Bayonne Ham Fair

The Ham Fair (Foire au jambon) is the oldest event in Bayonne (Baiona): it dates back to 1462. Originally, livestock farmers and charcutiers (pork butchers) gathered over the Easter weekend to sell their produce. The city has set the dates of the 564th edition: from Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 April 2027. The 2026 edition, the 563rd, took place from 23 to 26 April.

Where it happens

• Esplanade Roland-Barthes: the producers’ big marquee
• Carreau des Halles: the ham omelette contest, on Saturday morning (according to the 2026 programme)
• Quais de la Nive (the Nive quaysides): music and entertainment
• The peñas (festive clubs), all over town

What’s on

• Best farmhouse ham contest, judged by master charcutiers
• Food fair with producers from the region, tastings and sales
• Ham omelette contest between the peñas
• Live music: bagpipes, choirs, bandas (brass bands)

The detailed 2027 programme will be published by the City of Bayonne and the tourist office.

How to recognise genuine Bayonne ham

Bayonne ham (jambon de Bayonne) has been protected by a PGI (protected geographical indication, IGP) since 1998. According to the Bayonne ham consortium (Consortium du jambon de Bayonne):

• it is salted exclusively with spring salt from Salies-de-Béarn;
• it is produced in the Adour basin: the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and neighbouring cantons of the Gers, Hautes-Pyrénées and Landes;
• it is cured for at least 7 months, and in practice for 9 to 12 months on average;
• the lauburu (Basque cross), branded on the rind and printed on the label, guarantees its origin.

Full guide: our Bayonne guide.

Sources

• City of Bayonne (official X account) — dates of the 564th edition, 1–4 April 2027
• Bayonne tourist office — The Ham Fair (Foire au jambon)
• Tourisme 64 — Bayonne Ham Fair 2026
• Bayonne ham consortium (Consortium du jambon de Bayonne)