Rich in a variety of carefully maintained flowers, shrubs, trees, and plants, the Bayonne Botanical Garden promises a green oasis in the heart of the city.
Just 20 minutes from our campsite in the Basque Country, come and admire bamboo, Japanese bridges, turtles, and albizias while enjoying a peaceful and rejuvenating moment.
3000 m2 of gardens with Basque and Japanese influences
Located within the ramparts, the Bayonne Botanical Garden is a space ideal for relaxation and strolling. Designed in a style blending Japanese and Basque inspirations, it spans 3000 m² and features elements such as a water feature, walkways, bridges, and a waterfall.
The landscaped terraces provide a unique panoramic view, showcasing the different flowerbeds. At the Bayonne Botanical Garden, blooming begins in spring, with shrubs budding as early as April, and continues throughout the summer with colorful floral compositions. From September, autumn hues appear, bringing warm tones reminiscent of Japanese maples.
A vast array of flowers and plants
As you explore the Bayonne Botanical Garden, you will encounter an impressive botanical diversity, featuring trees and plants from various regions: albizias, agapanthus, cycads, Japanese maples, Mexican sages, and even a small bamboo grove. The aquatic plants, such as papyrus, add a touch of greenery, particularly striking in spring and summer when they bloom.
The Bayonne Botanical Garden is home to nearly a thousand plants, mostly perennials, including some rare species such as vibrant peonies, delicate dodecatheons, and white-flowered pachystegias. Each plant is labeled for easy identification.
Unlike other botanical gardens, this park in the heart of the Basque Country arranges its flowers by color and scent, creating a uniquely sensory experience.
Flora… but also fauna
Since its opening, the Bayonne Botanical Garden has become a sanctuary for turtles, which bask on submerged stones—a delightful sight for both children and adults. In the main pond, large Chinese koi carp, with red, orange, and white scales, share their habitat with Florida turtles. The garden is also home to a diverse fauna: birds, insects, and lizards can be observed throughout the visit.
A park at the heart of Bayonne’s heritage
Located on a bastion of Vauban’s fortifications, the Bayonne Botanical Garden was inaugurated in 1990. It lies between the War Memorial and Bayonne Cathedral. To reach it, visitors must climb a few meters, but the effort is rewarded with a remarkable view of the Cathedral, visible from almost every part of the garden, as well as the historic ramparts of the Basque city.
With its hanging garden appearance, this space offers a pleasant and soothing stroll.
Although modest in size, every corner of this garden is carefully designed, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity.
A garden committed to eco-friendly values
The Bayonne Botanical Garden was created using recycled materials, such as paving stones and rocks, reflecting a commitment to authenticity and sustainability. Certified EVE (Ecological Green Space), it is maintained without pesticides, and watering is managed responsibly.
Honey-producing plants have been introduced to attract pollinating insects, particularly bees. The harmonious combination of vegetation, water, and colors makes it a particularly pleasant place to visit.
Bayonne Botanical Garden: Practical Information
The Bayonne Botanical Garden is open from April 8 to October 1, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Entrance to this Basque Country park, located on Allée de Tarrides (near the city center), is free. It takes 20 minutes to get there from our campsite. A full visit can last between one and two hours, depending on the time spent observing the plants.
Inside the garden, there is also a house featuring a permanent exhibition with informative panels detailing the gardeners' ecological initiatives.
Each year, around late April, a Garden Day is organized, allowing visitors to discover the many plant species on site.