Bayonne

At the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers, Bayonne, France's most indelibly Basque city, was in the 4th century a Roman fort, or castrum, and for 300 years (1151-1451) a British colony. The city gave its name to the bayonet blade (from the French baïonnette), invented here in the 17th century, but today's Bayonne is more famous for its ham (jambon de Bayonne) and for the annual Basque pelota world championships held in September. Even though the port is spread out along the Adour estuary some 5 km (3 mi) inland from the sea, the two rivers and five bridges lend this small gem of a city a definite maritime feel. The houses fronting the quay, the intimate Place Pasteur, the Château-Vieux, the elegant 18th-century homes along Rue des Prébendés, the 17th-century ramparts, and the cathedral are some of the town's not-to-be-missed sights. Les Halles market in the Place des Halles on the left bank of the Nive is also a must-visit.