Bayonne: Ham Workshop Tour & Tasting at Pierre Ibaialde

Summary

Bayonne’s last ham salting room tour with tasting and local stories

You’ll step into Bayonne’s last working ham salting room, climb up to see hams drying above the busy streets, and watch as centuries-old methods unfold right in front of you. The tour wraps up with a generous tasting of house specialties — rich flavors that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to care so much about a pile of salt and a slab of pork. But the moment we squeezed into Pierre Ibaialde’s workshop in Bayonne, it just hit different — the smell of cured meat (kind of sweet and sharp at once), the cool air upstairs. Our guide — he spoke only French, but honestly, you could feel his pride even if you missed half the words. He tapped a hanging ham with his knuckle and grinned at us like we were in on some secret.

The salting room is up this narrow staircase — no elevator, just creaky steps and a bit of a squeeze if you’re carrying anything. It’s not fancy; there are hooks everywhere and hams hanging like they’re waiting for applause. At one point, he showed us how they rub the salt in by hand (I tried to say “merci” but tripped over my accent — got a friendly laugh for that). The process is slow, patient work. You can hear street sounds from below sometimes, which made me realize how close all this tradition is to daily life here.

We ended up around a little table for the tasting — slices of their house ham, something smoky and soft that kind of melts if you let it linger. There was bread too, nothing complicated but somehow perfect with the ham. I remember thinking how quiet everyone got for a second when we tasted it; even with all the chatter before, there was just this pause. Maybe that’s what makes these Bayonne ham tours stick with me — it’s not polished or touristy at all. Just honest food and people who really care about what they do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit ham workshop and tasting

• Visit salting room
• Explore ham dryer
• Learn ham preparation process
• Taste house's original products

Top questions

Is the Pierre Ibaialde ham workshop tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children can join and infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult's lap.

Is the guided tour available in English?

No, guidance is only provided in French during this tour.

Are there stairs or elevators at the workshop?

The salting room and dryer are on the 2nd floor; access is by staircase only—no elevator available.

Does this Bayonne ham tour include tastings?

Yes, your visit ends with a tasting of original house products made at Pierre Ibaialde.

How long does the guided workshop visit take?

The exact duration isn’t specified but most visits allow time for both touring and tasting.

Can I get to Pierre Ibaialde by public transport?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby in Bayonne.

What’s included

Your visit includes guided access (in French) to Pierre Ibaialde’s working salting room and dryer upstairs in Bayonne plus a tasting session featuring their original house-made products before you head out again.