Bayonne Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.