Libertitu Bayonne: France's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Libertitu Bayonne: Is This French Gem REALLY Hidden? My Messy, Wonderful, and Totally Unfiltered Take.
Okay, so Libertitu Bayonne. The name practically whispers "secret paradise," right? Well, after a whirlwind week there, I'm here to tell you…it’s complicated. It's beautiful, yes. Charming, absolutely. But "hidden"? Let's just say the Instagram algos have probably already sniffed this one out. 😉
But before you roll your eyes, let me tell you, Bayonne is worth the hype. And Libertitu? It's…a mixed bag. I’m going to be brutally honest, because that's how I roll. Buckle up, buttercups, because here’s my utterly unvarnished review, complete with the good, the bad, and the slightly-off-putting:
Accessibility (Because We Have To Talk About It, Don't We?)
This is a big one for me, as a perpetually clumsy person who sometimes wishes she did have a wheelchair. Libertitu's website says it's accessible. And…well, it mostly is. There's an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. But maneuvering some of the hallways with luggage? A bit tight. And forget about the cobbled streets of Bayonne itself – beautiful, but not exactly wheelchair-friendly. So, it’s trying, but not perfect. I'd give it a hesitant "B-" for accessibility.
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Food, Glorious Food… Mostly.
Alright, let's get to the good stuff: the food! Libertitu's got a decent spread.
- Restaurants: There are several. One with an A la carte in restaurant menu that's drool-worthy. Another does a buffet. Now, I'm not a buffet girl, however, the breakfast buffet here was surprisingly good (more on that later). The Vegetarian restaurant selection wasn't extensive, but what was there was delicious. Plus, they have a Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Bar: The bar – oh, the bar! That's where the magic happens. The Poolside bar is a dream, especially with a glass of local wine at sunset. The Happy hour is a MUST.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: Honestly, the coffee was kinda…meh. But the selection of teas? Outstanding. They even had Earl Grey with bergamot! I love that!
- Desserts in restaurant : The pastries and desserts… Oh, the desserts! I probably gained five pounds just looking at them. Totally worth it.
- Snack bar: Great for a quick bite, but don't expect gourmet.
The Breakfast Buffet Saga (Because It Deserves Its Own Section)
Okay, so the buffet. I went in skeptical. I hate buffets. They're usually sad piles of lukewarm mediocrity. But this one… My god, this one was different. The pastries were fresh, the croissants flaky and buttery perfection. They had a whole station dedicated to local cheeses (yes, please!). And the… the crepes. Oh, the crepes! I had one every day. I even tried, on a whim, to make my own crepe (unsuccessfully, but I tried!). The staff were lovely, patient and helpful. Breakfast at Libertitu? Actually a highlight. That's not something I ever thought I'd say about a buffet!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A More Detailed Dive
- Asian breakfast: They offer an Asian breakfast, which I didn't try. Shame on me!
- Breakfast service The breakfast service was efficient and friendly; and they were open later in the morning, which I loved.
- Bottle of water: Available, but not always free in the rooms. Grrr!
- Room service [24-hour]: Crucial! Especially after a long day of exploring. The menu was slightly limited, but hey, sometimes you just need a burger at 2 AM!
- Salad in restaurant/Soup in restaurant: Available; good for a lighter meal.
- International cuisine in restaurant/Asian cuisine in restaurant: Wide selection, with good options.
Wellness & Relaxation (The Spa, The Pool, and My Inability to Relax)
This is where Libertitu really shines.
- Spa/sauna/steamroom: Luxurious. Absolutely worth it. The Sauna and Steamroom are top-notch and they are very clean.
- Body scrub/Body wrap/Massage: So relaxing, so decadent. I opted for the deep tissue massage and nearly melted into the table. Seriously, I think I drooled. No regrets.
- Pool with view/Swimming pool/Swimming pool [outdoor]: Stunning. The outdoor pool is crystal clear and the Pool with view is something that can't be beat. Lounging by the pool was pure bliss.
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Adequate, but not amazing. I’m not a gym rat, so I didn't spend a lot of time there.
Now, a quick tangent: My Failed Relaxation Attempt
I tried to be a relaxed, spa-going, zen-like traveler. I booked a massage, went to the sauna, and even tried to meditate by the pool. But… I'm a terrible meditator. My mind just kept wandering. To my overflowing email inbox. To the price of the ridiculously overpriced handbag I saw in a shop. To whether I remembered to turn the oven off. So, I ended up just looking relaxed, while internally I was a stressed-out mess. The spa experience was still fantastic, though. A perfect way to unwind after a day of trying to find the perfect croissant.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because We’re All Still a Little Paranoid, Aren't We?)
Libertitu takes cleanliness seriously, which is super comforting.
- Anti-viral cleaning products/Hygiene certification/Professional-grade sanitizing services/Rooms sanitized between stays/Daily disinfection in common areas: Check, check, check, and check. They really do go above and beyond.
