late morning suits the Musee Basque in Petit Bayonne, which presents Basque culture and traditions. Chocolate has long been a speciality, and the shops along the arcades sell it, alongside Bayonne ham, which is a good lunch choice in local restaurants and brasseries. In the afternoon, visitors can walk along the river quays and the old ramparts, then browse shops and cafes before the return train. April to October gives the most reliable weather, and the Bayonne Festivals in late July or early August fill the streets with crowds, music and events, so accommodation and trains should be planned ahead for those dates. Arriving in the morning leaves time for the museum and a leisurely lunch. Prices are in euros, and photo ID should be carried for the border crossing. The multi-leg rail trip and the amount of walking make this a moderate day.