During the Middle-Ages, near Piétat, two chapels, on the path of the ridges, part of the Santiago Way, used to receive a large number of pilgrims. One in Narcastet, dedicated to Saint Ambrose, the other in Baliros. Not very far from there and many years later, after a shepherd saw the apparition of the Virgin Mary on these hills, the Catholic church was able to re-establish itself in Bearn, which had become Protestant after The Wars of Religion. Following construction of a first church in the 17th century, Notre Dame de Piétat became a major centre of Marian pilgrimage long before Lourdes.
From the sanctuary’s car park, go towards the cross. Once at the viewpoint indicator, follow the path that goes down to the left. Then cross the road Route de Piétat and go straight up. Do not cross the bridge and take the left-hand track then turn right. Go straight on to the junction and turn left on the track that goes up, then once again to the left. At an old quarry follow the track in the middle. During the climb, you will see a hole that looks like an old lair.
Continue to go up and take a bend to the right on a kind of ridge in the forest and go back down. Once on the road, turn left and go up. At the top of the hill turn left on the path Chemin de la Viossalaise. On a right-hand bend stay on the path on the ridge.
Continue straight ahead. When you reach the crossroads, go on the road D724 towards Notre Dame de Piétat. Then turn left towards the sanctuary.
You can now come back towards the car park and, by walking a little bit further, reach the healing fountain. You are back at the start.
Yellow
Balisage à la peinture jaune
Loop
Cultural
Historical
Religious
Fixed telephone : +33 5 59 13 94 99
Office de tourisme communautaire du Pays de Nay
Web site (URL) : www.tourisme-bearn-paysdenay.com
Office de tourisme communautaire du Pays de Nay
Oui