Hotel Le Bayonne is the sensible choice for a stay in the historic capital of the French Basque Country, and a smart one for travellers who want to see the whole coast without paying beach-resort prices. It stands at 1 avenue Jean Rostand, on the banks of the River Nive, in the city centre. The medieval ramparts are about two minutes away on foot, the stadium is three, and the cathedral and the Basque Museum are around eight, so Bayonne's old quarter, its chocolate shops, its ham and its riverside cafés are all within an easy stroll. The hotel is classed in the four category and offers more facilities than most city hotels in this price range: a seasonal outdoor pool with sunloungers, a garden and terrace, a gym, a bar and a restaurant, La Brasserie de la Nive. Rooms have free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, a buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge, and pets are accepted by arrangement.
Location and getting around
Bayonne sits at the meeting of the Nive and the Adour, and the hotel is on the Nive side, close to the old town but far enough from the busiest streets to be calm at night. Biarritz airport is about eighteen minutes by car, and the beaches of Anglet and Biarritz are a short drive or bus ride away, which makes the hotel a practical base for a coastal stay.
The railway station is around seventeen minutes on foot, so a short taxi ride is easier with luggage. Parking is available on site for a daily charge, though spaces are limited, and an electric vehicle charging point is provided. Ask about parking in advance if you are travelling in a busy week such as the Fêtes de Bayonne.
The rooms and what to know
Rooms come in classic doubles with a city or river view, smaller basic rooms for a single traveller, and larger comfort rooms with a sofa bed that sleep up to four, so small families are catered for. Sizes are practical rather than spacious, with the classic doubles around eighteen square metres.
Ask for a river view if you want the best outlook. The pool is seasonal, so check opening dates if a swim matters. Meeting rooms and a banquet hall mean the hotel also hosts business guests and events, which can bring some bustle on weekdays.
Who it suits
Budget-conscious visitors, culture and food lovers, cyclists and anyone who wants to see Bayonne's cathedral, ramparts and market without the crowds and prices of Biarritz in summer. It also works as a base for day trips by car or train to Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Espelette and La Rhune.
If you want to be steps from the sand or in a surf-town atmosphere, stay on the coast instead, but for value, space and a riverside setting, Le Bayonne is a solid pick. During the town's big summer festival, rooms disappear early, so book well ahead and check cancellation terms.
Why stay here
- ✓Riverside on the Nive
- ✓Seasonal outdoor pool
- ✓Restaurant La Brasserie de la Nive
- ✓Bar
- ✓Garden and terrace
- ✓Gym
- ✓Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
- ✓Paid parking and EV charging
Good questions
Where is Hotel Le Bayonne?+
It is at 1 avenue Jean Rostand in Bayonne, on the River Nive. The ramparts are about two minutes on foot and the cathedral about eight.
Does the hotel have a pool?+
Yes, an outdoor pool with sunloungers that opens seasonally. Check opening dates when you book.
How far is it from the beaches?+
The beaches of Anglet and Biarritz are a short drive or bus ride away, and Biarritz airport is about eighteen minutes by car.
