Bayonne

13th-century Gothic cathedral listed UNESCO World Heritage in 1998 as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. Leashed dogs are welcome on the parvis and inside the 14th-century cloister, but the cathedral nave excludes pets like every French place of worship.

A 2.5 km loop along the top of the fortifications built by Vauban between 1680 and 1685, crossing four historic gates (Espagne, Monnaie, Citadelle, Marine). Free grassy promenade open 24h, ideal for leashed dogs at sunrise and sunset.

Covered gastronomic market on the Nive quay, the heart of jambon de Bayonne IGP, Espelette pepper, Pyrenees cheeses and Cazenave chocolate. Dogs are not allowed inside the hall for food-hygiene reasons, but the cafés on the surrounding quay welcome them on the terrace.

The most Basque and most festive quarter of Bayonne, between the Nive and the Adour, with half-timbered houses in red and green shutters, pintxo bars and pedestrian quays. The riverside terraces are dog-friendly by default and you hear as much Basque as French in the evenings.

Bayonne's largest public park (8 ha), east of the Vieux Bayonne, with century-old plane trees, lawns, a fitness trail and a small stream. Leashed dogs welcome year-round on the paths and lawns.

Protected riverside wetland along the Nive south-east of the centre, with boardwalks, water meadows and reedbeds. Leashed dogs welcome on the paths, the Maison des Barthes interpretation centre at the entrance excludes pets.