10 Best Things to Do for Families in Bayonne

Pays Basque Tuk Tuk is a fun and original way to visit Bayonne. The colourful tuk-tuks are more intimate than a crowded tour bus so you can ask your knowledgeable driver as many questions as you like. Kids will love zipping around the town on these cute three-wheeled vehicles and you’ll get to snap lots of photos along the route.

Choose from several different tours, including a tourist circuit of the town, Street Art discovery and a coastal tour which will take you out of Bayonne. The food discovery tour is highly recommended, and trying the different Basque desserts and sweets is always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Atelier du Chocolat is a great choice for those with a sweet tooth. The boutique is full of mouthwatering chocolates to tempt all the family. It’s linked with a fantastic museum, and you can take a tour to discover the artisanal methods used in making these decadent confections. Budding chocolatiers can even decorate their own sweet treats too.

Kids will love watching the melted chocolate form into various shapes and adults will delight in the fascinating anecdotes on the tour. Learn how cocoa beans taste like lychees or mangoes at harvest, taking on their familiar chocolate taste much later. During school holidays, the tours can get busy, so it’s best to book well in advance, if possible.

The River Nive weaves its way through spectacular Basque countryside before reaching Bayonne and joining the Adour. With the ocean just a few kilometres away and two rivers running through the town, it’s no surprise that water sports play an important role in daily life. You’ll see locals canoeing and kayaking down the Nive, admiring the magnificent architecture of the colourful houses lining the river.

For a unique experience, why not head out on a Hawaiian pirogue? All the family can sail together in one boat, and you’ll pass under Bayonne’s bridges, taking in the stunning scenery from the water. If you prefer dry land, you can hire bikes and explore the beautiful cycle paths along the riverbanks too.

Bayonne Natural History Museum is in the Plaine d’Ansot, a vast conservation area on the banks of the Nive. This free museum showcases the biodiversity of the region, and you’ll learn how the nearby mountains impact the climate and the vegetation. Kids will love discovering the wide range of flora and fauna in the museum’s permanent collection. They’ll delight in seeing unusual creatures such as quick-moving salamanders and long-nosed Pyrenean desmans.

The museum offers regular walking tours where you’ll explore the plains and discover wild plants, mushrooms and herons. These circuits are very popular so it’s a good idea to book well in advance and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

The Roof is a fantastic way for kids to burn off energy. Located in the heart of Bayonne, this bright and airy building is home to a range of climbing walls. Kids will jump at the chance to scramble up the colourful walls and adults can join in or relax in the chill-out zone. You’ll love the restaurant with its outdoor terrace too.

There are walls for all ages and levels, with a special section for little Spiderman fans between 2 and 7 years old. You don’t need to reserve but let the receptionist know if it’s your first time and you’ll get a quick orientation session. It’s possible to hire socks or climbing shoes if you don’t have trainers.

Plage de la Digue is a huge beach stretching down the Atlantic coastline. It’s located in the neighbouring department of Landes, just 7 km from Bayonne. You’ll love this beach for its long stretch of soft sand where kids can play and build sandcastles. You’ll get great views of the Pyrenees in the distance and the ocean stretches out before you as far as the eye can see.

It’s a great spot for picnics and ice creams, and the beach is known for its long sea wall and incredible surfing waves too. You’ll find lifeguards on a large section of the beach during the summer months, so it’s best to keep within the flags with children.

Stade Jean Dauger lies close to the centre of Bayonne. It’s a must-see stadium for anyone who loves sport. Named after a legendary French rugby player, this multi-purpose stadium is the home venue for Aviron Bayonnais, one of France’s top-tier rugby teams.

Watching a rugby match in this magnificent venue is a great choice. There’s an incredibly friendly atmosphere and the locals here are passionate about their rugby. You’ll see them decked out in sky blue and white, on their feet, singing, clapping and chanting throughout the match. Younger kids will love Pottoka, the pony mascot who weaves his way through the stands and you can indulge in hot dogs and drinks whilst cheering on the home team.

Planète Parcs is a great option if the weather isn’t being kind. This amusement park offers vibrant colours and a lively, kid-friendly vibe. With huge bouncy castles, slides, ball pits and mazes, your little ones will run around for hours in this fantastic play area. There’s even a baby zone for the smallest fun seekers, aged 1 to 4 years.

Kids over 6 years old will delight in bouncing around in the trampoline park. And parents are also included in the fun. On a sunny day, why not head outdoors for a family game of mini-golf? You can relax in the indoor fast-food restaurant when you’ve all worked up an appetite.

Jardin Léon Bonnat is located on the banks of the River Adour. It’s a beautiful park dating back over a century, named after a famous Bayonnais painter. Locals love the greenery and the tranquillity of this space, and it’s known for its immaculate symmetrical design and abundance of colourful flowers and plants.

If you’re looking for a quieter moment with the family, head to this serene spot for a relaxing walk by the river and a lazy picnic. This public park lies just a couple of blocks from the ramparts and the botanical garden, so it’s a great idea to combine these venues for a day of outdoor sightseeing and nature discovery.

Base de Pop is approximately 20 minutes’ drive east of Bayonne. It’s a large and exciting water park based on a beautiful lake and it’s a wonderful choice for thrill seekers of all ages. Older kids and adults can get their adrenaline rush whizzing down slides of all sizes on bodyboards and rubber rings and landing in the water. And for the younger water babies, the MiniPop zone is full of smaller slides and inflatable fun.

Most of the equipment is provided in this fun park, but don’t forget to bring your swimsuits and plenty of towels. The beach area can get rather crowded, so you’ll see lots of people relaxing on towels and blankets on the grass instead.