The chapel of Caubin in Arthez-de-Béarn

You'll love ! 

• the effigy
• the view of the Pyrénées
• the simplicity of the architecture 

Arthez-de-Béarn is an ancient fortified village perched above the plain of the Gave de Pau. It was one of the key parts of the defensive system set up by Gaston Fébus. The Pilgrim route from Le-Puy-en-Velay traverses the village and it is still an important staging post on the route to Compostella.

Just as you leave the village, take a detour to the chapel of Caubin, classified as a Historical Monument. This old Order of the Knights of Malta commanderie dates from the 12th century. It was built by order of Gaston IV le Croisé.

This small chapel is exceptional for its Romanesque architecture having a roof which is almost entirely flat (somewhat rare in Béarn) having a simple layout with a single nave a sculpted entrance and a bell wall.

Inside in a Gothic crypt is the effigy of a knight of the 14th century.  This knight has been finely sculpted and is covered in chainmail with a sword at his side.