Culture & Heritage
Basque culture and language as a symbol of Bayonne's heritage
There's plenty to do if you're wondering what to do in Bayonne. The city is rich in history and culture.
The Musée Basque et de l'histoire de Bayonne is a must-see if you want to find out more about life in the Basque Country and Bayonne. When we talk about Basque heritage, we of course think of the Basque language. Bayonne has a branch of the Basque Language Academy, and the Basque Cultural Institute hosts a number of events aimed at transmitting and promoting the Basque language and culture in Bayonne. Every year, the European Heritage Days are a great way to discover the best of Bayonne's culture. One of the city's major monuments, Bayonne's Sainte-Marie cathedral is a magnificent edifice built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Its Gothic style dominates the city and is instantly recognisable.
What to do in Bayonne Discover Basque architecture
Another marvel that Bayonne has to offer is its typical Basque architecture. The town centre is characterised by magnificent, colourful timber-framed buildings. Green, blue, red, orange, the city is adorned in a thousand colours, which take on their full meaning when the sun shines in the Bayonne sky. The Centre d'Interprétation de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine (Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Centre) recently opened its doors, providing information on the town's architecture.