- Hand sanitizer/Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice touch for those who prefer a more eco-friendly approach.
- First aid kit: Present and accounted for.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: You could tell.
- Safe dining setup: They take safety seriously; good job.
More on Safety…
I appreciated the extra steps taken for COVID-19 safety. I felt very safe. They're taking their commitment to cleanliness and hygiene seriously.
Internet & Tech (For the Digital Nomads Among Us)
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yep, and it works!
- Internet: Good, but sometimes spotty in my room.
- Internet [LAN]: Available if you're old school (like me!).
- Internet access – wireless: You'll have no trouble finding a signal.
- Laptop workspace: Good for the digital worker
Staff & Service (With a Side of French Charm)
The staff were generally lovely. Helpful, friendly, and mostly fluent in English (thank god, because my French is…a work in progress). There was a minor hiccup with a lost reservation initially, but they fixed it quickly and with genuine apologies. They also went above and beyond when I was dealing with a tricky issue and helped me arrange a taxi a few times.
Services & Conveniences (The Little Extras That Sweeten the Deal)
- Concierge: Extremely helpful. Can arrange anything.
- Laundry service: Nice to have.
- Dry cleaning: Also available.
- Currency exchange: Super convenient.
- Cash withdrawal: ATM on sight.
- Elevator: Essential
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Food delivery: Yay!
- Doorman: There to assist.
- Luggage storage: Useful.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Available if you are doing business.
- Ironing service: Handy.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking is convenient.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always use them!
For the Kids (Because Families Matter)
- Babysitting service/Family/child friendly/Kids meal: Available
- Kids facilities: available but I have no information as I am not a parent.
Rooms (My Room – a Love/Hate Relationship)
- Non-smoking rooms: Yay!
- Air conditioning: Essential in summer.
- Bathroom phone: For emergencies…or gossiping with the front desk.
- Bathrobes/Slippers: Yes, please!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for a caffeine addict.
- Free bottled water: But not always replenished, which is annoying.
- Hair dryer: Always a must.
- High floor Good views
- In-room safe box: Always use it (again) *
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is the "I-almost-missed-my-plane-because-I-was-too-busy-sniffing-baguettes" Bayonne adventure, brought to you raw and unfiltered. Expect chaos, delicious food, and a healthy dose of me complaining about things. Let's GO!
Libertitu Bayonne: A Hot Mess Express Itinerary (Expect Delays & Delicious Disasters)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Gratification (aka Cheese & Regret)
- Morning (aka "The Pre-Panic"): LANDING! Finally. After a flight delay that felt like an eternity, and a desperate scramble to repack my suitcase due to an airport weight limit Nazi, I'm technically in Bayonne. The airport is tiny, which is nice, but I'm already regretting that extra bottle of perfume I shoved in there. Taxi to my Airbnb. I've booked a charming little apartment in the Vieux Bayonne, right on the river. Fingers crossed it's not infested with spiders the size of small dogs. (I'm still traumatized from that one Airbnb in Italy…)
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (aka "Cheese, Glorious Cheese"): Okay, the apartment is…compact. But the view is STUNNING. And thank GOD, no giant spiders. I drop my bags, and the immediate, urgent need for sustenance hits. I'm talking primal hunger. The first order of business: Cheese. And good cheese. I stumble out, map in hand (thankful for Google Maps, because my sense of direction is a joke), and head straight for "Chez Martin" – a cheese shop that's been recommended a million times. I spend a solid hour just… existing in a cheese-filled nirvana. The smell alone is enough to make me weep with joy. I buy, like, seven different kinds. Also, a baguette. This is the most important food group when traveling.
- Afternoon (aka "The Nap That Never Happened"): Okay, cheese-baguette-induced bliss calls for a nap, right? Wrong. Jet lag has other plans. I manage to lie down for about 15 minutes before my brain decides it’s party time. I give up and wander the streets. Get lost. Find a tiny little side street, the kind that's probably been there since the Romans. The colors of the buildings are insane. Pink, yellow, blue…it's like walking through a particularly delicious box of macarons.
- Evening (aka "Tapas & Terrible French"): I've heard Bayonne's tapas scene is a must-do. So, I, armed with my terrible French (more like, “a sprinkle of bonjour and a whole lot of pointing”), head to a tapas bar called “Chez Xabi”. It’s packed. Good sign! I order a glass of local wine and some “pintxos” which are like tiny, delicious Basque appetizers. I’m pretty sure I butchered the pronunciation of “merci,” but the waiter just smiled. Maybe he’s used to tourists making fools of themselves. The food is incredible. Absolutely incredible. I eat way too much. I stumble back to my apartment, feeling happy, full, and slightly tipsy. The perfect arrival.
- Night (aka "Regretting the Extra Cheese"): Yep. The cheese. It's caught up with me. I spend the next few hours regretting my life choices and possibly plotting revenge on the cheese shop owner. Okay, that's a lie. I just end up watching French TV and trying (and failing) to understand a single word.
