Bonds Adventures: Bayonne

Bayonne is a relatively small town in the southwest of France on the edge of the Pyrenees. It has been conquered and reconquered during several wars that have affected this area over time. Since it has a strong Basque history our exploration included a brief walk about town and a trip to the Basque museum along with some traditional Basque foods, sausages and chocolate

The cathedral of Saint Marie is teh most dominant building in town. We have seen several gothic churches on our trip and this is another. originally built, maybe started is a better phrase, in 12th century with additions in the 16th and finally the last tower added in the 19th. While the building basics survived there were wars beginning with the French Revolution that destroyed various parts of this building.

Interior of Cathedral showing the stained and leaded glass windows that are so high they are nearly impossible to view from the chapel area.

The Nive River divides Bayonne with one side showing english influence on buildings while the other, below

shows the basque influences of exposed structures and plaster.

The Basque museum had a display of a local artist's work including these wire sculptures which when viewed as sculpture did not reveal their design until placed in a light so their shadows formed the art. the slight breeze would turn them to reveal the outlines.

A basque hay wagon being admired by Linda.

This photo shows the tough life of the basque area. Plowing by cattle with a wood plow would make for a tiring day.

While not noted as wine makers, the basque did produce some using presses like this.

Along with other animals the basque kept bees for pollination and honey in these woven bee hives. Harvesting the honey looked like it could be difficult as there was no visible access except through he bottom.

Bees wax was used for candles and this coiled candle was from a church.

The Jews fled from Spain during the inquisition and settled among the basque in the Bayonne area. They discovered the secret to making the sweet chocolate we know today. This grinding board was used to crush the beans into usable powder that could be heated and blended into a confection.

Carvings on bins, chests, tables and such would identify the family

I am not sure they had entertainment centers but this seating, with folding table, would certainly find a use in today's TV rooms. OKAY, a bit uncomfortable but it does provide a place for snacks and drinks.