Bayonne, Aquitaine, France

Bayonne, France, with view of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayonne
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grand_Bayonne.JPG
Author: Robespierre


Bayonne is a city in the district of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the region Aquitaine, in southwestern France. It is on the coast facing the Bay of Biscay to the west, at the confluence of the rivers Nive and Adour. It covers 22 sq km (8 sq mi) and has a population of 46,000 people (2012 estimate) within a conurbation of 180,000 inhabitants, including the surrounding towns.

Bayonne has a history that goes back to Roman times. There was a military installation here around the 3rd century AD. After the Romans withdrew, the area was on its own until the Vikings arrived here in the 9th century.

By the 13th century Bayonne has developed into a seaport. During this time, it was under English rule, which lasted till 1452, when King Charles VII of France captured in at the end of the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453).

Houses on Rue de Faures in Bayonne, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baionako_Alde_Zaharra,_Euskal_Herria.jpg
Author: Gilles Messian


Being close to the border with Spain, Bayonne benefited from cross-border trades. From the 16th to the earth 20th century, products passing through the town included cinnamon, whale and cod products and goods spirited over through piracy.

Today Bayonne is an attractive town with the river Nive splitting it into two parts, called Grand Bayonne and Petit Bayonne. There are many elegant buildings, among them the imposing Cathédrale Sainte-Marie. The Mus&eaucte;e Basque is regarded as one of the best ethnographic museums in the Basque Country.

How to go to Bayonne

You can fly to Bayonne from Paris, Lyon, London and Dublin. The Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne Airport is just 4 km from downtown.

Places of Interest in Bayonne

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