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Bayonne, located along the Nive and Adour rivers, a short distance from the sea and near the border with Spain, is the most important city and economic center of the French Basque Country, in the city about one third of the population speaks Basque. Bayonne originated, in the 3rd century AD. from a Roman fortification. In the Middle Ages it became an important commercial port. Between the 12th and 15th centuries it was part of English Aquitaine, but at the end of the Hundred Years’ War the city became French. Bayonne is located along the two banks of the Nive river just before its confluence with the Andour river, just 6 km from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and a few tens of kilometers from the border with Spain. The city is today one of the French capitals of chocolate, for those who love this delicacy, a visit to the Atelier du Chocolat is a must, a laboratory museum where you can see the master chocolatiers at work and where the story of chocolate is told. The Bayonne Christmas Market is the highlight of the Christmas period in this Aquitaine city.
BAYONNE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Bayonne Christmas Market (Marché de Noël). The Bayonne Christmas market is usually held in the historic center of the city, between the esplanade de L’Echauguette and the Place du Réduit. The market is normally made up of about 80 wooden chalets where you can find gift ideas for Christmas, decorations, gastronomic specialities, games for children, and handicraft products from all over the world.
For the entertainment of children and teenagers, a skating rink, inflatables, Santa Claus’s chalet are usually set up, and it is possible to take carriage or pony rides. Other attractions are the European Village, with stalls dedicated to handicrafts and gastronomy from some European countries, and the Artisans Village, where you will find clothes, jewellery, hats, porcelain, ceramic and wrought iron objects.