A boat on the roof?
You'll love !
- The son et lumière show
- The enthousiasm of our guides
Whilst Béarn has a number of Romanesque buildings, Monein has the largest gothic church in Béarn, the church of Saint-Girons. The height of its clock town is impressive and its isometric double shelled upturned boat timber roof is unique. It has other peculiarities: just like its roof, it is asymmetrical with a principal nave and one single side chapel; it has no transept.
It took three generations of builders to complete between 1464 and 1530.
They say that the cagots made a strong contribution to building this roof. These cagots were excluded from society living in their own community away from the village. It is supposed that most of them were carpenters.
The guided tour presents the architecture of this church and the history of the village. We can then climb the 72 steps of the clock tower to view the roof in son et lumière.
Child discovery booklet "I discover the St Girons Church"
The children will discover the St Girons church while having fun. Inside the booklet, plenty of games for a family discovery of the largest gothic church in Béarn. The Booklet is free and available at the tourist office, in front of the church.
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Narthex of the church St Girons in Monein -
Charpente unique en France ayant la forme d'une double coque de navire renversé. -
Architectural detail of the church of St Girons in Monein -
The timber roof of the church of St Girons in Monein
Opening Hours:
From 20 April to 4 July and from 7 September to 31 October:Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 4 pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 pm and 5 pm. Except for public holidays: 1, 8, 29 May and 9 June.
From 6 July to 6 September:Every day at 11 am, 3 pm and 5 pm on Sundays and public holidays at 3 pm and 5 pm.
From 2 November to 18 April:Wednesdays and Saturdays at 4 pm Except for public holidays.
Places on the tour are limited to 19 per visit. We advise you to arrive 15 minutes in advance to collect your tickets. You have to book by phone or online.We also advise you to contact us by telephone on the same morning as your visit as some visits are cancelled or rescheduled where there is a religious service taking place (marriage, funeral etc) or other events.
Group visits throughout the year by reservation. Total length of the visit 1h15.Prices:
- Adults: 6 €
- Under 16: 3€
- Reduced rate: 5€
- Children under 12: free
Contact :
Office de tourisme Cœur de Béarn
58 rue du Commerce - 64360 Monein
Tel : 05 59 12 30 40
