Bayonne Municipal Elections 2026: Airbnb Impact

March 15 & 22, 2026 · Current mayor: Jean-René Etchegaray (MoDem) — not running again

120

days max/year

120j

current cap

Non

Quotas

Non

Rent control

Jean-René Etchegaray (MoDem) is not running again in Bayonne. Succession is open in this Basque city remaining at 120 days despite growing tourist pressure.

Candidates and Airbnb positions

Guillaume Barucq

MoDem

40%

poll

Deputy to outgoing mayor, Etchegaray's successor. Centrist continuity.

Airbnb / housing position

Maintains 120 days following Etchegaray. Balanced approach between Basque tourism and resident protection.

Peio Dufau

EH Bai (gauche basque)

35%

poll

Community councilor, Basque left figure. Regionalist challenger.

Airbnb / housing position

Reduction to 90 days to protect Basque identity and residents. Wants to limit short-term rentals in center.

Current regulation

120 jours

Limit

Non

Rent control

Obligatoire

Declaration

Non

Compensation zone

Bayonne applies the national 120-day limit. Declaration mandatory. Moderate but growing pressure with Biarritz proximity.

See full regulation guide for Bayonne →

What could change

Possible 90-day reduction

Possible

Basque left victory could lead to 90-day reduction to protect Basque identity and permanent residents.

Key campaign issues

Basque identity and tourist pressure

Bayonne faces Basque tourism pressure and Biarritz proximity. Preserving Basque identity is electoral issue.

Sources

Sud Ouest — Bayonne 2026 →

Last updated: February 2026. Check sources for the most recent information.

FAQ

Will Bayonne change course on Airbnb?

Possible. Etchegaray's succession opens door to tightening, especially if Basque left wins.

Does Biarritz proximity influence Bayonne?

Yes. Bayonne experiences overflow tourist pressure from Biarritz, but to lesser extent.

Anticipate changes in Bayonne

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