Major city · France
BayonneBaiona
Give Bayonne 2 nights as a base: old town on foot in a day, then use it as the rail and bus hub for Biarritz, the Basque coast and Spain.
Bayonne is the working Basque town that Biarritz gets the credit for: half-timbered quays on the Nive, a Gothic cathedral, ramparts, chocolate history and the best ham in France. It is also the transport hub of the BAB conurbation (Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne), so it works as a base rather than a stop. Two nights covers the old town properly and leaves a day for the coast or the mountains.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Mid-July (Fêtes de Bayonne: packed and pricier), Aug (busiest and hottest)
- Airport
- BIQ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bayonne112 ▾
- European emergency (police, fire, ambulance)112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
- By text, deaf callers114
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bayonne, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyA calm, low-crime town; the real risks are pickpockets in the Fêtes de Bayonne crowds, tidal riverbanks…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency (police, fire, ambulance) · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckBIQ Biarritz Pays Basque (5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of the centre; Txik Txak bus 4 runs downtown about every 20 min, 20 min, last around 22:30 (check)).BIQ Biarritz Pays Basque (5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of the centre; Txik Txak bus 4 runs downtown about every 20 min, 20 min, last around 10:30 PM (check)).BIQ Biarritz Pays Basque (3.1 mi (5 km) southwest of the centre; Txik Txak bus 4 runs downtown about every 20 min, 20 min, last around 22:30 (check)).BIQ Biarritz Pays Basque (3.1 mi (5 km) southwest of the centre; Txik Txak bus 4 runs downtown about every 20 min, 20 min, last around 10:30 PM (check)).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: station to cathedral is about 1 km (0.6 mi) across the Adour bridge.The centre is walkable: station to cathedral is about 0.6 mi (1 km) across the Adour bridge.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a bar counter€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Street or quick mealJambon de Bayonne sandwich or plate€5–12 (≈ US$6–14)
- BeerPint of beer€5–8 (≈ US$6–10)
- Metro or bus rideTxik Txak single bus ticketValid 90 min with interchange (check)€1.20 (≈ US$2)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€8–20 (≈ US$10–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Musée Basque, Bonnat-Helleu, chocolate museum)€6.80–9 (≈ US$8–11)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€28 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BIQ Biarritz Pays Basque (5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of the centre; Txik Txak bus 4 runs downtown about every 20 min, 20 min, last around 22:30 (check))BIQ Biarritz Pays Basque (5 km (3.1 mi) southwest of the centre; Txik Txak bus 4 runs downtown about every 20 min, 20 min, last around 10:30 PM (check))BIQ Biarritz Pays Basque (3.1 mi (5 km) southwest of the centre; Txik Txak bus 4 runs downtown about every 20 min, 20 min, last around 22:30 (check))BIQ Biarritz Pays Basque (3.1 mi (5 km) southwest of the centre; Txik Txak bus 4 runs downtown about every 20 min, 20 min, last around 10:30 PM (check))
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Jul (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bayonne: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
Feb
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Dec
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: station to cathedral is about 1 km across the Adour bridge. Txik Txak runs the BAB network; N1, N2 and N6 are free town-centre shuttles, other routes cost about €1.20 for 90 min including interchange (2026 estimate). Multi-journey and day passes are sold at the kiosk by the town hall and at tobacconists, not on the bus. Trains and buses cover Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye and Spain.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Biarritz
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Txik Txak bus from the centre, about 20–30 min
Take the bus, not the train: Biarritz station is 3 km (1.9 mi) from the beach and centre.Take the bus, not the train: Biarritz station is 1.9 mi (3 km) from the beach and centre.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Train from Bayonne, about 1 h 10 min
Pilgrim town at the foot of the Pyrenees; go early, the valley fills by midday.
Hendaye
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Hourly local train, about 40 min via Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz
Border beach town; from Hendaye, Euskotren continues to San Sebastián.
Sare
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Bus or train to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, then onward bus or taxi
Caves and mountain railway; thin public transport, easier with a car.
Bidarray
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Train towards Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, then walk or taxi
River gorges and rafting; check train times, the station is outside the village.
Pau
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Direct train, about 1 h 30 min
Château, boulevard views of the Pyrenees; a full day out.
Lescun
overnightDoor to door: 3 h+
Train to Pau or Oloron, then bus and taxi
Mountain village for hiking; not a return day trip without a car.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Grand Bayonne (west of the Nive)
Cathedral, Les Halles market, most hotels; walk to everything.
Petit Bayonne (east of the Nive)
Quays, tapas bars and the Musée Basque; quieter at night.
Saint-Esprit (north of the Adour)
Around the SNCF station and the bus stop; cheapest beds, 10–15 min walk to the old town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × €110 | €220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Txik Txak bus 4, airport to centre, one way2 × €1 · check | €2 |
| Txik Txak 24-hour pass2 × €4 · check | €7 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €69 |
| Trip total≈ €190 per person per day, bed included | €758≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in euros; long-distance trains and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a bar counter | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Pint of beer | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Jambon de Bayonne sandwich or plate | €5–12 (≈ US$6–14) |
| Lunch menu (formule) in the old town | €16–25 (≈ US$19–30) |
| Museum entry (Musée Basque, Bonnat-Helleu, chocolate museum) | €6.80–9 (≈ US$8–11) |
| Txik Txak single bus ticketValid 90 min with interchange (check) | €1.20 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €8–20 (≈ US$10–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Several old-town sights close during the Fêtes de Bayonne in mid-July; check dates before booking.
- Château-Vieux, the Citadelle and Château Neuf are military or university sites: outside only.
- The intercity bus stop at Quai de Lesseps has no shelter and few facilities; it is a 10-min walk from the station.
- Beach swimming is at Biarritz or Anglet, not Bayonne: the Adour and Nive are tidal and not swimming rivers.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
- By text, deaf callers
- 114
Pocket card
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Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BayonneBaiona
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
No embassy in Bayonne; the US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Irish embassies are in Paris, with consulates-general in Bordeaux (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BIQ airport → Bayonne centre, Txik Txak bus 4: about €1.20 (≈ US$2), 20 min (check)
- Bayonne → Biarritz by bus: about €1.20 (≈ US$2), 20–30 min (check)
- Bayonne → Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port by train: about €8–10 (≈ US$10–12), 1 h 10 min (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-zhoor)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-see)
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît — The bill, please (la-dee-syon seel voo pleh)
- Je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (zhuh puh pay-yay par kart)
- Où est la gare ? — Where is the station? (oo ay la gar)
- Une tranche de jambon, s'il vous plaît — A slice of ham, please (ewn trahnsh duh zham-bon seel voo pleh)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bayonne. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Mid-July (Fêtes de Bayonne: packed and pricier), Aug (busiest and hottest) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BIQ: last Txik Txak bus 4 departure field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: cathedral and Grand Bayonne, Les Halles and the Nive quays, Petit Bayonne and Musée Basque, Saint-Esprit and the station.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (cathedral, cloister, Musée Basque, Musée Bonnat-Helleu, DIDAM, Atelier du Chocolat) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fêtes de Bayonne fixture: what closes, what stays open, and a white-and-red dress note.