BAYONNE..France, not New Jersey!

My first day in Bayonne was very, very hectic (8 hours of photography) and I'm still tired from the travel here, so pictures will come later. Just a couple of notes on this very engaging city...with more after a few days here.

I had no real expectations of Bayonne before I arrived, but I'm being surprised over and over by what it has to offer. First, it's a city divided by two rivers so there are many bridges and charming waterfronts. These areas actually remind me of Amsterdam where buildings facing the water are very narrow with only a road in front separating them from the water. Most of the buildings are typically French architecture and there are many winding, narrow streets...fun to stroll...sort of like a mini-Paris without all the hustle and bustle.

The city is on a major campaign to clean up so there are quite a few scaffolds around the more prominent cathedrals and public buildings. There seems to be a program to renovate and restore the buildings from the 17 and 1800's and turn them into unique, modern apartment homes. More on that later too.

So far, I'm finding Bayonne to be a clean, charming and interesting town...and I haven't been to the beach yet!

OK! I decided to sneak a photo in...