Beautiful little villages

History around the corner.

Between Orthez and Monein, most of the villages have vestiges (some of which are extremely well preserved), whether traditional or religious: churches, bastides, castles, pebble walls, Picon tile roofs, washhouses...

Near Orthez

Bellocq is the oldest fortified town in Béarn (13th century) and has all the characteristics of a fortified town: narrow, straight streets and a church with a remarkable portal. The highlight of Bellocq is its castle, built between 1250 and 1280 by Gaston VII, Viscount of Béarn, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river Gave. Gaston Fébus had the castle reinforced in 1370. With its square bell tower, the fortified church dates from the 13th century. The main doorway is adorned with sculptures, one of which depicts ‘the pilgrim with a beret’ holding a long staff in his right hand, evoking the journey to Santiago de Compostela, whose route passed through Bellocq in the Middle Ages.

Opening hours 2024:
July, August and September: Self-guided tours every Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm and guided tours at 3.30pm and 4.30pm.
Groups welcome all year round by prior arrangement.
Information: 06 85 44 75 45 - Free admissionrticipation.

The village of Bonnut has both a Béarn and Chalossais character, notably through the use of the ‘alios’ material also used in the construction of the church of Sainte-Marie de Castagnède, which dates from before the 12th century. Arthez-de-Béarn is an important stage on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, on the way to Le Puy-en-Velay. It is home to the Chapelle de Caubin, the last vestige of a commandery founded in 1154.

Near Monein

Sauvelade is a former abbey whose church still stands. Its slate roof dominates the bell tower. The bastide town of Vielleségure has a rectangular layout centred around a large square square where you can still take a stroll.

Lahourcade means oak forest. The church of Saint-Agathe is built of pebbles, a traditional material used in Béarn.

Lucq-de-Béarn is a village of beautiful, typically Béarn houses. The Romanesque-Gothic church of St Vincent houses an early Christian sarcophagus used as an altar.

The Commanderie de Lacommande is one of the very few examples of commanderies still standing, with its church of Saint-Blaise and its former hospital, both listed as Historic Monuments.

Soak up history, from steeple to steeple.