Between ocean and mountains, between France and Spain, the Basque Country affirms a strong and lively identity.

You can experience its culture in language, music, sports, cuisine, architecture, and lifestyle.

Whether you stay for a few days or live there, you are plunging into a unique territory.

Here's how to explore Basque culture in and around Bayonne.

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Immerse yourself in a unique culture

The Basque Country is like no other. It has its own language, Euskara, with no known equivalent.

You discover a culture shaped by centuries, marked by pride, resistance and openness.

By taking an interest in this culture, you better understand the soul of its inhabitants: their way of living, celebrating, transmitting, singing...

You are offering yourself an authentic trip, far from tourist stereotypes.

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Experience Basque culture in Bayonne

Start by visiting the Basque Museum and the History of Bayonne.

It immerses you in Basque daily life, between traditional objects, costumes, reconstructions, videos and testimonies.

Then, you roam the streets of Bayonne.

You observe the red and green shutters, the lauburu (Basque crosses) engraved on walls or jewelry, and the flags that dress the neighborhoods.

Push the door of a local independent bookstore to discover books in Basque, traditional songs or local comics.

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Explore the villages of the inland Basque Country

To experience the culture on a daily basis, you go to the backcountry.

TO Espelette, you walk between the facades decorated with red chilies.

TO Itxassou, you taste the black cherry in a family inn.

TO Ainhoa, classified among the most beautiful villages in France, you photograph the typical houses.

TO Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you follow the pilgrims on the Voie du Puy vers Compostelle and climb up to the Citadel.

In each village, you read the bilingual signs, you hear the pelota echoing on the pediments, and you attend local festivals combining music, dance and food.

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Experience Basque culture on a daily basis

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Watch a pelota match

Watch a game of Basque pelota on a pediment, in town or in a village.

Observe the speed of the exchanges, the concentration of the players, the atmosphere around.

In summer, clubs like Goizeko Izarra even offer initiations.

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Take part in a local celebration

Join the Bayonne Festivals, a veritable summer institution.

Do not miss the traditional village festivals organized all year round: Basque songs, mutxiko (round dances), Basque strength, parades and collective meals await you.

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Taste the culture on the plate

Test the emblematic products of the Basque Country:

• IGP Bayonne ham, refined with air from the Pyrenees
  
• Ossau-Iraty AOP cheese, served with cherry jam
  
• Espelette pepper AOP
  
• Basque cake (with cream or black cherry)
  
• Irouléguy AOP wine and Basque cider (sagarnoa)
  

To find everything in one place, take a trip to Les Halles de Bayonne or book a table in a local inn.

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In summary

You explore Basque culture by walking, tasting, watching, talking to people.

Each gesture, each dish, each encounter tells a story.

If you keep your eyes open and listen, the Basque Country opens its doors to you.

And often, when you enter, you don't want to leave.

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