Bayonne - Rest day

 24 September 2023

We have thoroughly enjoyed our day in Bayonne. We started the day by going to Mass. It was celebrated by three priests, one was very elderly and needed help from one of the other priests all through Mass. 

After Mass one of the priests was outside chatting to people as they left so using my best French (which is very basic) I was able to explain where we were from and that we were on pilgrimage and asked for a blessing. He then wished us bon courage- he must have thought we would need it.

We spent the rest of the day wandering and sampling many of the foods and drinks at the many street cafés,  boulangeries and patisseries, and the food hall. 

In the afternoon we visited the St Jacques (St James) refuge to have our credentials stamped to mark the start of our Camino Baztan. Just as we got to the refuge the hospitalero/volunteer was about to show a other pilgrim the route out of Baztan and he told us to join them. 

We had an evening stroll, joining the very many others doing the same, saying our goodbyes to Bayonne. The day was very warm, 28°C in.the afternoon, and it was still quite warm for our last stroll around. Tomorrow is the first day of our Camino Baztan. 

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Sainte Marie 

Not all of the buildings were straight and true.

Reflections in the River Nive

A food hall

We had morning drinks and eats here 

The day started off cool, hence the jacket. It soon warmed up though.

The back of the cathedral 

Part of the old city walls.

The River Adour 

The botanical gardens 

Street art

A mix of architectural styles.

Part of the old wall again.

The cathedral spires could be seen from many directions. 

The old buildings were amazing. 

Each building in certain streets had these information plates showing the different occupants and/or businesses over the years. 

Another place we dined at.

The cathedral cloisters were open to the public in the afternoon. 

In the cloisters. 

The Bayonne pilgrim refuge - the hospitalero/volunteer in the doorway. 

The hospitalero, in the orange t-shirt, showing us the route out of Bayonne for the Camino Baztan. 

Another fascinating street.

We came across St Andre's Church on our wanders. 

In St Andre's Church. 

St Andre's Church. 

The evening light on cathedral.