National Geographic Traveller (UK)

A TASTE OF Bayonne

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HÔTEL DES BASSES PYRÉNÉES

One of Bayonne’s bonnes adresses is the restaurant at the Hôtel des Basses Pyrénées, headed up by chef Sebastien Oudill. Like his friend Sebastien Gravé, he creates menus that draw on the incredible range of produce available in the French Basque Country, including smoked Baigorri trout from the Pyrenees, the acclaimed jambon de Kintoa and red tuna from Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Mains from €25 (£21.90). hotel-bassespyre­neesbayonn­e.com

BAR DU MARCHÉ

This lively, family-run bistro is loved by locals and visitors alike. Josette Erramoun is the octogenari­an matriarch of the family; she’s so famous in the town there are carnival figures created in her image. Her piperade is a delicious combinatio­n of tomatoes, peppers, Piment d’Espelette, onion, garlic and eggs, served with frites and salad; be sure to leave room for the mousse au chocolat. You’ll find the restaurant on Rue des Basques, a street that sees some of the liveliest events during the annual Fêtes de Bayonne, which starts on the Wednesday before the first Sunday of August. Mains from around €14.50 (£12.70).

VIGNOBLE & DÉCOUVERTE­S

Opposite the market hall — with its enticing cheese shops, glossy fruit and vegetables, fish and meat — this wine shop specialise­s in varieties from the Basque Country, including the fascinatin­g Egiategia wines. These are aged in tanks under the sea at Saint-Jean-deLuz, using the natural temperatur­e and pressure of the water as part of the eco-friendly production process. Pick up a bottle of red, white or rosé. €12 (£10.50) for a bottle from the Dena Dela range. vignoblese­tdecouvert­es.com

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