Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bayonne is a beautiful city located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR is approximately 1.06 USD, with major banks including Crédit Agricole and BNP Paribas easily accessible. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and local banks accommodate expats. Mobile banking apps like Revolut and N26 are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and longer leases through agencies like Century 21. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are common, with prices typically starting at €60 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Kaia offers dorm beds starting at €25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic Old Town (Vieille Ville) offers charming accommodations and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Bastide district is recommended for a quieter environment with good amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Bayonne, offering desk spaces starting at €19 per day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de La Lune provides free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Bayonne Startup Meetups occur monthly, offering great networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Bayonne Expats Facebook Group hosts regular meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber services are available in Bayonne. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Vélib Bayonne offers bike rentals for €1.50 per trip or €30 for an annual subscription. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Biarritz beach is only 12 km away, about a 20-minute drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Régional and Air France operate flights from Biarritz Airport, 5 km away. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France, Ryanair, and EasyJet serve major routes from Biarritz. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A63 highway provides direct access to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bayonne train station connects to various regional destinations. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly transport passes cost around €40. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Bayonne to nearby cities including Biarritz and San Sebastián. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Bayonne is the main hospital, offering comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaventure offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Park Bayonne is a popular gym with competitive membership rates. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Automatique offers self-service laundry with machines available 24/7. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo operates in Bayonne, providing access to various local and international cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Piperade, a traditional Basque dish made with peppers and tomatoes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café de La Lune offers a range of plant-based options and smoothies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Maison Sanz offers exquisite Basque cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Marché Les Halles features local produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon France and Cdiscount serve the Bayonne area for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour's online shopping service offers home delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Rue d'Espagne is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie La Choulette offers tours and tastings of local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Les Caves de Joseph features a diverse selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Bayonne Food Market offers a variety of street food on weekends. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Azimut serves delicious international dishes including Asian and Mexican fare. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The stunning Bayonne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Basque Museum offers insights into the region's culture and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Château de Bayonne dates back to the 17th century and is an important landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilique Saint-Pierre is known for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fêtes de Bayonne is a vibrant festival celebrating Basque culture each July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town is known for its historic charm and vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Théâtre de Bayonne hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bayonne's Farmer's Market every Saturday features local artisans and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars and cafes feature live music events, especially during summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Several murals adorn the walls in the Old Town, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Les Ateliers de Cuisine Basque offers classes focusing on regional recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Jean-Claude Cazaux showcases local artists and contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Maison de la Monnaie is an impressive historical building reflecting the city's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The golden lion is a symbol of Bayonne's heritage celebrated through various events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The scenic Basque Coastline is perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc National des Pyrénées is accessible for outdoor enthusiasts, about 90 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along the Nive River offer scenic routes for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Rocher de la Vierge in Biarritz offers stunning coastal views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands of the Adour River estuary are perfect for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches in nearby Biarritz allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Chronopost and La Poste offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Fnac provides tech support and repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | La Maison des Langues offers French and Basque language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Médiathèque AndreLabarrere is a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Maison des Associations offers events and activities for local and expat communities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming events frequently occur at La Ludo, a local gaming café. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Biarritz is a popular location for gambling and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €156,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | France has a residence-based taxation system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Rates range from 5% to 7% depending on property type. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | While France does not offer special rates for digital nomads, some fiscal setups may be used depending on residency status. |