Daytrip to Bayonne
Charlie in the Basque Country
It was a Sunday in October and Charlie was down in Hossegor for the Quiksilver Pro France 2021. The competition was on hold that day as the sea was flat. Charlie had a day off.
On her way from the airport in Biarritz to Carwyn’s Surfhouse she had passed through the city of Bayonne, and it looked lovely. A historic town by a river was always worth a visit. Plus, that same weekend was the Foire du Jambon, a ham festival. There would be a lot going on in town.
Getting to Bayonne
Charlie cycled on her electric bike from Carwyn’s Surfhouse to the train station in St. Vincent de Tyrosse. There was a train down south scheduled for 11.27 that Sunday. The ticket was €6, and it would only be a 15-minute journey, given the train had been on time…
Charlie arrived in Bayonne just a little after midday and started walking towards the town centre. It was easy to see where you had to go. There were obvious signs outside the train station. She crossed the bridge over the river Adour and that’s where the old town was. It was busy on that sunny Sunday. All the bars and restaurants on either side of the river were crowded and there was live music everywhere. Charlie doesn’t know much about Basque culture, but that was probably what traditional Basque musique sounded like.
A stroll through town: Bayonne
Charlie continued her walk through the narrow roads in Bayonne. It was busy everywhere. She captured images of the impressive architecture, the cathedral in the medieval part of town and explored graffiti in hidden corners. Most of them referred to the conflict in the Basque country and missing persons. Charlie wished that she knew more about it or that she had booked a tour to get a little more information about this street art.
She entered the Foire du Jambon where you could try all kinds of local foods, but mostly ham and cheese. You could buy a cone of ham just like you would get a cone of ice cream. Speaking of ice cream, Charlie treated herself to one in a shop next to the cathedral. Passion fruit and cassis sorbet – yumm!
The Museum of the Basque country
Charlie had still a bit of time and thought it would be a good idea to learn a little more about this part of the world. The Museum of the Basque country seemed perfect, and it is just by the river in the old town. No detour needed. The entrance fee was € 8 and it stretches over 3 floors in a historic town house. She learned about Bayonne’s time as small fishing town and its journey to being a strategic place that was worth fighting for. Other parts showed aspects of Basque culture such as traditional clothing, sports and dance. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
A beer in the sunshine
After her visit to the museum, she still had some time until the next train. She got a beer that she enjoyed in the sunshine by the river. A busker was playing at the square, and it was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
