Bayonne: Capital of the French Basque Country in the South of France. The Nive and
Adour Rivers divide Bayonne into three distinct neighborhood.
Grand Bayonne
Bayonne's Top Things to Do & See
The Nive and Adour Rivers divide Bayonne into three distinct neighborhoods. We
have hand-selected the best things to do and see based on each area, including the
Basque Museum and the Cathedral of Bayonne – if it deals with Bayonne tourism,
we’ve got you covered.
1 Grand Bayonne
Grand Bayonne is the more commercial part of town but also the ancient heart.
There, you will find the Sainte Marie Cathedral, which dominates the city’s
skyline. The construction of this gothic cathedral started in 1213 and wasn ’t
finished until the 17 th century (with exception of the north tower, finished in the
19th century). Alongside the cathedral is the cloister, which dates back to 1240
and features a flamboyant gothic style. The cloister is one of the largest in all of
France.
2 Petit Bayonne
Apart from wandering through the streets of this beautiful neighborhood and
enjoying its architecture, in Petit Bayonne, you can visit the Basque
Museum (Musée basque et de l’histoire de Bayonne). Founded in 1922, it
contains a nice collection of Basque and local French history. It is located in a
small palace from the 16 th century called “maison Dagourette.”
3. L’Atelier du Chocolat
OK, so you might not have chocolate in mind when you picture Bayonne, but maybe
it’s worth fixing that, as the first French cocoa ateliers were based here in the
Basque Country.
You’ll get much more background about this at the Andrieu brand workshop and be
talked through every part of production, from mixing to moulding, decorating and
packaging.
2. Saint-Malo: A historic walled city in the Brittany region of northwestern
France. Walking through the beautifully preserved cobbled streets of St Malo’s old
town feels truly beautiful.

The walled city called "The Corsair City" in Intramuros.

The tower Solidor (caphorniers Museum) in Saint-Servan.

The city of Aleth, former German stronghold during World War II memorial
with his 39-45.

The park Briantais and its botanical garden.

The Lower Sablons beach in Saint-Servan with its dam, which allows for
walks with a view of the marina.

The Grand Aquarium with the Ring of Sharks.
3.) Verdon Gorge: A sight to behold! This natural landscape has been shaped by
thousands of years and has still somehow managed to stay of any mainstream
tourism radars.
Those who love history will love to walk the route of Napoleon, pass through the
beautiful city of Grasse (the iconic city of perfumes) and finally reach the gorges of
the Verdon River. The view is of the most incredible, the green waters, the majestic
mountains ... It is worth a stop at Point Sublime, where you have the best view of
the gorges, follow to the lake of Sainte Croix (a dam) and also to the town of
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, one of the most beautiful villages in France. By car is a trip
that can be made in a whole day, from Nice.
4.) Grenoble: Snuggled between the snow capped mountains, Grenoble is a city
unlike many others. It’s steep in history and a perfect place to explore!
1. Musée de Grenoble
There’s no question that this swish modern building is where you need to begin
your trip to Grenoble.
It is one of France’s premier art museums, with 57 rooms and a collection that totals
1,500 pieces.
It’s no exaggeration that you can get a good summary of the history of European
culture, from the 1200s to the present day right here in these galleries.
2. Cable Car
Directly on the left bank of the Isère River is the station for the cable car that will
carry you 263 metres up to the Bastille, the name of both the fortress and rocky hill
that dominate the city from the north.
The cable car has been running since 1935, and went through a style update in the
70s when its current space age bubbles were introduced.
Each bubble can fit six people, and if you’re not a big fan of enclosed spaces don’t
worry, because they whisk you up the hill in a maximum of four minutes.
3. Bastille
The cable-car is one way up, but many people choose the path and stairway that
begins at the cliff-side in Jardin des Dauphins.
As you climb you can nose around abandoned walls and stairways belonging to the
old fort.
Once you make it to the top you’ll be in a system of soaring walls built in the 19th
century by General Haxo on the site of two earlier fortresses dating back to the
1500s.
5.) Nimes: When I visited Nimes, I loved how well preserved the historic centre of
the town is. Make sure to check out the Roman Arena while your there… its one of
the largest left in the world Blessed by the warm southern sun and an ancient
cultural heritage, Nîmes seems undaunted by the passage of time. Roman
monuments are scattered throughout the city, and some are the best preserved in
France.
1. Arènes: The Ancient Roman Amphitheater
The Amphitheater is now used as a venue for cultural events and
festivals. In April, the Ar è nes becomes the scene of Les Grands Jeux
Romains, 2,000-year-old circus games reenacted with historical accuracy and
authentically styled Roman costumes.
2. Maison Carrée
This marvelous building is one of the rare, fully preserved classical Roman temples
remaining in the world, along with the Pantheon in Rome. Built between 20 and 12
BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the Maison Carrée was an important
temple in the Forum (the economic and administrative heart of the Roman town).
3. Jardins de la Fontaine
This tranquil green space, located on the site of an ancient spring near the Maison
Carrée, is a wonderful place for leisurely strolls. Decorated with monumental vases
and Baroque-style statues, the Jardins de la Fontaine (Gardens of the Source) were
part of a project to embellish Nîmes in the 18th century.