The city of Bayonne, in the Basque Country region of southwest France

 “Seek and see beauty in the watery world.” -- Fennel Hudson

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(in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France) As the capital of the French Basque Country, Bayonne is found at the confluence of the Nive with the Adour River, five miles (8 km) from its mouth. The city well represents the region’s cross-cultural charms. Spread along the banks of the Rivers Adour and Nive, the waterside city of Bayonne is one of the prettiest in this part of France. It's been a strategic stronghold since medieval times, and the old ramparts are still visible around the outskirts of the Old Town, but it's Bayonne's pretty half-timbered buildings, riverside restaurants and shady cobbled streets that make it worthy of exploration. A jumble of narrow townhouses adorned with colorful shutters line the riversides, while the Old Town is dotted with terrace cafés, street markets, and chocolatiers. With its Gothic-style cathedral and medieval streets, Bayonne has a distinctive Gascon air, but you instantly notice an extra dimension: the dual language signs in French and Euskara, ancient language of the Basque provinces; the red and white flags and bunting that personify all things Basque; and the prominence of the Basque country’s favorite sport, pelota.