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Musée Basque et de l'histoire de Bayonne

Explore Basque culture and Bayonne's history at this premier ethnographic museum, currently undergoing renovations until March 2025.

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Discover Basque culture and history at the Musée Basque in Bayonne, France. Housed in the historic Maison Dagourette, the museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and exhibits detailing Basque society, traditions, and Bayonne's unique heritage as a port city. Note that the museum is temporarily closed until March 24, 2025, for technical work.

A brief summary to Musée Basque

  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 1 pm-8 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for updates on the reopening date and any potential changes to visiting hours or admission fees.
  • Consider downloading the museum's audioguide app in advance for a more immersive experience. It's available in French, Basque, Spanish, and English.
  • Explore Petit Bayonne, where the museum is located, to discover the charming streets and historic architecture of this district.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Bayonne Tourist Office on Place des Basques, walk east along the Quai de Lesseps, following the Nive River. Cross the Pont Marengo bridge and continue along the Quai des Corsaires. The Musée Basque will be on your right, approximately a 10-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the Bayonne train station, take the Tram'Bus line T1 or T2 towards the city center. Get off at the 'Hôtel de Ville' stop. From there, walk along the river Nive on Quai Galuperie towards the south. Cross the Pont Marengo bridge and continue along the Quai des Corsaires. The Musée Basque will be on your right, a short walk from the bridge. A single Tram'Bus ticket costs €0.99.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Biarritz Airport, a taxi or ride-share to the Musée Basque in Bayonne will take approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €25 and €35. The museum is located at 37 Quai des Corsaires.

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Discover more about Musée Basque

The Musée Basque et de l'histoire de Bayonne, located in the heart of Bayonne, is the largest ethnographic museum dedicated to Basque culture. Situated in the Maison Dagourette, a historic 16th-century merchant's house on the Nive river, the museum opened its doors in 1924. The building itself is a protected historical monument, representing a rare example of portuary architecture linked to trade and the bourgeoisie. The museum's collection comprises over 2,000 objects and works of art, most of which were collected in the early 20th century. These items illustrate various aspects of Basque society, including rural and domestic life, funeral rites, crafts, maritime and river activities, festivals, games, and regional history. The ethnographic section is primarily located in the old port warehouses, while the history and art sections occupy the upper floors of the Maison Dagourette. The museum also highlights the history of Bayonne, a significant seaport and river port at the confluence of Basque, Gascon, and Jewish cultures. Through its exhibits, visitors can explore the unique heritage of this vibrant city and its role in the broader Basque region. Note that the museum is temporarily closed to the public until March 24, 2025, for technical work on the buildings and collections.

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