The covered market halls of Bayonne are the best place to encounter the full range of Basque and Gascon produce. Bayonne ham takes centre stage — whole legs hang from the rafters of several stalls, and you can buy slices cut to order. Alongside the ham you will find Ossau-Iraty sheep's cheese from the Pyrenees, local vegetables, fresh fish from the Atlantic coast, and excellent charcuterie.
The market is busiest on Saturday mornings, when producers come in from the surrounding villages and the atmosphere is genuinely convivial. The market also sells flowers, plants, and prepared foods. It is at its most colourful in summer when the full range of seasonal produce is on display. Even if you are not buying, it is well worth walking through to see what people eat in this part of France.