Summer is always busy for me but I take my girls away a couple days alone and let them choose where. My youngest always chooses to go to Pays Basque for our summer girls trip. 2026 was Bayonne and we decided to make beret and visit the historical reproduction of Lafayette ship, the Hermione.
WHAT TO DO IN BAYONNE
There’s a fun app called Wecando where you can search ideas of crafting or workshops on the area. We found a beret making class a bit outside of town in an industrial area. You’ll need an uber or to drive there, parking is easy. You learn from start to finish how to make a beret, then design your own by choosing the color, embroideries, and interior label.
Our guide, Erynne, was amazing! Our atelier was at The Beret Français in French but they do offer in English as well. 50-60€ pp https://wecandoo.fr/atelier/bayonne-thibaut-berets-famille
I really wanted to see sailing ship, The Hermione, because I love old boats and wanted to learn more about its history. We learned history of the original ship and then the construction of the replica. The captains room was the most elaborate and really charming.
The visit was rather sad, knowing it would likely never sail again unless they can find millions to do necessary repairs. https://fregate-hermione.com/
The shopping is also really good in Bayonne, so if that’s of interest you’ll be happy! Living in Bazas we don’t often shop and it’s always a treat. There was a shoe store Skill (we have on in Bordeaux) with a lot of unique colors of shoes, like my sparky HeyDudes https://www.bayonneshopping.com/magasin/skill/. Isabelle chose her new backpack, which is a very French style of bag by Tann’s in Sieulanne Bagages https://www.bayonneshopping.com/magasin/sieulanne-bagages/
WHERE TO EAT IN BAYONNE
While my daughter is the classic pasta for every meal kiddo, when we travel she has to try local foods. Our first meal was at a very classic ciderie ‘Ttipia’ where she had an omelette and I have steak and fries, something she could enjoy. This is where you can get Basque cider from the giant casks in the wall! So fun. Basque cider is not as sweet as cider from Northern France. The staff are really kind and tables are communal. Yes, it feels ‘touristy’ but it’s fun and laid back with kids 🙂 https://www.cidrerie-ttipia.fr/
For lunch one day I took her to a little more upscale location with more Basque style cuisine at Goxoki. She tried the seared watermelon and loved the fresh white tuna. Said it was the best of her life! https://www.restaurant-goxoki.fr
Chocolate is a must in Bayonne, you can read more here – https://aquitainetravelguide.com/pays-basque-france/
Isabelle loves the chocolate from Puyodebat and especially the marshmallow chocolate covered bears. This is such a classic sweet here in France. Mine are their little ‘pave’ chocolates shaped like the stones on the streets. https://chocolats-puyodebat.com
WHERE TO STAY IN BAYONNE
Staying in downtown is tricky because parking is so limited, especially in July and August, but we discovered even finding decent parking can be hard outside of city center. So you kind of have to pick your battles. Public transport isn’t as easy as in Bordeaux either, and Ubers can be expensive.
We stayed in a hotel that was clean, very nice staff. The incredible view from the breakfast room, which had snacks served all afternoon. We knew it not very central when we booked and walking ten minutes into old town wasn’t horrible. The location wasn’t great though. Honestly, it didn’t deserve 4* status. Check-in was on the top floor. The rooms were small, didn’t have much in the way of toiletries, and no bottled water. We couldn’t get the lights to make sense, the bed side lights wouldn’t go on without the main light being on.
My suggestion if you are able is to choose a hotel that has parking and is central, try 4* Hotel Villa Koegui. It’s close to the action and has an agreement with local parking lot which should be booked in advance. https://hotel-villakoegui-bayonne.fr/
Have the best time in this dynamic town! We always have a wonderful time 🙂
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