Our one night stay before reaching the Pyrenees was in Bayonne. We eschewed the more touristy Biarritz. And I am glad we did. This is in Basque country. A city with a long history that is just pleasant to wander around, which we proceeded to do. It is fair to say that it doesn't maximise its tourist potential - having a 14th century castle which is not open to the public, and a large expanse of green space across the river which is less park more wasteland.
But there are historic buildings aplenty and general feeling of prosperity that make it nice for a stroll. But you wouldn't want to spend a week here.
I should also explain that there are a lot of photos here from Bayonne compared to other entries for this holiday. There is a special explanation for this - a coincidence of two events. After leading us through the streets of Bayonne Thibault abandoned us early evening for a karate class and Clarissa decided to take the opportunity for some shopping. Which left me to meander through the streets with my camera and no time constraints - ie I wasn't left running after my companions having composed a shot.
So here goes....
You see what I mean - Thibault and Clarissa striding up the street and I will need to run to catch up. Good exercise I suppose....
The impenetrable castle
A thing you don't expect to come across - a real tennis court, or maybe fives court. Or pelota?
There is a fine cathedral, but unfortunately we didn't visit. Our appearance here coincided with a funeral. Didn't really feel one could brush aside the mourners....
And the other catch from the photogenic viewpoint is that one of its towers was covered in scaffolding
But a clever photographer can find a way to make the scaffolding disappear!
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The cloisters were particularly lovely (shot through an iron gate...)
Behind the city walls - a rugby pitch
And dinner was at this fine establishment. Fine dining.
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