Day 2: The Chocolate Pilgrimage & the Perils of a Rainy Day
- Morning (aka "Chocolate Nirvana"): Bayonne is renowned for its chocolate. And I, a chocolate enthusiast, am thrilled. The first stop is the Musée du Chocolat. It’s not the biggest museum in the world, but it's full of chocolate, the history of chocolate, and the opportunity to sample chocolate. I spend a good hour and a half there, probably annoying the staff with my incessant questions. The museum gift shop…well, let’s just say my credit card wept.
- Mid-Morning/Afternoon (aka "Rain, Rain, Go Away"): It starts RAINING. Proper, solid, relentless rain. My meticulously planned walking tour goes straight out the window. I retreat to a café, order a coffee, and watch the world go by. The coffee is strong, the rain is persistent, and I start feeling a little bit…blah. I try to embrace the "cozy café" experience, but I end up just feeling damp and slightly grumpy. I try to write in my travel journal, but my pen keeps smudging the wet paper. Frustrating!
- Afternoon (aka "Trying to be Cultured"): I force myself out to find a museum. I stumble upon the Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne. It's interesting, I guess. But the rain is still dampening my spirit, and I find myself wandering around feeling a bit…bored. After a while I just get up and leave. Don't get me wrong though, it's a beautiful piece of the city's history.
- Evening (aka "Finding the Fun"): I decide to say “screw it” to the rain and try to find some joy. I go back to Vieux Bayonne and end up in a busy bar called the "Bistrot Basque". The atmosphere is electric. The locals are lively. The food is amazing. It's a complete contrast to the gray day. I have the "axoa", a delicious Basque stew, and wash it down with a bottle of local cider. I stumble back to my apartment, happy and slightly slurred-of-speech, and ready for bed.
Day 3: The Citadel, The Market & Departure (aka "Trying to Pack All the Cheese"):
- Morning (aka "Citadel & Climb"): I woke up with the sun shining and the rain gone. Hooray! I hit up the Citadel, a historical military structure that offers stunning views of the city. The climb is steep (I am definitely not in peak physical condition), but the view is worth it. I stand there for a while, just taking it all in and breathing deeply. I feel this amazing sense of accomplishment.
- Mid-Morning (aka "Market Mania"): The Bayonne market! I've already heard it's a must-do. It's a sensory overload of colours, smells, and sounds. I wander through the stalls, buying more cheese (because, duh), local sausage, and some ridiculously beautiful fruit. I probably look like a crazy person, but I don't even care at this point.
- Lunch (aka "Last-Minute Feast"): I grab lunch at a little bistro in the market. And have the "moules frites" (mussels and fries) and it’s DIVINE. The food is incredible and the people are kind.
- Afternoon (aka "Packing Panic & Goodbye Hugs"): Ugh, departure day. Time to pack. I look at my suitcase, overflowing with cheese, chocolate, and various souvenirs, and I begin to panic. I attempt to repack, and it’s an utter disaster. I throw out a few things that I didn't need and desperately try to make everything fit. I manage to get everything closed, but my suitcase now looks like it's about to explode. I take one last look at my apartment, take a deep breath, and head for the airport.
- Evening (aka "The Journey Home"): I’m sitting on the plane, exhausted, slightly delirious, and already planning my return trip. Bayonne, you beautiful, chaotic mess. Until next time!
Quirks & Observations:
- The French are surprisingly friendly, even when I mangle their language beyond recognition.
- Bayonne smells AMAZING. Like, a constant mix of chocolate and freshly baked bread.
- I swear, everyone in this city is stylish. Even the old men in berets.
- I spent a ridiculous amount of money on cheese. Zero regrets.
- I need to learn at least some French before I come back. Maybe a refresher course is in order.
- I wish I had more time. So much more time.
Emotional Reactions:
- Pure Joy: The cheese shops. The chocolate museum. The friendly faces. The feeling of being completely lost in a new place.
- Mild Frustration: The rain. My terrible French.
- Contentment: Sitting in a sunny cafe, sipping coffee, and watching the world go by.
- Regret: Not buying more cheese.
So there you have it. My messy, honest, and utterly human Bayonne adventure. It wasn't perfect. It was a bit chaotic. But it was, without a doubt, utterly wonderful.
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Libertitu Bayonne: France's Hidden Gem - Your Burning Questions Answered (and Then Some!)
Okay, okay, Bayonne… why should I even care? Sounds… French.
What's the food *actually* like? I'm a picky eater.
Tell me about the Fêtes de Bayonne! Is it worth the madness?
Okay, but what if I DON'T want to be elbow-to-elbow with thousands of people? Any other good times?
Where should I stay? I don’t want a generic chain hotel.
Transportation? Do I need a car?
Is it safe? I can be a bit of a worrier.
What about the language barrier? I barely speak French!
