Welcome to Béarn, a region in the south-west of France that harmoniously combines history, nature and gastronomy. In the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, this land full of legends and traditions offers an adventure rich in discoveries and pleasures. Embark with us on an in-depth exploration of Béarn, where every aspect of this captivating region invites discovery.
History and Heritage
Béarn, with its royal past, is proud to be the birthplace of King Henry IV. The castle of Pau, where the future king was born in 1553, rises majestically above the city, offering an immersion in history. The Romanesque churches, ancient bastides and cobbled streets of medieval villages like Sauveterre-de-Béarn transport visitors to another era, revealing the authentic soul of Béarn.
The Pyrenees offer nature lovers an infinite playground. Hiking trails criss-cross lush valleys, revealing breathtaking panoramas. The Cirque de Gavarnie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural wonder with its majestic waterfalls and impressive rock faces. Winter sports enthusiasts will also find something to do in the ski resorts of the Pyrenees.
gourmet gastronomy
Béarnaise cuisine is a celebration of local flavours. Start your culinary adventure with the famous Bayonne Ham, followed by a tasting of the Ossau-Iraty cheese, produced in the nearby mountains. Immerse yourself in traditional dishes such as Garbure, a hearty soup, or Poule au Pot, a classic revisited by Henri IV himself. To top it off, a portion of Walnut Pie, a delicious sweet specialty.
The Béarn hills are also home to famous vineyards, especially in the Jurançon. Wine lovers can discover the vineyards, meet passionate winemakers and taste famous sweet white wines. Local grape varieties, such as Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng, give Jurançon wines their distinctive character.
festivals and traditions
Béarn is full of festivals and traditions. Attend the Salt Festival in Salies-de-Béarn, a unique celebration where the streets are covered with salt, symbol of the rich history of the city. The Landes races, a mixture of bravery and bullfighting tradition, captivate spectators. The village festivals, with their folk dances and fireworks, offer a total immersion in the joy of living in Béarn.
The art of living in Béarn manifests itself in its lively markets, its guinguettes and the warmth of its inhabitants. Colourful markets like Orthez are full of local produce, fragrant cheeses, juicy fruit and tasty cold cuts. The cafés of the Place Royale de Pau invite you to a relaxing break, where time seems to stop.Le Béarn is easily accessible from Pau, the main city of the region, with well-developed road and rail links. Pau-Pirineos airport also facilitates access to this enchanted land.
An unforgettable Béarnaise adventure
Whether you are a lover of history, hiking, gastronomy or simply looking for an authentic lifestyle, Béarn offers an unforgettable experience. Soak up the local culture, savour the gastronomic delights and let yourself be seduced by the timeless beauty of this region in the south-west of France.
