Orthez, once the capital of Béarn
Orthez and its history
Orthez, the old capital of Béarn is a small town situated between Pau and Bayonne. It was founded in the middle ages and its streets have echoed to some of the great events of French history.In the very centre of the town, the keep of the Moncade Castle stands witness to Gaston Fébus', the 14th century lord and his ambition to turn Béarn into a Pyrenean State. The keep which is 110 m high is the highest point in town.
Walking down rue Moncade on the Chemin de Compostella pilgrim route, at 14 rue de l'Horloge you'll find the courtyard of the Hôtel de la Lune, a magnificent medieval dwelling from the 15th century.
Keep walking through the Old Town and enter the Jeanne d'Albret Museum to have an understanding of the influence that protestantism had over Béarn. Then follow the road to the Pont Vieux, the old bridge proudly astride the Gave de Pau. Gaston Fébus made this bridge emblematic of his town. His motto: “Touch it if you dare” !
From the Pont Vieux, have a look at the Moutète market which was the very temple of French basketball during the 1980s.
Orthez and its walks
From the château walk through the Moncade vineyards to the lac du Grècq (10 minutes on foot).
Orthez plage
The Orthez-Biron leisure centre offers outdoor and boating activities. A beach in the countryside: freshwater and green banks!Orthez gourmet
On Tuesday mornings wander the market and try some local specialities and when lunchtime comes around eat at a traditional restaurant or one which has a Maître-restaurateur certification.
Orthez for children
The children will discover Orthez while having fun with the child discovery booklet "I discover Orthez, the old town". Inside the booklet, plenty of games for a family discovery of Orthez. The Booklet is free and available at the tourist office.
Download the child discovery booklet "I discover Orthez, the old town"
Follow the guide
Guided tours of the town on July and August, every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.Rendez-vous at the Tourist Office - 1 rue des Jacobins.
Duration 2h
Prices :
Full price : 4 € - Reduced price : 2 € (students, job-seekers)
Aged 12 to 16: 2 € - Under 12 : freeInformation & Inscriptions :
Tourist Office Cœur de Béarn - 05.59.12.30.40
Visites guidées
Orthez, la cité médiévale et le Château Moncade :
Suivez le guide à travers les rues de la ville pour une découverte du cœur historique d'Orthez et du Château Moncade.
Horaires 2023, visites à 10h30 les :
- Lundi 15 et 22 mai
- Lundi 5 et 19 juin
- Lundi 10, 17 et 31 juillet
- Jeudi 3 et 10 août ; Lundi 7, 14, 21 et 28 août
- Lundi 11 et 25 septembre
- Lundi 2 et 9 octobre
Rendez-vous à l'Office de tourisme
Tarifs :
Plein tarif : 6 €
Tarif réduit (étudiant, demandeurs d'emploi) : 5 €
Tarif jeune (6 à 16 ans) : 3€
Forfait famille (2 adultes + 2 jeunes) : 15€
Gratuit - de 6 ans
Réservations obligatoires en ligne ou par téléphone au 05 59 12 30 40