Bayonne, the capital of the region, at the junction of the rivers Adour and Nive, is a busy commercial town, with a long history. At every turn of the narrow lanes with their distinctive colombage houses that make up the town centre, you will come upon vestiges of the rich past that contributed to the growth of Bayonne. From the beginnings of the town fortifications in Roman times, of which certain elements are still visible, to the magnificent 14th century gothic Cathedral Sainte-Marie in the town centre and the ramparts and forts constructed by Vauban under Louis XIV, the rich historical and commercial past of Bayonne will enchant any visitor. Bayonne is famous, amongst other things, for it's chocolate, for the excellent Bonnat museum of art, the summer festival (the Fêtes de Bayonne) and for the invention of the bayonet. There is so much to see and discover in Bayonne that it is well worth taking one of the guided tours organised by the Tourist Office.
A beautiful seaside resort and active fishing port not far from the Spanish border, Saint Jean de Luz is a lively and cosmopolitan town. The town center of St Jean de Luz has a medieval background, with no doubt, a great deal of influence in the past from Spain and the Moors, and with this mixture of architecture, old World charm, old buildings, fishing port and narrow lanes, there is an atmosphere (like a good football match or a rugby International), an ambience, even if the town is full of tourists of all nationalities, every one gets along, especially at the time of the jazz fete in the streets. One expects D'Artagnan, Don Quixote or Robin Hood to be sitting at the next table, as we revisit the middle ages.
Around the main square in the town center, you can find some of the best sea-food restaurants on the Cote Basque, as well as other bars and terraces from which to see and enjoy the regular musical events in the square - including a Basque Choir every Sunday morning (in the summer months). When you wander through the lanes looking at the shop windows, you will arrive at the more commercial end of town (still quite old, but certainly not medieval) where the Thermes and Casino are located and the chic shops are located.
The principle Architecture here is typically Basque, but with a blend of Moorish and Spanish Andalusian architecture, which creates a fine balance.
Enjoy your visit!
Hendaye is the furthest point in the South West of France you can go, a frontier town with Spain and confined on the edge of both the Atlantic Ocean and Pyrenees Mountains. Hendaye is a sprawled town, split into 2 main areas and separated by 2 kms. The old medieval Basque Town is situated on a hill top and commands good views of the Bay of Chingoudy and the river Bidassoa estuary below to the North & West, with the impressive scenery of the foot hills of the Pyrenees Mountains to the West, South & East. Here in the town is where you find most of the shops, the Mairie, Pelote Basque etc.
The beach area is located on a peninsula formed by the Atlantic and the beach to the North and the bay and river to the South & West. This part of Hendaye is relatively modern and it is here that you will find the Marina (on the bay side), Hotels, Casino and the Serge Blanco Thalasso Center (Serge is one the best former French International Rugby team Players).
The large bay provides good sheltered facilities for water sports, wind surfing etc. at the Club Nautique and all types of facilities for boats, while the Atlantic beach has some excellent surf.
Hendaye as stated above is a border town, with easy access to Spain and the cheaper shopping in Irun and Fonterrabia (a ferry boat crosses the river on a regular service from Hendaye Marina to Fonterrabia).
Enjoy your visit to Hendaye !