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Bayonne Activities

Hi All! My mom and I will be in the Dordogne region this September and are thinking about adding an overnight in Bayonne. We're thinking about arriving in the afternoon, have an evening to explore, spend the night, and then have a whole day to explore before leaving the next morning.

Is this enough time to see the highlights?

Other than the chocolate the town is known for, we don't really have any must-sees. We enjoy meandering through town and stopping for good meals and wine.

Thanks for your advice and suggestions!

Posted by
26829 posts

I used Bayonne as a base for day-trips to St-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz. I much preferred SJdL, but the Biarritz day was marred by persistent heavy rain.

I spent 3 evenings walking the attractive streets of historic Bayonne and I went to the Atelier de Chocolate Museum one afternoon. The information about chocolate production was interesting, and the tasting was extremely generous--so much so that you need to scout the offerings and decide which you will skip. Trying them all would be a serious mistake. Note that the chocolate is good, but it is not the $50-per-pound variety.

Posted by
6773 posts

Lovely as Bayonne and the area is, I cannot recommend that you drive from the Dordogne and then back (where to next?) just for one night. There is no "must see" sight there that would justify it. If you have only one spare night, I would spend it in Bordeaux, or near Saint Emilion.

Posted by
26829 posts

Actually, I agree eith balso. Are you going to have enough time in the Dordogne itself? What about seeing the Lot? Although I enjoyed Bayonne, I also liked Cahors, Figeac, Sarlat, etc.

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks acraven and balso!
Yes, I think we have enough time in the Dordogne - 6 days plus driving there exploring on the way.
I have considered using Bayonne for two nights as a base to get out to the coastal areas.
We only have the week in France and have been in the Lot before (amazing!) so the debate is staying in the Dordogne or adding a bit of Basque country.
Thanks again for your feedback.