Bayonne Ham Fair

The Ham Fair: A Tradition Over Five Centuries Old

Since 1462, Bayonne has hosted the Ham Fair in its city center, a gastronomic and festive event celebrating the expertise of Bayonne ham producers and the culinary traditions of the Basque Country and Gascony. With over 200,000 visitors over four days, this fair is one of the most popular events in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.

The Market and Producers

The heart of the fair beats in the Place du Carreau des Halles and along the quays of the Nive, where dozens of local producers and artisans present their hams, cured meats, cheeses, wines, and other regional specialties. Visitors can taste and buy directly from producers in a friendly and authentic atmosphere.

• Producer Stands: Farmhouse Bayonne hams, sausages, pâtés, sheep cheeses, Espelette peppers, and other Basque regional products.
• Culinary Heritage Village: An area dedicated to discovering traditional know-how, with demonstrations of ham salting and aging.
• The Curing Room Pavilion: An educational presentation of Bayonne ham production, from pig selection to aging.

Competitions and Events

The fair offers many highlights throughout the four days:

• Best Farm Ham Competition: A jury of experts tastes and ranks the best hams produced artisanally on regional farms.
• Best Ham Omelette Competition: On Saturday morning, Bayonne peñas (social clubs) compete in this friendly and spectacular contest.
• Ambassador Induction: The Bayonne Ham Brotherhood inducts new ambassadors each year who commit to promoting Bayonne ham worldwide.
• Children's Activities: Games, culinary workshops, and rides for the younger ones make the fair a family event.

Bayonne Ham, An Exceptional Product

Bayonne ham has benefited from a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) since 1998. This dry-cured ham is made from pigs raised in the Southwest of France and aged in the Adour basin. Its delicate flavor and melting texture make it one of the most renowned hams in the world. The fair is the perfect opportunity to discover the different stages of its production and taste exceptional hams.

A Festive and Friendly Event

Beyond gastronomy, the Ham Fair is a truly festive event. Bands liven up the streets, peñas open their doors, and the warm atmosphere in the streets of Bayonne makes these four days a special time for sharing and conviviality. Tasting stands remain open every afternoon, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the atmosphere.