Remparts du Petit Bayonne

The remparts du Petit Bayonne are fortified walls that run along the southeastern side of the city, featuring bastions, watchtowers, and defensive galleries equipped with firing positions. The structure combines these elements into a cohesive defensive system that remains visible today.

The walls were built during the 16th and 17th centuries, incorporating advanced military engineering such as a moat system connected to the Adour River. This construction was designed to protect the city against the warfare techniques of that era.

The ramparts embody French military design through their stone structure and towers that overlook the river and city below. They shape the appearance of Petit Bayonne today, making the old defensive perimeter a visible part of the neighborhood's character.

You can walk the exterior paths around the fortification on most days, with additional sections opening to the public during Heritage Days in September. The late afternoon is often the best time to visit, as the paths are typically less crowded then.

Hidden casemates remain within the bastions, allowing soldiers to monitor both the road and the Adour River at the same time. These underground spaces reveal the sophistication of the fortification's design, which positioned defenders across multiple levels.