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Neighborhood · Bayonne, Nova Aquitânia
Petit Bayonne
The neighbourhood between the Nive and the Adour, with quays lined by tall houses and colourful windows, the city's two major museums, pintxo bars and the centre of the Fêtes de Bayonne.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Petit Bayonne
Petit Bayonne is the neighborhood on the right bank of the Nive, between that river and the Adour. In the 12th century the area was granted to the bishops and later enclosed by Vauban's fortifications. Today it is the liveliest side of the city, with narrow streets full of bars, restaurants and shops, such as rue Pannecau and rue des Cordeliers.
The most familiar image of Bayonne is the quays of the Nive: tall half-timbered houses, with shutters and timbers painted red, green or blue, facing the river, with stone bridges linking Petit Bayonne to Grand Bayonne. In the past, boats unloaded fish and goods on these quays; on the other side of the river is the covered market, Les Halles.
The neighborhood houses the city's two major museums, the Musée Basque on the quai des Corsaires, and the Musée Bonnat-Helleu. At the end of July, during the Fêtes de Bayonne, the streets and quays fill with people dressed in white and red. To the east, the park of the Mousserolles ramparts preserves a section of the fortifications, with lawns and trees.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours of walking; more if you visit the museums and stop at the bars.
Best time
In the late afternoon and evening, when the bars fill the quays. In the morning the streets are quiet, good for photographing the facades. During the Fêtes de Bayonne the neighborhood becomes very crowded.
How to get there
From Grand Bayonne, cross one of the bridges over the Nive, such as the Pont Marengo, near the covered market. From the train station it's about a 10-minute walk across the Adour.
Tip
Photograph the quays of Petit Bayonne from the Grand Bayonne bank, near the market. Try Bayonne ham and the city's chocolate. At night order Basque snacks at the bar counters.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Petit Bayonne
What is the Petit Bayonne?
It is the neighborhood of Bayonne between the Nive and the Adour, on the other side of the cathedral centre. It has the quays with colorful houses, the city's two major museums and many bars and restaurants.
Where can you see Bayonne's colorful houses?
On the Nive quays, between Petit Bayonne and Grand Bayonne. The best view is from the Grand Bayonne bank, near the covered market, looking toward Petit Bayonne.
Is Petit Bayonne good for going out at night?
Yes. the neighborhood's streets and quays concentrate bars and restaurants, especially on rue Pannecau and the Nive quays.