A traditional gourmet market

It couldn’t be otherwise for a city with a gourmet tradition like Bayonne, capital of ham and chocolate: the Halles covered market plays a major role in the city’s commercial activity. More than 20 retailers welcome you every day of the year!

Les Halles de Bayonne, a matter of taste

Les Halles through the ages

Built between 1860 and 1866 on the quays of Nive, Bayonne’s first Halles had 2 pavilions, inspired by the Halles Baltard in Paris. But patatras! Following a snowstorm, the building’s roof collapsed in 1945.

Les Halles was then demolished, and replaced in 1963 by a modern hall that also served as a parking lot. This building, unsightly and unloved by Bayonnais, was in turn demolished, to make way in 1994 for the current Halles, made of iron, brick and glass, inspired by the architecture of the original Halles.

Halles de Bayonne © Mathieu Prat
Primeur at Les Halles de Bayonne © Mathieu Prat

A feast for the senses

As the sliding doors swing open, the scent of fruits and vegetables of every color catches your eye; the mother-of-pearl of hake and chipirons gives you the impression of being on the open sea; but the cheeses and hams remind you that yes, we are on land, in the Basque Country.

We recommend arriving early in the morning to take advantage of the lively Halles. After a café croissant on the Verbena terrace for breakfast, take a stroll through the stalls. Here, every corner tells a story. At the fishmonger’s, a huge bluefin tuna is unloaded from the van, bought that very morning at the Ciboure fish auction. Behind the stall, we pick it up at arm’s length. Right next door, we cut it up.

Les Halles de Bayonne is often a family affair. Valérie and her husband have been working at A’Rico Primeur since September 2019. At the other fruit and vegetable stand at the entrance, Jean took over from his father 8 years ago. The result is a friendly, good-natured village atmosphere.

In all, some twenty food retailers welcome you: butchers, cheesemongers, greengrocers, caterers, fishmongers, bakers, poulterers, wine merchants, café-restaurants… Add to this a delicatessen and a fresh pasta store, and you have an ideal picture for bon vivants and gourmets.

Restaurant ideas around Les Halles de Bayonne

Saturday morning market

There’s a time when activity at Les Halles is at its peak: Saturday morning, market day in Bayonne. Here, some sixty stalls join the sedentary traders. On this day, people don’t just come to the market to buy groceries, but also to socialize, to catch up with friends, to take their time, to sit down and eat a few oysters or have a drink or two.

On certain days, Basque choirs even come and sing inside Les Halles. Join in the fun, with booklets on sale so you too can sing along to the classics of the Basque repertoire!

Saturday morning market at Carreau des Halles © Mathieu Prat

Practical info

Les Halles de Bayonne are open every day:

7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday

7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday

6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday

8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday

The Halles can be reserved for private parties. Contact Olivier Delbos: olivier@visitbayonne.com.

How do I get to Les Halles? Mairie de Bayonne” stop lines T1, T2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 32, 38, 50, 52, 54, 56, N1 and N2. More information on TXIK TXAK.

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