Cities of character in the Pyrenees
Discover Béarn and the Basque Country
Visit also these cities of character to the rich heritage of history such as Oloron-Sainte-Marie and its cathedral Sainte-Marie, Pau and its castle, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port strategic crossroads of the ways of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, Navarrenx and its ramparts, Sauveterre-de-Béarn and its medieval city.
- Oloron-Sainte-Marie
- Pau
- Sauveterre-de-Béarn
- Navarrenx
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Castles, churches, cathedrals, bastides, museums, you will be spoilt for choice to discover and visit these cities rich in history close to the camping Barétous.
The most beautiful places to visit
- Oloron-Sainte-Marie: a city rich in history
At the confluence of the Aspe and Ossau gaves, Oloron-Sainte-Marie has 2,000 years of history and a rich heritage from the historic districts of Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Croix and Notre-Dame. There is nothing better than strolling through the streets of the city according to your desires, the places of the city to visit :
- The Saint Mary’s Cathedral listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being one of the most remarkable buildings on the Roads to Santiago de Compostela.
- The Villa of Art and History which shows all the facets of the culture and traditions of Béarn.
See also: The routes of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.
- Pau
Prefecture of the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and capital of Béarn, Pau is turned towards the Pyrenees. Rich of a history and a strong cultural identity. Henri IV who was born in Pau in 1553, was king of France from 1589 to 1610, is the most famous historical figure of Béarn. The castle of Pau was built on a rocky spur facing the Pyrenean chain in the 14th century and it is Gaston III called “Le Phébus” who made it a stronghold. This castle of the Middle Ages is the most visited tourist site of the city. Pedestrian streets, stores, restaurants, visitors can stroll in peace and quiet according to their desires.
- Sauveterre-de-Béarn
Sauveterre-de-Béarn, this charming medieval city with its impressive ramparts overlooking the Gave d’Oloron, will delight you with its softness and its soothing side. Not to be missed: The Legend Bridge, the Monréal Tower, the Arsenal and the Sunarthe Chapel.
- Navarrenx
Bastide of the XIIth century, Navarrenx is one of the ” Most beautiful villages of France ” and the capital of salmon fishing. Nearly 2 kilometers of ramparts fortify the town which seems impregnable !!
On the way to Le Puy, Navarrenx is also a stopover town of the paths of Santiago de Compostela.
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Capital of Lower Navarre in the Basque Country, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port has an old town surrounded by fortifications where it is very pleasant to walk and stroll on its cobblestones. Very frequented by the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela, the city is an unmissable crossroads where several roads converge towards the next stop: the abbey of Roncesvalles. The citadel, the Bishops’ prison, the Saint-Jacques gate and the Chemin de Ronde are the major interests of the city.
On the mountain slopes and planted in terraces, the vignoble d’Irouléguy, the only one in the Basque Country, will offer you rosé and red wines of character.
Take a moment to go and watch a game of Basque pelota at the trinquet or on the pediment of a village.
