The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie stands at the top of the hill in Grand Bayonne, the old centre on the left bank of the Nive. It is a Gothic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built on the ruins of a Romanesque church that a fire destroyed in 1258. Inside, the stained glass and the 14th-century paintings are the main draws, and the cloister is one of the largest in France. Entry is free, so you can stay as long as you like. The garden beside the church is a good place to pause before walking back down to the river.
From the 1258 fire to the 19th-century towers
The cathedral was built on the ruins of an older Romanesque cathedral. A fire destroyed that church in 1258, and it was rebuilt in the Gothic style.
Construction began in the 13th century and continued for several centuries, so the building combines Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic and Neo-Gothic work. The two towers that give the skyline its shape were added in the 19th century.
Inside the cathedral
The stained glass is the main feature inside. Some panels date from the Middle Ages, and the windows are in the Chartres style.
The interior also has 14th-century paintings and a very large organ, one of the largest in Europe. The cathedral holds relics of St Leo of Bayonne and is the seat of the diocese of Bayonne.
The cloister and garden
The cloister dates from the 13th and 14th centuries and is one of the largest in France. It is a calm place to walk, and the garden next to it is one of the most photographed spots around the church.
The cathedral is also a stage on the Saint-Jacques pilgrimage route to Compostela, which is listed by UNESCO.
Around the cathedral
The cathedral is in Grand Bayonne, on the left bank of the Nive. Behind the old streets are fortifications designed by the 17th-century military engineer Vauban, and the Château Vieux stands in the same district. Rue d'Espagne and its half-timbered houses with coloured shutters are a short walk away.
Across the river, Petit Bayonne has the Basque Museum, the Bonnat Museum and the Château Neuf. It is a good area to visit after the cathedral, when you want a change of pace.
Planning the visit
The cathedral is at 15 Rue des Prébendes. The entrance and the parking area are wheelchair accessible. Restrooms and onsite services are available.
If you want the history of the city, a guided tour of historic Bayonne covers the cathedral and the rulers who lived here.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for the cathedral?
No. Entry to the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie is free.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Can you take photos inside the cathedral?
Yes, photography is allowed inside. Ask staff if you are unsure where it is permitted.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or outside the busiest hours is the quieter option.
