Maison du Jambon de Bayonne
Exhibition space in Arzacq on the history of Bayonne ham and pig culture in south-west France, with film, audio guide and shop.
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About the museum
The Maison du Jambon de Bayonne opened in January 2001 in Arzacq, in the Adour basin, on the borders of the Landes, Béarn and Gers. It introduces visitors to the know-how, ancient history and culture linked to charcuterie, salted meats and Bayonne ham, which for a long time served as a food reserve before sterilisation techniques and mechanical refrigeration arrived.
The exhibition area offers an immersive and educational route with murals, models, illustrated panels and audiovisual projections. A film shown in the auditorium presents the key stages of making the ham. The origin of the name is also explained: the first hams bore local names, and it was the port of Bayonne that enabled their export and promotion. Legend has it that salt-curing began with a wild boar wounded by Gaston Fébus and found in a salt spring at Salies-de-Béarn.
The visit continues in the shop, which offers Bayonne ham, cured meats, ready-made meals and salt from Salies-de-Béarn. The Maison has two exhibition areas, one devoted to Bayonne ham in Arzacq, the other to the salt of Salies-de-Béarn. Its processing workshop, Pyragena, has been operating since 1998.
Highlights
- Route with murals, models, illustrated panels and projections
- Film on the making of the ham in the auditorium
- Audio guides in French, English and Spanish
- History and culture of the pig in south-west France
- Shop with regional products
Permanent exhibition
- Espace muséographique du jambon de Bayonne – Immersive route with murals, models, panels and projections on the history of Bayonne ham and pig culture in south-west France.
- Operated by
- Maison du Jambon de Bayonne – Pyragena
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4.90 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €3Under 18 |
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 6 · €3 for under-18s; free for children under 7. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €3 per personPrice per person for groups of at least 10 people. Booking recommended from 6 people; a short wait between groups may be necessary. |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility and holds the Tourisme & Handicap label: lift, parking spaces in front of the building and adapted areas.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking spaces in front of the site.
- Accessible parking
Address: 59 route de Samadet, Arzacq.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop with regional products (Bayonne ham, cured meats, ready-made meals, salt from Salies-de-Béarn), with tasting possible.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Audio guide | yes (FR, EN, ES) |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Immersive route with murals, models, illustrated panels and audiovisual projections, complemented by a film in the auditorium. Audio-guided visits in French, English and Spanish. Groups of more than 10 people: please contact the Maison by phone or e-mail. |
