Experience the Fêtes de Bayonne: Your Guide to Staying in Biarritz

The Fêtes de Bayonne is one of the Basque Country’s biggest summer events and an experience not to be missed! For five days, the city comes alive in a sea of red and white, with festivities filling the streets from morning until late at night. If you want to soak up the atmosphere without being caught up in the crowds around the clock, staying on the coast is a smart choice. Booking a stay at a Nemea Appart’Hotel in Biarritz gives you the best of both worlds: beach time during the day and easy access to the festivities in the evening, with a peaceful retreat to return to afterwards.

Getting to Bayonne in 20 Minutes Without a Car

Leave your car at the residence and travel by public transport. During the festival, central Bayonne is closed to traffic, making driving and parking particularly difficult. If you’re staying in Biarritz, public transport is by far the easiest way to get to the celebrations:

• Train (TER): The journey between Biarritz and Bayonne stations takes just 10 to 12 minutes, with services running into the evening.
• Txik Txak buses: The T1 Tram’bus and bus route 3 take you into the heart of the festivities in around 20 minutes.
• Night shuttle buses: The dedicated Bus des Fêtes service makes getting home late at night easier, with return journeys running until 4 am (3 am on Sunday). Expect to pay around €8 for a day ticket or €20 for a five-day pass.

Fêtes de Bayonne: What to Wear, What Not to Miss and Top Tips

To fit right in, dress head to toe in white, with a red sash and neckerchief completing the traditional outfit. One important local custom to remember: keep your red scarf tied around your wrist until the official opening ceremony on Wednesday evening! Comfortable, closed-toe trainers are also a must for walking around the city’s cobbled streets.

Festivities run from Wednesday through Sunday, with a packed programme of events throughout the week:

• Wednesday: The official opening takes place at 10 pm, when the keys to the city are thrown from the balcony of the town hall.
• Every lunchtime: Watch King Léon, the festival’s iconic mascot, wake up in Place de la Liberté.
• Thursday: Family Day, featuring a parade of the traditional giant figures.
• Friday and Saturday: Enjoy traditional cow-running events, Basque dancing and live bandas (local brass bands) bringing the streets to life.
• Sunday: Celebrate Basque traditions at the closing parade, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the River Adour at midnight.

Planning your budget is easy, too. Admission is free during the day on Wednesday and Thursday, while tickets are required from Friday to Sunday, at around €15. While you’re there, pick up a reusable festival cup (écocup) with a €1 deposit and enjoy local favourites such as pintxos and taloa, a traditional Basque corn cake often served with savoury fillings.

Your Ideal Base for the Fêtes de Bayonne

Book your Biarritz holiday apartment at a Nemea Appart’Hotel and enjoy a comfortable, peaceful place to unwind after a day of festivities. With your own fully equipped apartment, you’ll have the space and independence to relax, recharge and enjoy your stay at your own pace.

Make the most of this iconic Basque celebration while enjoying everything the Atlantic coast has to offer. Book your stay at Nemea Appart’Hotel – Les Hauts de Milady, Biarritz. With its modern apartments, swimming pools and prime location just a short walk from the beach, it’s the perfect place to recharge between festival days and make the most of your Basque Country getaway!