Getting There — Four TGV trains per day link Bayonne and Paris (trip time: 5 hr., 10 min.; 82€ one-way). Nine trains per day arrive from Bordeaux (trip time: 1 hr., 50 min.; 28€ one-way). For train information and schedules, visit www.sncf-connect.com or call tel. 36-35.
A bus service connects to Biarritz, 15 min. away. Bus no. 1 departs from Biarritz at 12-min. intervals throughout the daylight hours, depositing passengers on place de la Mairie in Bayonne; the one-way fare is 1.20€, and tickets can be bought on the bus. Bus service also connects Bayonne and outlying towns and villages not serviced by train. For bus information in Bayonne, call tel. 05-59-59-04-61.
Bayonne is near the end of the N117 roadway, easily accessible by car from Toulouse and other cities in the south of France. From Paris, take A10 south to Bordeaux, and then the N10 and A63 down the Atlantic coast towards Bayonne.
Visitor Information — The Office de Tourisme is on place des Basques (visitbayonne.com; tel. 08-20-42-64-64).
Special Events — During the 5-day Fêtes de Bayonne, the last week in July, a frenzy of outdoor concerts and dancing fills the streets. The celebration is intense. Bayonne’s two major contributions to France’s culinary scene, namely chocolate and ham, have their own festivals. Come in April for the 4-day Foire au Jambon when the center of town is overtaken by concerts, food competitions and family events. In October, things turn sweeter with Chocolate Days, when local chocolate makers bring their tasty treats to town.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
