Bayonne vacation rentals

There are French cities, and then there's Bayonne

France is one of those countries where every city seems to have a character all of its own, but Bayonne takes individuality to a whole other level. Being in the Basque country, and with plenty of Gascon influence thrown in for good measure, it's got a bit of something special running through its culture, its language, its culinary delights, and even its looks. With its wide riverfront, its pretty, half-timbered buildings, its diverse districts, and its famously delicious chocolate, a Bayonne vacation rental will steal your heart soon as look at you.

Bask in Basque culture in Bayonne

If you want to know what makes a Bayonne vacation rental so unique, you'll want to hit up the Basque Museum in the Petit Bayonne neighborhood, and maybe take in some classical art at the Bonnat Museum while you're there. For sweet treats, head over to the little chocolate museum at the Atelier du Chocolat factory. Unfortunately, a lot of Bayonne's most impressive buildings aren't open to the public, but one that should definitely be on your list is the magnificent cathedral. Finished in the 1400s, it's older than some countries, and boasts some amazing stained glass windows.

All together now, "Chocolat, s'il vous plait."

When it comes to the sights, sounds, and smells of Bayonne, it's difficult to know where to start. Each of the 3 main neighborhoods has its own charm, and a Bayonne vacation rental has something for everyone. Head straight for the architectural big hitters like the castles and cathedral, or browse around the delicacies at the indoor and outdoor markets. To taste some of Bayonne's legendary chocolate, head to the old Gascon and Jewish neighborhood of Saint-Esprit. And if you fancy getting some sun with the beautiful people, super-chic beach resort, Biarritz, is just down the road.

Time to get working on that beach body

The weather out here is defined by two things, and they're not necessarily the bedfellows you'd expect. Hot sun, and heavy rain. Bayonne's swanky neighbor, Biarritz, has a killer reputation as one of France's most high-end beach resorts, and it wouldn't be up there without some scorching sunshine to bronze those bodies. But the area also gets a whole lot of rain, often in the form of thunderstorms that empty the skies out dramatically for a few minutes before the sun comes out again. Winters, as you might expect, are pretty mild, with minimal snow.

Exploring the natural features in Bayonne

Whether you're an adventurous traveler or just want to take in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Bayonne. These are some of the area's most enchanting features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• Anglet Beach (3.6 mi / 5.8 km)
• Grand Beach (4.3 mi / 7 km)
• Port-Vieux Beach (4.7 mi / 7.6 km)
• Cote des Basques (4.8 mi / 7.7 km)
• Milady Beach (5.4 mi / 8.6 km)
• Bidart Beaches (7.6 mi / 12.2 km)

How to get to and around Bayonne

The nearest airport is in Biarritz (BIQ-Pays Basque), located 3.4 mi (5.4 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into San Sebastian (EAS), which is 18.5 mi (29.8 km) away.

If you'd rather travel by train, make your way to Bayonne Station or Bayonne (XBY-Bayonne Train Station) to see more of the city.