Welcome to Bayonne, in the heart of the French Basque Country! Nestled in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, this historic town is packed with cultural treasures and activities to explore, even under cloudy skies. Whether you’re a lover of history, gastronomy or looking for an original experience, Bayonne has it all, even when it’s raining. What to do in Bayonne when it rains? The answer is simple: there are plenty of options, from captivating museums, typical narrow streets with half-timbered facades and gourmet stops to sample the famous Bayonne ham or a Basque cake.
Whether you’re on vacation at a campsite in Bayonne or visiting for a weekend, don’t let the rain spoil your stay. Explore the ramparts, immerse yourself in history at the Musée Basque or enjoy the covered markets for an authentic experience. With its sometimes fickle weather, Bayonne remains an unmissable destination, between sea and mountains, for discovering the charm of the South-West whatever the season.
Visit the Bayonne Basque and History Museum
Bayonne’s Musée Basque et de l’Histoire is a must-see if you want to immerse yourself in the richness of the local heritage. Located in a listed building on the banks of the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, this emblematic museum invites you on a journey through the history and traditions of the French Basque Country. A perfect destination for rainy days, when discovery meets cultural wonder.
Permanent exhibitions reveal theBasque soul over the centuries: traditional clothing, everyday objects, the art of Basque pelota and musical instruments punctuate your visit. As for the temporary exhibitions, they plunge you into varied and original themes, offering a contemporary look at this unique region between sea and mountains.
Explore the Biarritz Aquarium
Located just a few kilometers from Bayonne, in the heart of the Basque Coast, theBiarritz Aquarium is an ideal destination for escaping the vagaries of the weather. With its vast basins and recreated marine environments, it plunges you into the fascinating depths of theAtlantic Ocean. Perfect for a family outing, this aquarium offers an immersive and educational experience not to be missed.
Discover an incredible diversity of marine life: from majestic sharks to sea turtles and schools of multicolored fish, each tank tells its own unique story. Younger visitors will particularly appreciate the interactive activities, such as fish feeding and educational workshops to help them better understand marine ecosystems.
Discover Bayonne’s Sainte-Marie cathedral
When the skies become overcast, set off to discover Bayonne’s majestic Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, a Gothic jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the historic heart of the city, this impressive cathedral is a must-see for lovers of history, architecture and spirituality.
Under its elegant vaults, marvel at the colorful stained glass windows, true masterpieces of light and symbolism. Don’t miss the peaceful cloister, a serene setting ideal for a contemplative break sheltered from the elements. The richly ornate interior invites you to admire the details of its Gothic architecture and soak up its soothing atmosphere.
Take part in an escape game
For an original and exciting activity, there’s nothing like an escape game in Bayonne. Perfect for rainy days, this essential form of entertainment plunges you into captivating worlds where reflection and team spirit are the order of the day. With family or friends, take up the challenge of solving enigmas and deciphering clues to escape from a themed room in a limited time.
Bayonne’s escape games offer a multitude of scenarios to suit all tastes and levels: immerse yourself in a historical mystery inspired by Basque legends, lead a breathtaking police investigation or experience an extraordinary fantasy adventure. These immersive experiences are ideal for strengthening group cohesion while having fun at the same time.
Visit the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves
Just forty minutes from Bayonne, set off on a fascinating underground excursion to the caves ofIsturitz and Oxocelhaya. These prehistoric caves, nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, offer an ideal rainy-day getaway. Steeped in history and steeped in captivating mystery, they transport you into a unique universe of geology and rock art.
Explore the impressive natural sculptures shaped by time, and discover cave paintings that bear witness to the millennia of human presence in the region. These caves are a veritable open book on prehistory, and the guided tours, led by passionate experts, make the experience even more immersive and rewarding.
Shopping at the Halles de Bayonne
Come rain or shine, Les Halles de Bayonne is the perfect place to take shelter while discovering the flavors and typical products of the Basque region. Located in Bayonne’s historic center, these lively halles offer a real immersion in the local gastronomic wealth, and are ideal for picking up souvenirs or simply strolling between the colorful stalls.
Les Halles de Bayonne is packed with treasures for food lovers: artisan cheeses, charcuterie, pastries and spices, including the famous Espelette pepper. Don’t miss a slice of Bayonne ham or a taste of the famous Basque cake, all essential elements of local gastronomy.
Enjoy a thalasso or spa session
What better way to get away from it all than with a day of relaxation? Bayonne and the surrounding area, especially the Basque Coast, are full of thalassotherapy centers and spas where you can treat yourself to a moment of total relaxation. These establishments combine treatments for the body with soothing treatments for the mind, the ideal way to turn a rainy day into an interlude of well-being.
Let yourself be pampered with relaxing massages, bubble baths or seaweed wraps, perfect for revitalizing your body. Some centers also offer personalized facials or thermal circuits for a moment of deep relaxation.
Discover the old castle
Among Bayonne’s historic gems, the Château Vieux is a must-see for lovers of history and medieval architecture. Erected in the XIIᵉ century, this fortified edifice proudly dominates the historic center and offers a fascinating plunge into the city’s past. Perfect for a rainy day, it invites you to explore the remains of a bygone era while learning about the region’s military history.
As you stroll through the ancient corridors and finely decorated rooms, you’ll be transported back through the centuries. The château sometimes organizes themed guided tours, packed with historical anecdotes about Bayonne and its strategic role in the French Basque Country.
Attend a Basque pelota match
Basque pelota, the emblematic sport of the Basque Country, is an unmissable way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Even under rainy skies, Bayonne’s covered frontons host captivating matches, offering a warm and authentic atmosphere.
Discover the different variants of this ancient sport, from Joko-Garbi to Chistera, and be impressed by the precision and agility of the players. Their mastery of movement and speed make every match thrilling. Attending a game is much more than just a sporting event: it’s a plunge into Basque identity, where tradition and competition meet.
Explore the ocean city
Just a few minutes from Bayonne, in Biarritz, the Cité de l’Océan invites you to a fascinating immersion in the marine world. Perfect for rainy days, this educational and fun destination is ideal for the whole family. With its interactive approach and innovative technologies, it plunges you into the mysteries of the oceans while raising awareness of their preservation.
Enjoy a unique adventure through immersive experiences: dive virtually into the abyss, explore coral reefs or discover the impact of climate change on marine environments. 3D films, simulators and captivating animations make this visit as instructive as it is entertaining.
Where to stay on your Bayonne vacation?
After a day rich in discoveries, the Lou P’tit Poun campsite near Bayonneis the perfect place to relax. Nestled in a peaceful, natural setting, this campsite offers an excellent base for exploring the French Basque Country. For further information. Enjoy your stay, and don’t forget your umbrella to enjoy these treasures, even in the rain!