B&B Hotel Bayonne

We began our France adventure, spending two nights at the B&B Hotel Bayonne. This little hotel is located just off of A63, convenient for us, who were travelling north from Spain and also conveniently placed for a short exploration of the Basque region of Southwestern France. This is an economy hotel, so prices are very reasonable, but rest assured, it had all the comforts and amenities that we needed. The rooms were quite small, clean and more than adequate. The bed/bedding was comfortable. The bathroom did for us, what a bathroom was supposed to do. Wifi is included, flat screen tv offering cable and the rooms have air-conditioning. Parking, which is included, is right outside the rooms. There is a buffet breakfast available for ca. 9 euro. We didn't eat our breakfast there, so I cannot comment on what was available. The hotel does not appear to have staff on the whole time, so there is express check-in available. Handy enough! The hotel served us very well, and all we really wanted to do, was explore and enjoy the area. Bayonne is located in Basque country, just north of Spain, and in reality, is part of the Basque country of Northwestern Spain. Bayonne is a city with a history dating back to ancient times. So it has a lot to offer history buffs. We didn't have much time here, but we did manage to do a walking tour of the old town. There are fortifications here that are part of the Vauban network of forts that are found all over France. Also, there is a chance to add to your UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The Cathedrale- Sainte Marie of Bayonne is inscribed on the list as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostala in France. We should have spent more time here, but instead chose to spend the next day visiting the nearby city of Biarritz. And that was an okay decision. Biarritz is a well known seaside tourist destination, known for its luxury hotels, sea facing casinos and surfing culture. We didn't' really do much here, enjoyed a walk alongside the beaches, did some sightseeing, relaxed and stopped for a light supper at a take away sandwich shop called Sable Faims. This little kiosk at 12 Rue du Porte-Vieux, just up from the beach, is a great place for a burger. Great tasting and reasonably priced. They serve a variety of foods, including paninis, sandwiches , frites, crepes and churros. So, if you are not up for something more formal, give Sable Faim a go. Well, while I am recommending places to eat, we also stopped earlier on at place called Gizonak (sandwicherie and creperie),. This little kiosk, literally located in a wall, serves up a great crepe, that's our recommendation, anyway. This sets up a return visit to Basque country in southwestern France , and yes, we will probably stay at the B&B again. PS. For supper on our first day, we stopped at the Spar convenience store for some supper fixings and then went across the street to eat it at a little park called Jardin Leon Bonnat. You don't have to spend a lot to get a lot.

Checked in with my family into a 4 person room. Used the automated machine as we turned up late (22:00) after a 7 hour drive. Despite being a non smoking room it absolutely reeked, so much so our eyes were watering. Unfortunately there is zero opportunity for recourse as there is no information or ability to contact anyone to get the room shifted. If you are not going to be able to check in when the reception is closed, go elsewhere. Never had this issue with any of the more common motels.