770km (477 miles) SW of Paris; 184km (114 miles) SW of Bordeaux

Bayonne is the leading port and pleasure-yacht basin of the Côte Basque, divided by the Nive and Adour rivers. A cathedral city and the capital of the Pays Basque, it’s characterized by narrow streets, quays, and ramparts. Enlivening the scene are bullfights (although protests against them are on the rise in France and Spain), pelote (jai alai), and street dancing at annual fiestas. You may want to buy some of Bayonne’s famous chocolate at one of the arcaded shops along rue du Port-Neuf, and then enjoy coffee at a cafe along place de la Liberté, the hub of town.