Bayonne, France 🇫🇷
#344
43.494514, -1.473665
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bayonne is a historic city located in the southwestern region of France, known for its rich Basque culture and gastronomy. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30-50 Mbps in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR = 1.05 USD, local banks include BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of good quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common options include Revolut and N26, as well as traditional banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and extended stay hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular for short temp rentals, often starting around €50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Maison is a budget option with rates around €25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Fabric is a popular coworking space located near the city center, offering flexible desks and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Koala Cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out events on Meetup for tech and creative industry gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Expats in Bayonne Facebook Group for community meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use Uber and Bolt for convenient transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Vélocean offers bike rentals across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Biarritz Beach, about 8 km from Bayonne. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Hop! Air France operates regional flights from Biarritz Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Vueling have flights to major European cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A63 and A64 offer direct access to Spain and other French cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare de Bayonne is the central train station connecting to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes are available for the local bus network. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | The train connects Bayonne to nearby towns like Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Bayonne, a regional healthcare provider. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Om Yoga offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit and Fitness Park are two prominent gym chains in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Automatique near the city center provides convenient self-service laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Deliveroo are popular food delivery options in Bayonne. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Basque dish 'Piperade', a specialty of the region. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Vida Vegan offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pâtisserie Puyodebat is well-known for its traditional Basque pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Les Halles de Bayonne is a vibrant food market with budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.fr and Cdiscount are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Intermarché and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town is filled with bars and pubs for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Lune crafts local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Bar à Vin offers a selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Taste local favorites at food stalls during the Bayonne Festival. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Gastronomic restaurants like Le Goxoa feature international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Bayonne Cathedral and the historic ramparts. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musee Basque showcases the region's cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Citadel of Bayonne offers insight into the city's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral Sainte-Marie is an iconic religious landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Fêtes de Bayonne in late July is a must-attend festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Petit Bayonne area is known for its artistic vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Théâtre de Bayonne hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly market at Place des Basques is vibrant and full of local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bayonne has a thriving music scene, particularly during festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look out for murals in the Saint-Esprit neighborhood. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn Basque cuisine at Le Petit Chef Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Nux showcases contemporary Basque artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the Grande Salle's unique architecture in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bayonne is known for its chocolate history and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Landes forest offers hiking and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pyrenees National Park is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The River Nive path is perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy the view from the Fort of Socoa overlooking the bay. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular in the nearby marshlands. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several designated areas in nearby parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Chronopost and La Poste offer reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Geek Squad Bayonne for electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have outdoor table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language exchange meetups are common; check the local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Médiathèque de Bayonne offers quiet study spaces and a large selection of books. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Maison des Associations organizes local events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Esports Lounge Bayonne holds gaming events and functions. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Bayonne provides entertainment and gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €138,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €216,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €176,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7.5% standard rate for property purchases. |