Synagogue of Bayonne, Jewish temple in Saint Esprit district, Bayonne, France

The Synagogue of Bayonne stands at 35 rue Maubec in the Saint-Esprit district, built in 1836–1837 in a neoclassical style with a basilica plan. Its light stone facade has three tall grille openings below three round windows in square frames, and a shallow gray pyramid roof. A dark iron scrollwork gate fronts the passage.

The present synagogue was built in 1836-1837 at 35 rue Maubec, replacing a 17th-century building demolished during the French Revolution. The community itself formed after the 1492 expulsion from Spain and the 1496 expulsion from Portugal, when New Christians settled in Saint-Esprit-lès-Bayonne. Louis XVI's edict of 7 November 1787 granted them citizenship, and the building was listed as a monument historique in 1995 and classified in 2012.

The community follows the Portuguese rite, and its liturgical chants were still regularly performed here over 80 years ago, as recorded on a disc of Bordeaux synagogue music. The congregation is led by a treasurer (gabay) and three syndics (parnassim), a system codified in regulations of 31 December 1752.

The building hosts religious services on Saturday mornings and special ceremonies during Jewish holidays throughout the year. Check ahead about visiting hours, as access may vary depending on scheduled events and worship times.

Members of the Jewish community contributed to Bayonne becoming a chocolate production center through their early trade connections. This link between the congregation and the city's sweet trade history remains part of the local story.